What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne. Who are candidates for Chemical Peels?
Clients who have facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation are candidates. What are the types of Chemical Peels?
There are three levels of Chemical Peels ranging in intensity and strength:
- Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA) These are the mildest form of Chemical Peels and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. AHA peels may be used for treating fine lines, areas of dryness and pigmentation problems. AHA can be mixed with bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and it can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. The peels' ingredients originate from glycolic, lactic and fruit acids.
- Betahydroxy Acids (BHA) The most common type of BHA is Salicylic. BHA's are usually less irritating than AHA's and are lipid (oil) soluble. Becuase of this, BHA's are excellent for oily, thickened skin with blackheads and whiteheads. You may experience light peeling that lasts a few days.
- Trichloracetic Acids (TCA) This type is a medium-depth peeling system that may be performed in different variations. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems are commonly treated with this type of Chemical Peel. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve desired results, but the recovery time is shorter than with a Phenol treatment.
How many treatments are required?
Multiple treatments are common with certain Chemical Peels:
- Alphahydroxy Acids Various levels of AHA peels can be performed weekly or at longer intervals.
- Trichloracetic Acids This peel is more intense and two to three TCA peels are usually performed to achieve desired results.
- Betahydroxy Acids Some results can be seen after one treatment. Major results can be seen after 4-6 treatments at which the time the BHA peels can be spread further apart for maximizing results.
Are Chemical Peels safe?
Chemical Peels are safe, but each treatment has different
side effects. Some AHA peels may cause irritation, flaking
and soreness. Will there be any downtime?
There is no downtime with AHA Chemical Peels. A TCA peel may cause redness and swelling, and a mild pain medication may be prescribed by a physician. Phenol peels may involve intense swelling and pain. You will be able to resume normal activities in a week to ten days. What are the results?
- Alphahydroxy Acids The results from this Chemical Peel may be very subtle at first. You will detect a natural, healthy glow to your skin, and with multiple treatments, even better results can be seen.
- Trichloracetic Acids Skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Results are longer-lasting than an AHA peel.
- Betahydroxy Acids
Who should avoid Chemical Peels?
Clients with cold sores or sensitive skin may be at a greater risk for post-treatment complications.
Clients currently on antibiotics, pregnant or trying to
become pregnant should not consider peels. Providers should
be made aware of any allergies, as many allergies are
contraindicative to chemical peels.Chemical Peels at a glance:
- Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA)
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
AHA peels are used to smooth rough, dry skin, improve texture of sun damaged skin and aid in control of acne. AHA can be mixed with bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and it can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. A series of peels may be needed.
TCA peels smooth out fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and corrects pigment problems. These peels may require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams. Additional treatments may be needed to maintain results. The healing process is usually quick.
