Chemical Peels

Kinds of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels fall under the classification of cosmetic surgery because they use dangerous chemical solutions to cause the skin to blister and peel. Why would anyone want that kind of a surgery? In the end, the new skin grows back to be less wrinkled or blemished, so it is a procedure that many aging women prefer. Although some chemical peels can be purchased and done by almost anyone, it is preferable to get your chemical peel done by a professional plastic surgeon or dermatologist to make sure everything stays safe and your skin ends up looking the best it possibly can. There are a few different types of chemical peels.

One of the most popular kinds of chemical peels is know as an AHA Peel, or an alpha hydroxyl acid peel. This is the mildest form of the chemical peels and works by using carboxylic acids, like the glycolic acids found in sugar cane or lactic acid, found in sour milk. Many people use this kind of acid mixed with facial wash or creams in lesser- concentrated forms as part of a daily skin care plan. When you use this acid in its concentrated form, is can reduce fine lines and uneven coloring, smooth rough and dry skin, improve your skin's texture, and help battle acne. You may need multiple treatments to get the results you desire, and after each treatment, you'll experience stinging, redness, and mild irritation for a few days.

Another popular kind of chemical peel is the tricholroacetic acid peel, in which the chemical is much stronger than in an AHA peel. Usually, concentrations of 20% to 50% are used, with concentrations above 35% being most rare because there is the risk of scarring. This kind of a chemical peel is used for smoothing fine lines, removing blemishes, and correcting skin discoloration, especially for this with darker skin pigmentation. As with the AHA peel, the treatment takes several days to heal, and you must use special care with skin products to maintain the results.

The strongest type of chemical peel is the phenol/croton oil chemical peel. The improvements on a patient's skin when using this type of a chemical peel are drastic and long lasting in most cases, and a single treatment is all you need to get the effects you want usually. This type of chemical peel smoothes out deep wrinkles, removes precancerous growths and blemishes, and corrects any kind of blotches on the skin related to sun exposure or aging. It also permanent removes freckles in some cases and has been known to permanently lighten the skin. Because this procedure is so drastic, you'll need protection from the sun for the rest of your will have to allow for several months for it to heal.

There are other kinds of chemical peels available as well. Talk to your dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon if you are interested in learning more about how these chemical peels can work for you and your skin.