A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure for restorative purposes that may help reduce the signs of aging on your face. During a chemical peel, a dermatologist or an aesthetician will apply a chemical solution to your skin. This solution peels away damaged skin cells, allowing healthy skin to grow in their place. Common skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne and uneven skin texture can all be tackled with a chemical peel.
There are three levels of a chemical peel: superficial, medium depth, and deep.
Superficial Peels: These peels affect the top layer of the skin and are very unlikely to cause complications in skin of color. Salicylic, glycolic and mandelic peels can be used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and melasma in patients with skin of color.
Medium Depth Peels: These peels penetrate to the upper portion of the second layer of moderately wrinkled or scarred skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are commonly used in medium-depth peels.
Deep Peels: These include peels with phenol, and penetrate to the lower portion of the second layer of skin. These peels are used to treat deep wrinkles, scars or skin that has been severely damaged by the sun.
However, in addition there are five surprising benefits that can be gained from chemical peels:
- Skincare Products Perform Better
Once removed, the chemical peel takes dull surface skin cells along with it. Shedding the topmost layer of your skin will tell living skin cells to multiply and move to the surface. This signals your body to boost collagen production, which will improve your skin’s elasticity. The reaction increases natural hyaluronic acid production, too.
As a result, your skin will begin to look and feel younger, smoother, and more radiant. It’s also more receptive to skincare products. After a chemical peel, you’ll notice your skincare products will perform better. Now, there are no longer dead skin cells at the surface of your skin. This makes it easier for your products to penetrate the skin’s surface.
- Healing Acne Scars
Chemical peels for controlling acne will contain salicylic and lactic acid. Salicylic acid lingers in your skin’s pores, allowing the acid to keep the pores clear over a period of time. If you want acne scars to fade away, take advantage of trichloroacetic acid. TCA penetrates deeper than salicylic to form new collagen fibres over the scarred area. Increased collagen decreases shadow depressions that create the pock marks of acne scars.
- Safe For All Skin Tones
Traditional resurfacing lasers are not always recommended for darker skin tones, as they can result in permanent hyperpigmentation. Superficial peels and medium peels, however, are safe on all skin tones. Deeper penetrating chemical peels such as phenol should be avoided. Always consult with your dermatologist before embarking on a chemical peel.
- Control Melasma
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentary disorder that’s often resistant to certain treatments. While a common, chronic form of skin hyper-pigmentation, melasma can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. In some cases, melasma is caused by hormonal surges. Patients who are pregnant may notice an increase in melasma during and after their pregnancy. Though there is no known cure for melasma, chemical peels are a proven treatment.
- Full Customization
With the wide variety of acids available, doctors can address multiple skin concerns and conditions with a single application. Chemical peels can be tailored to fit your skin’s unique needs, and address your specific concerns. There’s no one size fits all approach. Even with all this variety, chemical peels are low risk, and unlike surfacing lasers, don’t result in acne flare-ups.
Do you think a chemical peel might be right for you? Dr. James Cardi and his talented team are highly experienced helping patients achieve their skincare and aesthetic goals. Not only do we provide chemical peels, we offer microdermabrasion, body sculpting, and much more! Request an appointment online or call our office at (401) 313-3287 to set up an appointment.
