Chemical Peels - AntiAging Cosmetic Procedures

Look Younger and More Refreshed by Using Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are used to restore wrinkled, blemished, discolored or sun damaged facial skin. The skin is damaged with chemicals in a controlled way to cause old skin cells to slough off and to stimulate new collagen growth, which fills in lines and wrinkles.

There are several types of peels, ranging from a mild superficial peel all the way to a deep phenol peel. Each type produces different results and causes progressively more damage, more severe after effects and a more permanent, satisfactory result.

Superficial Peels use mild solutions of alpha hydroxy acids to remove just the outermost layer of skin. They even out skin color and improve texture, but don't remove wrinkles. There is little discomfort and no real after effects. The treatment has to be repeated every few weeks for several months.

Medium Depth Peels use stronger acidic solutions. They work best on people with fine, thin skin and minimal wrinkles. They can remove fine lines and age spots and are used on the hands as well as the face.

There's mild discomfort, and the skin will darken and harden and turn stiff. This skin will peel, usually within a week, and the new skin will appear red or flushed for several more weeks. The results should last for up to two years, although yearly repeat treatments are common.

Deep Peels use phenol, a fairly strong caustic solution. The procedure requires sedation and causes mild to severe discomfort. This is the deepest of the chemical peels and is effective at removing or reducing deeper wrinkles, facial hair and improving sun blotched or damaged skin.

After effects will be similar to, but more severe than the medium peel. Swelling and water blisters are not uncommon. Crusting and peeling may take up to 14 days.

This procedure can cause permanent lightening of the skin and permanent loss of the ability to tan. However the results are permanent. The procedure only needs to be repeated if new lines and wrinkles develop.

None of these peels will remove sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles. All of them will heighten your sensitivity to the sun and will require you to use a broad spectrum sun screen whenever you are exposed to the sun.

There are other considerations, such as skin bleaching, infections and cold sores that can complicate matters, so you need to have a thorough discussion with your doctor before making any final decisions.

If you want to look younger and refreshed without the cost and complications of surgery, chemical skin peels might be what you are looking for.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.