Massive exposure to the sun, acne problems and the signs of aging that makes the skin tone uneven, lined, wrinkled, spotted, or scarred; are among the common problems of vain women and most men as well. Everybody wants to have a healthier, more beautiful, and youthful looking skin. Surgery would be the foremost idea that would come into the mind, but today, there are now numerous non-surgical alternatives like the peeling of the skin through the aid of chemical peels. Compared to cosmetic surgeries, chemical peels would only require the least downtime or minutes of treatment.
What are Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel is considered one of the best non-invasive alternatives of improve the appearance of the skin eliminating the most common skin problems or concerns, more especially the signs of aging. This type of cosmetic treatment is more often referred to as derma peeling or chemexfoliation. Though chemical peels are known to be applied or used on the facial skin area, they can also be used on some other body parts like the neck, hands, etc. The treatment generally involves the application of a chemical solution on the surface of the skin causing it to blister and eventually peel off. Chemical peels can be classified under three major categories:
- The Superficial Chemical Peels. These chemical peels otherwise termed as AHA peels are used for the gentlest peeling treatments. Since these are mild solutions, they can very well be used in all skin types. Of course we are familiar with the over-the-counter peeling agents on the groceries, most of them are of this type. AHA is essentially glycolic acid or alpha hydroxyl acid mainly derived from sugar cane.
- The Medium Chemical Peels. When gauging the potency of the solution, medium chemical peels are harsher than the superficial chemical peels. They are medically known as TCA or trichloroacetic acid which have the ability to go further deeper on the skin layer.
- And the Deep Chemical Peels. As the name implies, deep chemical peels can reach the deepest layers of the skin where treatment of wrinkles, lines, age spots, sun spots, etc. is necessary. The main chemical ingredient of these peels is Phenol.
How do Chemical Peels work?
A patient should not jump directly to the application of chemical peels of any type. Weeks prior to the actual chemical peel treatment, the skin area to be treated should be regularly cleaned. Most chemical peel treatments start by preparing the skin with the use of skin care treatments or with microdermabrasion. The doctor or a licensed medical professional then scrubs the surface of the skin and will use a mild toner to remove any remaining oils before gently applying the chemical peel solution throughout the surface of the skin to be treated.
Depending on the nature of the chemical peeling treatments, some solutions are better off left on the face or skin surface for a certain period of time before cleaning them out. To remove and wipe out the solution, an antibacterial cream shall be used.
Are Chemical Peels effective?
Chemical peel treatments are gaining popularity primarily due to its versatility and the significant benefits that they can provide. Chemical peels are proven effective not only on facial skin but on the neck and hands as well to reduce and eliminated fine lines round the eyes and the mouth, get rid of wrinkles that may be caused by sun damage, aging, and gene factors, improve the skin surface affected by scarring, used as treatment for certain types of acne, reduce age spots, freckles, dark patches, and to improve the overall look and feel of the skin.
Based on realself.com, majority of patients who have tried chemical peel treatments are satisfied of the post-treatment results. 59% of the patients have agreed that chemical peels are really effective and well worth it. A happy patient notes that: “A very tough procedure both mentally and physically. This is not an easy thing to go through and I have had several other cosmetic surgeries in the past. The result was worth it, but you need to be very prepared mentally to take this on. The pain is manageable, but there are aspects that are challenging and painful. The cleaning that has to be done several times a day was the most painful part for me. I took two weeks off work and three would have been better. I felt OK on week 2 but I was still a little uncomfortable being out in public even with the makeup. In the end I would do this again as the result is great.
On the other hand a patient may seem not to have experienced chemical peels’ full potential: “had deep peel performed on my face by plastic surgeon on 4th January this year. I was promised to get rid of 80% of my acne scars, but it only made my face worse. I am still very red, have to wear makeup (I am a guy so you can imagine how I feel), and I get acne now (I used to be clear before the peel). I am really devastated; don’t know what to do, tried every possible topical cream nothing helps really.”
Who may undergo Chemical Peel treatment?
Individuals considering undergoing chemical peel treatment should generally have a fair skin and those light haired ones. The dark skin candidates may also expect good results depending on the type of the procedure administered or the skin problem treated.
What are Chemical Peels’ health hazards and risks?
Complications may come by chance and will be dependent on the skin type and procedure performed to a patient. In some cases the skin may develop temporary or permanent color change after the chemical peel treatment. Abnormal pigmentation is a risk for moms who are pregnant, taking birth control pills, or he or she who has a family history of brownish discoloration on the face. Some individuals may also be prone to scarring, burns, and inflammation. Risks would surely be greater when the procedure or treatment is done outside a doctor’s supervision or at least advice or instruction.
How much do Chemical Peels cost?
Chemical peels are widely available now in the market. Some of these solutions can be bought over-the counter and some requires a prescription. The cost of chemical peel treatment shall also be dependent on the nature or type of the treatment to be undertaken and of course on the severity or scale of the skin area to be treated. The larger the area, the more peeling solution it requires. Chemical peels may come as cheap as a few dollars and could cost up to thousands of dollars for those that are administered by a doctor, the average cost though is less than $100.