To Peel Or Not To Peel

By Elizabeth Niaz, LE

Chemical peels are used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. The face, neck, or hands can be treated. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin. To accomplish this task, the chosen peel solution induces a controlled injury to the skin. Then the resulting wound healing process begins to regenerate new tissue. The regenerated skin is usually smoother, clearer, and more even. There are many kinds and strengths of chemical peels depending on the severity of your skin condition.

Salicylic acid is a very beneficial treatment for oily skin with clogged pores or acne infections. Salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients to combat oily skin, yet it is also a gentle rejuvenating peel. It is good for the treatment of all skin types. Normally there's no downtime but some light flaking of the skin.

Glycolic acid is the most popular skin peeling treatment. It is gentle and has little to no down time compared to other stronger peels such as a Jessner's peel and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The exfoliating effect of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) promotes healthy skin regeneration and yields increased skin tissue hydration as a result of the new exfoliated skins capacity to bind water. Glycolic acid helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, irregular skin pigmentation and clogged pores. Mild flaking could last from a couple days to a week.

A TCA peel can penetrate deeper into the skin. TCA's treat a wide range of skin conditions making it the perfect chemical peel for individual with multiple concerns. It is considered a more aggressive treatment for improving acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin tone (hyperpigmentation) while increasing collagen and elastin production. Down time is moderate and skin could look as if it is sunburned. Downtime is up to a week, or so, on average.

Jessner's peel is a deep strong chemical peel that is known for delivering great results. It is used to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation and treat acne, acne-scarred, photo damaged and aging skin. The downtime is moderate. It varies according to individual skin traits and selected concentration/application methods. Ethnic skin types should proceed with caution due to an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

It is valuable to have a dermatologist on site when having your chemical peel. During your consultation you'll receive information about the different peels available and how each one will affect your skin. An assessment will be done to determine which and how many peels you'll need for the best results, and to accomplish your goals.