Overview
Chemical peels are used to treat a variety of skin problems, including sun spots, wrinkles, acne, skin discoloration, dull skin texture and uneven skin tones, to name a few. During this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, given time to work and is then removed. The outcome of this procedure is removal of your old skin and growth of new skin that is smoother and less wrinkled. There are several types of chemical peels, and they differ from each other in certain aspects.
Types
There are three types of chemical peels based on how deeply they penetrate the different layers of your skin, according to the book “Aesthetic Rejuvenation: A Regional Approach.” Superficial chemical peels affect only the top layer of your skin; medium-depth peels penetrate the top layer of your skin to reach the second layer; deep chemical peels affect the lower layer of your skin.
Chemical Solutions
The chemical solution used for chemical peels have different strengths or concentrations. Mild chemicals such as alphahydroxy acids are used for superficial chemical peels. Trichloroacetic acid is available in different concentrations, but it is typically used for medium-depth peels, while phenol—a strong chemical solution—is used for deep chemical peels.
Recovery Time
Superficial peels are sometimes referred to as “lunchtime peels” because they don’t need special healing time. You can return to work or your regular activities right after a superficial chemical peel. Medium-depth and deep chemical peels both require recovery periods that may last for days or weeks.
Anesthesia
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that none of the chemical peel procedures require the use of anesthesia. Superficial chemical peels only cause a slight stinging sensation when applied, and the other two chemical peels involve the use of chemical solutions that act as anesthetic agents.
Warning
It is important to protect your skin from the sun after any chemical peel. Your skin may not be able to produce melanin after a deep chemical peel, which would require permanent sun protection. Medium-depth and superficial peels do not require permanent sun protection as they do not affect the pigment-producing ability of the skin.
About this Author
Ngozi Oguejiofo has over five years’ experience as a customer service and marketing executive. She is currently a registered nurse. She is interested in teaching, and writes articles focused on student nurses at eHow.
