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Chemical Peels: Choosing the Right Procedure to Rejuvenate Your Skin

Chemical peels are a type of cosmetic enhancement that helps both men and women recover their youthful, vibrant skin tones. Those who wish to reduce or eliminate the effects of aging and sun damage tend to turn toward chemical treatment. Individuals who suffer from pre-cancerous lesions and acne or scarring are also excellent candidates for chemical peels. Acid formulations are less frequently applied to other parts of the body, including arms, hands, chest and legs.

How Chemical Peels Work
The skin is comprised of many layers, each of which is subject to a number of damaging factors. Controlled chemical formulations can remove one or more of these decaying and abused layers to reach smoother, more radiant skin below the surface. As the skin heals from the chemical treatment, it stimulates cell growth, improves circulation and increases collagen production, delivering healthier appearing features.

While chemical peels produce a younger, glowing skin, they do not prevent additional wrinkling and blemish formation, nor eliminate sags and pouches. However, peels can create significant improvements following facelift procedures.

Chemical peels are easy to "spot" apply, meaning they can be applied to localized areas without affecting, healthy surrounding tissue.

Types of Chemical Peels
When getting a chemical peel, you choose between mild, medium and deep peels, depending on the level of damage you are looking to correct and your skin type.

Mild glycolic peels, known as AHAs, contain alphahydroxy acids. Betahydroxy, or salicylic acid (BHA), chemical peels are also popular. Adjustable formulations reduce fine lines, smooth dry skin and aid in acne control. Keep in mind that these mild peels are only a temporary solution. As a result, periodic re-treatment is generally required.

If you are wary about the chemical aspect of these peels, "green" peels are natural treatments comprised of fruit acids. They are very popular for attacking and breaking down surface skin layers.

Medium solutions (TCAs) are comprised of trichloroacetic acid. TCA peels are a common solution for surface blemishes, wrinkles and uneven coloration. Two or more applications are typically required for satisfactory results. Because the acid itself acts as a numbing agent, this type of chemical peel isn't painful.

Deep phenol peels involve the use of carbolic acid. These reduce the presence of heavier lines on the face, remove pre-cancerous growths and correct uneven tones caused by birth control pills. Keep in mind that these are the harshest type of peel.

Consequently, as skin heals after being treated with deep phenol peels, it can lose pigmentation and may become chalky in appearance. Fair skin types will benefit most and derive the greatest satisfaction from a deep peel, as a loss in pigmentation won't be as noticeable.

What to Expect During Chemical Peels
Before the chemical peel appointment, some doctors will prescribe pretreatment. These include microdermabrasion or a course of a daily application, usually Retin-A.

At the practitioner's office or outpatient unit, the skin receives a thorough cleansing. Petroleum jelly will cover the nostril area and lips for protection. While lighter chemical treatments last anywhere from two to fifteen minutes, deeper peels can require sixty minutes or longer.

After the chemical has been on the skin for a certain amount of time, the practitioner applies a neutralizer to halt the acidic action, followed by other ointments or moisturizer, depending on the individual treatment you require.

During the process, some individuals report a temporary stinging sensation. Although AHA, TCA and phenol applications don't require anesthesia, a sedative may be helpful.

Results will vary with each patient. As tender new skin develops, avoid sun. In the case of phenol peels, the use of sunscreen is a permanent requirement. While patients treated with milder peels recover fairly quickly, the aftereffects of a phenol peel may involve many months of healing. Expect scabbing, stinging and tenderness during this time.

Even in mild applications, recurring redness and flakiness are present for several days or weeks. Deeper peels produce swelling can cause eyelid sensitivity, causing partial closure for several days. The extensive recuperation process will possibly include development of thickened skin with multiple bouts of peeling and scabbing.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Chemical Peels
Common risks for any chemical peel include infection and residual scarring. In some cases, skin may darken, a condition known as hyperpigmentation.

Of the various types of chemical peels, phenol peels carry the greatest potential for side effects. These may produce painful cold sores, fever blisters and permanent lesions, especially in those who suffer from the herpes virus.

Choosing a Practitioner
While only licensed professionals should perform chemical peels, requirements are lackadaisical in some states. Plastic surgeons administer these non-surgical procedures, as do most dermatologists and many general physicians.

Fees for chemical peels will vary among regions and states. While a basic mild peel can cost as little as $100 per session, deeper treatments cost around $4,000 for a series. Insurance coverage may be limited or nonexistent if peels are done for cosmetic reasons. However, some insurance companies support the use of chemical peels for medical reasons.