Overview

In treatments for wrinkled, scarred, or discolored skin, chemical peels are used. This procedure removes the top layers of the skin with the help of chemical solutions. This can be done separately or combined with other cosmetic procedures. The new skin that grows is smoother. The peel can be light, medium, or deep. Though they give better results, deeper chemical peels take a longer time to heal. There are various benefits of chemical peels.

Depending on your issue, you may choose one of the three depths of chemical peels: -

• Light chemical peel- it removes the epidermis (superficial layer) of the skin. This procedure might have to be repeated in some weeks.
• Medium chemical peel- this goes up to your dermis and removes skin cells from there.
• Deep chemical peel- this goes deep inside the skin, and repetition of the procedure is not required.

How does a chemical peel work?

When we think about this procedure, some common questions come to our minds, such as how does a chemical peel work? Or is chemical peel good for the skin?

It has been seen that chemical peel is safe and harmless when performed by an experienced surgeon. Chemical peels contain acids that lower the pH of the skin to 3.8 from a normal of 5.5. The healthy skin cells and the dead skin cells stick together like glue in the normal pH level. The lowering of the pH by the chemical peels loosens the skin and the dead cells are exfoliated, exposing the healthy skin from below. Chemical peel is good for the skin as it promotes the growth of healthier skin cells.

The common chemical peels contain some of the following chemical exfoliants: -

• Alpha hydroxy acids- these acids are derived from foods like citrus fruits and sour milk containing citric acid and lactic acid respectively. As discussed above, these acids loosen the surface, and that is how a chemical peel works. Acne, skin tone, hyperpigmentation, etc., can be treated by this method. Some other common AHAs are malic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid.
• Beta hydroxy acid- is also salicylic acid. BHA dissolves the oil and debris and penetrates the pores of the skin. It works very efficiently for skin irritation and oily skin.
• Perfect peel -The heaviest peel that helps to repair and replenish the skin and also leaves the skin with a revitalized glow. Patients can have a mildly uncomfortable feeling in the first 30-minute application process. This peel is used to treat the following: -
  • Uneven texture
  • Acne scar
  • Damage due to the sun
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Melasma
  • breakouts
• Vitalize peel -This peel supports all skin types and is suitable enough to be used every 3 weeks. The vitalize peel helps to cure the effects of age, sun damage, and environmental destruction to the skin. This peel is also used to treat the following:
  • Uneven texture
  • Acne scar
  • Damage due to the sun
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Melasma
  • breakouts
• Alpha-beta acid peel -This is a light peel, and it uses a minimal alpha and beta hydroxy acid formula. It is also called the 'lunchtime-peel.' Patients resume their normal daily activities soon after their application. This peel is used to treat:
  • Breakouts
  • Acne scars
  • Uneven texture
• Glycolic acid peel -This is the lightest and the most favored peel extracted from sugarcane. It provides long-lasting effects. This peel is used to treat:
  • Aging skin
  • Uneven texture
• Salicylic acid peel -A light chemical peel that is useful for killing acne-causing bacteria in the skin. It acts as an antiseptic exfoliate that cleanses the skin pores and is used to treat breakouts and acne scars.
• Modified Jessner's Peel -This peel is a mix of acids (lactic, salicylic, and resorcinol) and is used to treat:
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne scars
  • Breakouts

Benefits of chemical peel

What are some of the benefits of chemical peels?

Chemical peels are not suitable for everyone, yet there are many advantages to chemical peels. It resolves many skin issues.

Benefits of chemical peel treatment that help to resolve skin issues include:

ACNE

Acne is a familiar inflammatory skin condition that is time and again treated with topical products or oral medication. Chemical peels may also help treat acne.

The process can: -

• Breakdown comedones (plugged hair follicles)
• Decrease oil production
• Kill bacteria
• Reduce inflammation
• Increase absorption of topical treatments

Light and medium peels help to improve acne.

Also read: | Thinking about a Chemical Peel |

ACNE SCARS

As acne heals, lesions arise due to inflamed skin. To repair these lesions, the skin develops new collagen fibers. Hypertrophic scars develop due to the production of collagen fibers, which are bumpy and raised or atrophic scars, that might leave depressions in your skin.

The benefits of chemical peel treatment to cure acne scars include peeling of the top layer of skin, which removes extra collagen. Medium chemical peels are advised for acne scars.

ROSACEA

Rosacea is an erythrogenic skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and red bumps. It is also called acne-rosacea, as it sometimes causes acne-like breakouts.

The advantages of chemical peel are that sometimes a chemical peel can help cure these symptoms and is advised for mild or moderate rosacea.

AGING SKIN

Benefits of chemical peel help reduce signs of aging that include:

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Age spots
• Waverly skin tone
• Roughness
• Dryness
• Liver spots

The creation of collagen and elastin gets triggered as the skin starts to grow back after a chemical peel. This usually helps to make your skin strong and flexible, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

The new skin which grows back after a peel is generally smoother that helps to reduce dryness and roughness of the skin. Doctors usually do not suggest chemical peels for removing deep wrinkles as it does not tighten sagging skin.

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Not only do chemical peels help resolve acne or acne scars, but they also can improve different types of hyperpigmentation, such as:

• Discoloration of the skin due to sun damage
• Freckles
• Melasma
• Surgical scars
• Scars caused due to injury
• The uneven tone of the skin

DULLNESS

The benefits of chemical peels can also be seen in people having a dull complexion. The treatment permits new skin to reemerge, which provides brighter and healthier skin.

PRECANCEROUS GROWTHS

Years of exposure to the sun can result in actinic keratoses (rough skin patches). It can also be called precancerous growths as it might develop into skin cancer.
The benefits of chemical peels include the use of deep chemical peels that reduces these growths and decreases the risk of cancer.

Takeaway

We can see the various benefits of chemical peels that give healthier, smoother, and brighter skin. A chemical peel is a purely cosmetic treatment that removes the skin's top layer, which in turn helps to reduce wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Skin disorders like acne and rosacea can be cured with the help of chemical peel.
A chemical peel cannot cure deep wrinkles and scarring. Tightening of loose skin or reversing sun damage is also not possible. The doctor can best advise whether a chemical peel is suitable for the type of skin patients have.
Skinalya is one of the most trusted clinics providing best chemical peel in Rohini Delhi. It is a multi-specialty clinic promoting skincare.