Chemical peels are specially formulated skin friendly fruit acid solutions that are used only by doctors to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Chemical peels can improve the skin’s appearance. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it “blister” and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.
Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
- Improve the appearance of mild scars
- Treat certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancyor taking birth control pills
- Improve the look and feel of skin
After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should say “broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Also, it should be a physical sunscreen and be above SPF 30. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Some more questions
- It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning there’s no overnight stay.
- The professional who does your peel will first clean your skin thoroughly.
- Then he or she will apply one or more chemical solutions — such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol) — to small areas of your skin.
- That creates a controlled wound, letting new skin take its place.
- Stop all medicated applications 2 days before the treatment begins and 5 days after the procedure except sunscreen.
- Avoid excessive exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pmUse SPF 30 sunscreen lotion regularly.
- Use a moisturiser if the skin feels dry and stretched.
- Do not thread / bleach / wax / shave hair (parlour activities) 5 days before and after the procedure.
- Having a peel is painful and makes your face look red, flaky and unsightly until the peeling is done.
- My face gets red and sting when I apply products at home, so my skin is too sensitive for a chemical peel.
- Peels are only for people with severe skin concerns, like acne, hyperpigmentation and deep wrinkles.