Skin Reactions to Facial Peels
Facial peels are resurfacing procedures for the skin of the face. These skin care procedures are used predominately as a part of anti-aging and acne treatments. There are four types of facial peels: chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Though these facial peels are common skin care procedures, they come with skin reactions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Purpose
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Facial peels are a cosmetic procedure used to exfoliate or peel away the outermost layers of the skin. The new skin that emerges is smoother, with blemish marks either diminished or faded and fine lines reduced. The skin is also firmer, as peels boost the production of skin-tightening collagen.
Chemical Peel
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Chemical peels come in different strengths and chemical solutions to suit different skin types and skin care needs. Common chemical solutions used in chemical peels include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, carbolic acid (phenol), lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, common skin reactions patients experience are moderate to excessive skin warmth lasting five to 10 minutes, followed by stinging. These skin reactions can become more painful, requiring medication and a longer recovery period (depending on the depth of the peel).
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Laser Peel
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Laser peels or laser skin resurfacing utilizes a laser to remove the upper layers of skin. This procedure, like most facial peels, is an outpatient procedure and can take from a few minutes to an hour. According to Duke University Health System, skin reactions associated with laser peels include hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) and hypopigmentation (skin lightening).
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
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Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are facial peels that sand away the outer layers of skin to reveal newer, younger looking skin. Dermabrasion is the more intense of the two. It uses an abrasive instrument to sand the skin, leaving some feeling moderate to more intense pain. This procedure is most beneficial in removing deep scaring, discoloration and sun damage, and is long-lasting. Microdermabrasion, the least invasive of all facial resurfacing methods, involves the use of micro-particles or a diamond-tipped device to sand the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this procedure has little to no discomfort, little need for a pain reliever and little to no recovery time.
Considerations
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These facial peels also come in at-home varieties that are less intense than what's administered by a dermatologist or aesthetician. When having a facial peel performed at a salon or spa, make certain the person administering it is licensed or certified to do so. The best practice is to have more invasive facial peels performed by a dermatologist who is equipped to respond if you experience intense pain or skin damage.
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