What Exactly is a Chemical Peel?

As a person ages, their skin may begin to look dull and lifeless. Adult acne may become more prevalent and wrinkles more noticeable. This is due in part to way to person treats their skin. Smoking, drinking, and constant sun exposure are the most common culprits. Over time, the skin becomes tough and raw. There are a few ways to help renew the skin and keep it from becoming worse. Using a moisturizer with a sun block every day is very important. Drinking plenty of water and exercising will help keep the skin hydrated. Quitting smoking and drinking will help to keep the skin from drying out and looking older than it should.

When visiting a dermatologist, ask about a chemical peel. There are three different peels each intended for different skin types and damage levels. Chemical peels may hurt when first applied. This is because there are different acids that are used to clean the layers of the skin. These acids may burn slightly, but the pain will not last. If a person has not had a chemical peel before, this pain may hurt more than for those who have had a peel.

The first type of peel is called a light peel. This peel may be conducted every two weeks over a six month period. The acid used is an alpha hydroxyacid. This acid is found in fruit. This type of peel will remove the dead layers of skin that rest on the surface and also help decrease pore size. This chemical facial peel is for those who have sun damage and fine wrinkles. It will not help a person with deep wrinkles or dark age spots. The second type of chemical peel is a medium peel. These peels are for those who want to remove deeper wrinkles or scars. Performed once every few years using trichloroacetic acid, a person may see redness on the face for up to a week. The third type of peel is a deep peel. This peel is used only in extreme cases when a person has many wrinkles, acne, scarring, and other skin issues. Phenol is the main chemical used in this peel.

Talk with a dermatologist to decide which peel is the right one. For many, a lighter peel does the trick and helps their skin looker brighter, clearer, and free of acne. There are mild side effects such as headache, peeling of the skin, redness, and increased acne. A dermatologist will be able to explain these side effects and offer creams to apply to the skin afterward to help keep the skin cool and clean.