What
is a Chemical Peel?
A Peel is a
technique used to remove layers of damaged, unhealthy, dull or aged
skin to reveal newer, softer and younger looking skin. You need a
dermatologist to evaluate your skin and the application should be done
by a trained dermatologist.
Solutions
of different types can be used.
They
cause the skin to exfoliate and peel off and a new skin regrows. This
may help to remove blackheads,whiteheads,superficial scars and mild
pigmentation. The new skin is smoother and has a radiant glow.
What is a Peel
used for?
Dull
skin
Patchy
pigmented skin of face, arms, legs or back
Skin
lightening of face, neck, arms, legs, back
Skin
rejuvenation
Instant
skin glow
Reduction
of oiliness of skin
Reduction
of open pores
As part of bridal skin preparations packages and
‘Party
facial’ (
Hot trend)
As regular maintainence treatment for healthy
skin and antiaging
Age
spots on hands or face
Sun
damaged skin on face, neck, shoulders
To
reduce patchy pigmented skin like freckles, sunspots, age spots,
melasma, etc.
Reduction
of mild early aging fine lines, wrinkles
Reduction
of very mild pimple scars
Extraction of blackheads and whiteheads
Flattening and reduction of minor scars
After
cosmetic surgery or laser treatments for blending
As
combination therapy with other skin treatments like clean ups, facials,
peels, lasers, dermarollers, etc.
Under
eye dark circles
Dark
underarms
What
are the types of Peels?
Common types are –
Glycolic
acid (alpha hydroxyl acids )
Trichloroacetic
acid ( TCA)
Jessner’s
solution
At
The Esthetic Clinic there is a wide range of international Peels along
with the above Peels, available for varied indications like,
Arginine
peel
Phytic
peel
Agera
peel
TCA
peel
GlicoK
peel
Pyruvic
peel
Lactic
peel
Mandelic
peel
Yellow
peel
Salicylic
peel
Green
peel
Obagi
blue peel ( Done at very few locations across the world )
Cosmelan
peel ( one of the most advanced peel for pigmentation )
Biopeel
Combination
peels, etc.
What
is a Glycolic Acid Peel?
Glycolic acid is a group of naturally occurring substances often called
‘fruit acids’.
When
applied to the skin, it destroys the ‘glue’ that holds the dead cells
on the surface of the skin. This allows the dead cells to slough off,
leaving behind a smoother skin surface.
A
higher concentration of glycolic acid removes the upper layer of the
skin exposing the lower layer of undamaged skin. It is generally used
for mild acne scars and comedones.
What
are TCA and Jessner’s Peels?
These Peels use medicines that are stronger than Glycolic acids. They
cause destruction to the deeper layer of the skin, thus permitting the
underlying new skin to resurface.
They
are generally used for treating deeper scars and skin growths. TCA
peels work wonderfully for under eye skin rejuvenation and deeper
pigmentation.
How
is a Peel performed?
Your dermatologist will assess you and decide which superficial or deep
Peel is needed and the type of solution to be used. You may need to
stop some medications like strong vitamin A creams. The skin is
prepared with preconditioning creams.
The
dermatologist cleanses the skin with special cleansing agents. Layers
of peeling solution are then applied gently and expertly over the skin.
You will feel a hot sensation for 5-10 minutes. The deeper Peels may be
somewhat uncomfortable and may require anaesthetic creams before the
procedure.
It
is then neutralized after certain time specific for each Peel. A
membrane or mask is applied to comfort and soothe your skin .and help
in healing. Later a antibiotic cream, moisturizer and sunblock are
applied.
For
AHA Peels, there may be a pink discoloration which resolves quickly to
normal skin colour. Occasionally, slight flaking is seen in some areas
after 1-2 days. Do not expect the skin to really Peel.
Within
the next few days after the Jessner’s and TCA Peels, the face will be
red, scaly, and peel off. Deeper Peels turn brown, show swelling and
peel off.Sometimes there is no visible peeling, but it gives good
results.
This
procedure is done as an outpatient. For AHA Peels, you can return to
work after the procedure without having to miss any time from work.
How
long does it take to have a Peel done? Can you go back to work?
A session lasts for 30 – 40 minutes. Hence it is also called ‘Lunchtime
Peel’.
What
must you do after a Peel?
You need to cleanse the skin gently and
apply post Peel creams as advised to you.
Do
not scratch, pick or peel off the scabs.
Avoid
the sun and use a high SPF and UVA block sunscreen.
Do
not use your routine antiaging creams for a week later, start them only
on your dermatologist’s advice.
How
many treatment sessions do you need?
To get best results, Peels have to be repeated, Most patients require
2-4 Peels at 2-4 week intervals. You may need 2-4 Glycolic sessions for
acne but more for acne scars. You may need 1-3 sessions for freckles,
but more for deep pigment problems.
Your
dermatologist will decide what is best for you and your skin.
What
are the possible complications of Peels and what to do if these
complications develop?
Peels must be performed by a dermatologist only.
For
glycolic Peels, crusted scabs may be seen if not treated properly. This
could become infected and lead to a scar.
Contact your doctor if crusted scabs form.
The
skin should look and feel completely normal within 3-4 days of glycolic
Peels, if not contact your dermatologist.
Persistent
pain developing after the Peel. This may be due to reactivation of
herpes virus. Contact your dermatologist
immediately.
See
your doctor if blisters appear. These may be commoner in deeper Peels
like TCA.
Skin
infections are uncommon complications. These are seen as painful red
areas with scabs.
Allergic
reactions to medications are seen as persistent, painful, itchy skin.
Scars
are a rare complication, generally with deeper Peels.
Areas
of increased (dark skin and hormonal imbalances)/decreased
pigmentation. These may be permanent or
take a long time to resolve.
All
complications are very rare. Prompt recognition and treatment is
necessary to prevent scars.
Are the results
permanent?
The results are as permanent as you intend on taking care of
your skin thereafter. If you continue to sunbathe,
smoke, not take care of your skin, etc. ,your skin may become damaged
again. Taking care of your skin and using quality
maintainence and preventive measures like high SPF sunblock
will most certainly help you retain a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
What are the
limitations of Peels?
These cannot remove broken veins on the skin. They cannot remove deep
scars, deep wrinkles, or sagging skin. A combination therapy with
lasers may be needed.
