Chemical peel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Thus the term chemical peel is derived. Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and administered without a medical license, however it is advised you seek professional help from a plastic surgeon or dermatologist on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.
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[edit] Types
There are three types of chemical peels.
[edit] Alpha Hydroxyacid Peels
Alpha hydroxyacids (AHA) are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid, found in sour milk and tomato juice. This is the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels for treatment of fine wrinkles,areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Alpha hydroxyacids can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
AHA peels are used to:
- reduce fine wrinkling
- treat areas of dryness
- reduce uneven pigmentation
- aid in the control of acne
- smooth rough dry skin
- improve the texture of sun-damaged skin
AHA peels may:
- cause stinging
- cause skin redness
- cause mild skin irritation
- cause dryness
- take multiple treatments for desired results
[edit] Trichloroacetic Acid Peels
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used as an intermediate to deep peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 20-50%. Depth of penetration is increased as concentration increases, with 50% TCA penetrating into the reticular dermis. Concentrations higher than 35% are not recommended because of the high risk of scarring.
Trichloroacetic acid peels:
- are referred for darker-skinned patients over Phenol
- smooth out fine surface wrinkles
- remove superficial blemishes
- correct skin pigment problems
Trichloroacetic acid peels may:
- require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
- require repeat treatment to maintain results
- require the use of sunblock for several months (this is a must)
- take several days to healing depending on the peel depth
[edit] Phenol Peels
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep skin peel. Recent studies suggest that phenol is most likely only the carrier for another active component in the solution, namely croton oil. In fact, phenol alone produces only a light peel which is ineffective for restructuring the deeper dermal structures (such as wrinkles). The term Phenol/Croton oil peel has been proposed as a more accurate descriptor, but the established terminology phenol peel continues to be the dominant usage, as the role of croton oil in the mix is not as widely understood.
Effects of a phenol chemical peel are long lasting, and in some cases are still readily apparent up to 20 years following the procedure. Improvements in the patient’s skin can be quite dramatic. A single treatment usually achieves the desired result.
Phenol peels are used to:
- correct blotches caused by sun exposure or aging
- smooth out coarse deep wrinkles
- remove precancerous growths
Phenol peels may:
- pose a risk for patients with heart problems
- permanently remove facial freckles
- cause permanent skin lightening by reducing the ability to produce pigment
- take several months to heal
- require increased protection from the sun for life
