Regenerate your skin with Chemical Peel

Chemical peel is a procedure that takes off old skin and makes it new for a smooth and better skin texture. What is involved?  Is it beneficial? What are the side effects?

Chemical peel is basically applying acid solutions to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin which eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

Types of Chemical Peels

• Superficial peels :

– Use mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid to penetrate only the outer layer of the skin to gently exfoliate it.

– improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration, and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hand.

• Medium peels :

-Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the outer and middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells.

-improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration.

• Deep peels :

-Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells.

-It removes the moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars.

-This procedure is used on the face and only can be performed once.

Who should not undergo chemical peel?

• Chemical peel does not work well on dark-skinned people. It is best for light-haired and fair skinned people as it may cause uneven skin tone after the procedure.
• Not suitable for individual with infections, active skin disease, cuts, broken skin or even sunburns.
• Pregnant or still nursing.
• Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis.
• Have used skin care products that contains ascorbic acid, bleaching or skin-lightening agents in the last 48 hours.
• Have taken acne medication isotretinoin in the past 6 months.

Side effects of chemical peels

• Redness
• Scarring
• Changes in skin color
• Infections

When should you consider a chemical peel

• Acne scars
• Aging skin
• Scars
• Sagging skin
• Wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun damaged skin
• Uneven skin tone

What you should do before a chemical peel

• Consult a skin care specialist who will suggest the best treatment for you.
• Inform your specialist of any medications that you are currently taking.
• Do not use acne topical medications for at least 48 hours before the peel.
• Take antiviral medications if you have a history of fever blisters.
• Do not wax or use hair removal products the week before the peel.
• Avoid hair bleaching.
• Do not use facial scrubs or exfoliate week before the peel.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of herpes, and avoid any peels in active herpes infection.
• Follow whatever advice given by your specialist.

Chemical peel aftercare

• Treat your skin gently: Gently massage skin products onto the skin without aggressive rubbing.
• Wear a sunscreen: Skin is vulnerable to UV light post-peel which can damage your skin.
• Limit outdoor time: Hibernate as much as possible to keep the skin protected. In an inflamed state, you would not want your skin to be under heat and UV.
• Do not pull the flaky skin: Pulling the dry and flaky skin can cause scarring and redness.
• Do not eat acidic food*: Lower pH of the skin can cause serious irritation.
• Don’t sweat too much after peel: The salt from the sweat can cause stinging sensation which cause further irritation to the skin.

*Foods containing acid-forming substances include: meat. grains. dairy. unsprouted beans. sunflower and pumpkin seeds. nuts. carbonated drinks. alcohol

** Do take note that the chemical peel treatment will not alter the pore size or broken veins on the skin. It is also not effective for deep scars, deep wrinkles or sagging skin. Laser and other surgery methods may be needed.

If you interested in chemical peel treatment, consult an aesthetic doctor to find out more.

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References

1. Chemical peel. [Internet][cited 2019 Jan 14] Available from:

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-chemical-peel-treatments#1

2. Chemical peel. [Internet][cited 2019 Jan 14] Available from:

https://www.healthline.com/health/chemical-peels

3. Chemical peel. [Internet][cited 2019 Jan 14] Available from:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473

4. Chemical peel side effect. [Internet][cited 2019 Jan 14] Available from:

https://www.medicinenet.com/chemical_peel/article.htm

Tags

• aesthetic
• chemical peel
• healthy skin
• regenerate
• skin care
• skin peel