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 dead
skin to slough off 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 people are advised to seek professional
help from a dermatologist, aesthetician,
plastic surgeon, or otolaryngology
on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.
Alpha
Hydroxy Acid Peels
Alpha
hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring 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 produces light peels for treatment
of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne.
Alpha hydroxy acids 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.
There
are five usual fruit acids: citric acids (citrus-derived), glycolic
acid (derived from sugar cane), lactic acid (although derived
from milk, this is still considered a "fruit acid"), malic acid
(derived from apples) and tartaric acid (derived from grapes).
Many other alpha hydroxy acids exist and are used.
- Citric
acid: Usually derived from lemons, oranges, limes and pineapples.
These peels are simple and effective, although not incredibly
invasive or capable of significant improvement with one treatment.
- Glycolic
acid: Formulated from sugar cane, this acid creates a mild
exfoliating action. Glycolic acid peels work by loosening
up and exfoliating the superficial top layer. This peel also
stimulates collagen growth. High strength peels are good in
terms of efficacy but they irritate more.
- Malic
acid: This peel is the same type of mildly invasive peel derived
from the extracts of apples. It can open up the pores, allow
the pores to expel their sebum and reduce acne.
AHA
peels may cause stinging, cause skin redness, cause mild skin
irritation, cause dryness, and take multiple treatments for desired
results.
Jessner's
Peel
Jessner's
peel solution, formerly known as the Coombe's formula, was pioneered
by Dr Max Jessner, a German-American dermatologist. Dr Jessner
combined 14%salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol in an
ethanol base. It is thought to break intracellular bridges between
keratinocytes henceforth making it very difficult to "over peel"
the skin, due to the mild percentages associated with the acid
combination.
Retinoic
Acid Peel
Retinoic
acid is derived from retinoids. This type of facial peel is also
performed in the office of a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist
in a medical spa setting. This
is a deeper peel than the beta hydroxy acid peel and is used to
remove scars as well as wrinkles and pigmentation problems. It
is usually performed in conjunction with a Jessner's, which is
performed right before, in order to open up the skin, so the retinoic
acid can penetrate on a deeper level. The client leaves with the
chemical peel solution on their face. The peeling process takes
place on the third day. More dramatic changes to the skin require
multiple peels over time.
Trichloroacetic
Acid Peel
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 remove superficial blemishes and correct skin pigment
problems. They may require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
as well as
repeat treatment to maintain results. it is advisable the use
of sun block for several months