Light Chemical Peel – Medium Chemical Peel – Deep Chemical Peel
A chemical peel improves the tone and texture of the skin by applying a chemical solution that causes the damaged outer layers to exfoliate and peel away, revealing a more youthful and healthy appearance. It is primarily used on the face, but it may also be used on the neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs.
Introduction
Chemical peels are an effective way to address the effects of aging and environmental influences, such as uneven tone, sun-damage, wrinkles, spots, and scars. Chemical peels come in various strengths that are each designed to treat particular skin conditions to produce specific aesthetic results.
Who Is a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
- An ideal candidate for a chemical peel is a light-haired, fair skinned, healthy, non-smoker who wishes to treat one or more of the following issues:
- Uneven skin color
- Irregular pigmentation
- Brown spots
- Freckles
- Dull complexion
- Sun-damaged skin
- Acne
- Scars
- Rough or scaly patches of skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Crow’s feet
- Sagging skin
Who Is Not a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
- For the best results, candidates with the following conditions should not have a chemical peel:
- Dark-skin (due to less effective results)
- Cuts or broken skin
- Infections
- Sunburn
- Herpes
- Pregnant or nursing
- Accutane use within the past six months
- Skin disease or conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea
- Abnormal skin scarring
- Skin sensitivity due to medication
CHEMICAL PEEL procedure
- By removing damaged outer layers of skin, the appearance of the skin becomes fresh with an improved tone and texture, reducing or eliminating the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven or unwanted pigmentation.
- The skin is cleansed.
- Depending on the type of peel, the chemical solution will be applied to the skin lightly or rubbed into the skin.
- The patient feels the solution working, either with a tingling feeling (light or medium) or a burning sensation (deep).
- The skin is closely observed as it works. Light to moderate stinging can last for about 15 minutes.
- Once the desired result has been achieved, the chemical solution may be neutralized, and the skin is cleansed.
- If a deep peel has been applied, the skin may be treated with a protective ointment.
- Over the next days (or weeks for deep peels) the outer layers of skin will exfoliate and peel away, revealing a fresh new skin surface.
- The results of a chemical peel typically last several months to years depending on the depth of the peel
- Depending on the strength of the chemical peel, recovery may simply involve redness and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight for a few days (light) to weeks of dressing and topical treatments before normal activities may resume (deep).
- Superficial Chemical Peel
- Light Chemical Peel
- Medium Chemical Peel
- Deep Chemical Peel (Baker Gordon Peel)
Notes
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
Are you considering a Chemical Peel? Visit our Find a Surgeon Directory to find a highly-qualified surgeon near you.
Reviewed by J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and skincare in Lafayette, Louisiana.