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The Pros and Cons of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels have gained popularity as an anti-aging technique because they are a non-surgical way to reduce wrinkles and make facial skin smoother. Let’s discuss different types of chemical peels, downtime, benefits, and risks.
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels remove damaged skin cells, which reveals healthier skin underneath. The process includes the application of a chemical solution to the face, neck, or hands. The solution causes the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) to peel off, which reveals deeper skin that is not damaged by sun or free radicals.
What are the types of chemical peels?
Dermatologists use a variety of chemicals for peels, and they each have their specific uses and advantages.
Superficial peels, which use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate, only penetrate the outermost layer of skin.
Medium peels use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skin. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.
Deep peels fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or tricholoracetic acid.
At Pacific Coast Dermatology, we specialize in superficial peels that give results with little to no downtime.
Types of Superficial Peels:
Glycolic Acid Peel
Glycolic acid peels dissolve the material that holds together the outermost layer of skin. Glycolic acid peels lightly exfoliate the skin, and we typically use these peels to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and melasma.
Salicylic Acid Peels
Salicylic peels are also relatively gentle peels that dermatologists recommend for individuals with sensitive skin. These peels are often used to effectively treat acne.
Mandelic Acid Peels
One main benefit of mandelic acid is that it may be more gentle on the skin compared to other AHAs (glycolic acid). This makes it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Mandelic acid accelerates cell turnover and functions as a powerful exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. Mandelic acid also improves skin’s appearance because it promotes collagen production, which is the main protein found in skin and connective tissue.
Mandelic acid can improve various skin care concerns, such as: acne, skin texture, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines.
Retinol Peels
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that promotes skin cell growth. These peels slow the breakdown of collagen which helps to maintain the skin's elasticity. They also hydrate and rejuvenate skin and are good for treating acne, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Lactic Acid Peels
Lactic acid peels have been around in some form for centuries. If you have sensitive skin, lactic acid peels are a good way to begin using chemical peels. Lactic acid is an anti-wrinkle and pigment fighting peel.
What are the advantages of chemical peels?
Chemical peels are a popular anti-aging technique for a variety of reasons.
Soft and Smooth
Chemical peels remove dead skin and make your skin smoother and softer. They also help skin look brighter and younger.
Evens Skin
The removal of the top layers of skin can diminish the appearance of aging spots, freckles, and any other areas where skin pigmentation is uneven.
Minimally Invasive with Little to No Downtime
While superficial chemical peels cause a little redness and peeling, it is not very noticeable and only lasts for two to three days.
What are the Risks of Chemical Peels?
It is normal for the skin to be red, dry, flaky, and scaly after a peel. These issues usually disappear within a week but, people with sensitive skin may experience them longer. Additionally, people with sensitive skin may also experience blistering or crusting (very rare).
Schedule your Peel Today!
Chemical peels are a convenient, minimally invasive, procedure. At Pacific Coast Dermatology and Wellness Center, we want to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today to learn how we can use chemical peels and a host of other techniques to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.