A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or hands. Acids of various concentrations are used to stimulate skin renewal, helping skin appear healthier, plumper, and tighter which enhances skin smoothness and clarity.
There are three types of chemical peels –
- Superficial peel
- Medium peel
- Deep peel
Superficial Peel
A mild acid is used to penetrate the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. This is done to improve the appearance of skin discolouration and rough skin as well as to refresh the skin on the face, neck, chest, or hands. After a superficial peel, the skin will take 1-7 days to heal.
Medium Peel
Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is used to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. This peel is done to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, and moderate skin discolouration. 7-14 days are required for healing after a medium peel.
Deep Peel
Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is used to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. This procedure is used to remove moderate lines, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars. This peel is done on the face and can only be done once. Deep peels require 14-21 days to heal and the treated area will be bandaged
Chemical peels are not recommended if you have the following –
- An infection
- An active skin disease
- Cut or broken skin
- Sunburn
- Active Herpes simplex 1 sores
Women who are pregnant or nursing cannot go for a chemical peel. It is not advised to get a chemical peel if you have taken Accutane in the last 6 months or suffer from psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea.