What is a Chemical Skin Peel?
"Chemical peel" is a general classification for a number of chemical treatments used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Typically during a chemical peel nothing actually "peels" off. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, and works by dissolving the upper layers of the skin.
Type of Peels:
There are a variety of different types of chemical skin peels, as there are a variety of chemicals used, each with their own properties.
The alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) chemical peels are among the most popular of all peels. They are often sold as in-home peels in low concentrations. The stronger concentrations are performed by professionals, preferably in a physician-supervised setting. Depending on the expectations, an AHA peel may be applied at a higher concentration to achieve a more aggressive result.
Two things matter when considering peels. One is the pH of the peel, how acidic the peel is how strong an effect it will have and what type of acid it is. The second consideration is the concentration of the peel and whether it is neutralized or not. You can have a 70% peel, but if you neutralize it, its not going to be so intense.
AHA Peels that are considered 'lunchtime peels' can be great for acne or for mild skin rejuvenation. Patients on Retin-A need to be very careful because it makes skin more sensitive. If you're on Retin-A and you don't tell the person who is peeling you, or if you have a rash, or your skin is particularly dry on that day, peels are going to have a much stronger effect and you can cause crusting and peeling and even scabbing with those kind of peels if you're not careful.
How AHA Peels Work:
AHA Peels work by removing the dead skin layer on the surface of our skin, known as the stratum corneum. This improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles and strips away the plugs where acne bumps can form. AHA peels also increase cell turn over and improve sun damage.
What They Treat:
AHA peels do a reasonably good job at improving acne and acne scarring, some fine lines and wrinkles, and exfoliating the skin. AHA peels may also be used to improve some spotting and pigmentation problems. Following an AHA peel the skin is usually smoother and has improved texture.
Results:
With a chemical peel you get some tightening of the skin, you get improvements of pre-cancerous and brown spots, and a general resurfacing of the skin.
The recovery time for a patient who has had a chemical peel will depend on the type and strength of the peel they've had. For example, the common alpha-hydroxy and glycolic acid peels have little or no recovery time. There may be some slight pinkness to the skin, but that usually fades rapidly.
'Lunchtime' Peels:
Glycolic acid chemical peels are in the same family of peels as AHA peels. They can often be referred to as a "lunchtime peel" as they can be done quickly with no downtime. Glycolic acid itself is a form of alpha-hydroxy acid and is naturally found in sugarcane, pineapple, grapes and other fruits.
AHA & Glycolic Peels:
There is a risk of certain side effects from any chemical peel. AHA peels tend to be milder and the risk of side effects is usually just some mild redness and irritation following the treatment. If someone is using Retin-A or Retin-A like medications it will make a glycolic peel have a stronger effect, so you should tell your practitioner if you are using them.
Results:
With a chemical peel you get some tightening of the skin, you get improvements of pre-cancerous and brown spots, and a general resurfacing of the skin.
The recovery time for a patient who has had a chemical peel will depend on the type and strength of the peel they've had. For example, the common alpha-hydroxy and glycolic acid peels have little or no recovery time. There may be some slight pinkness to the skin, but that usually fades rapidly.
Meet with an Experienced Physician:
It's important to meet with a physician to learn more about your specific case, and what treatment options are available. Call Dr. David Leff, D.O. at 484-866-7772 today.
