Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a skin treatment usually performed in doctors' offices, since most states require a medical license to perform them. A chemical solution is applied to the face to remove the outer, damaged layers of skin. Different types of chemical peels are available for different depths of skin removal.

Mild Peel

A mild peel, also known as a superficial peel, uses a glycolic or salicylic acid solution on the skin. This type of peel is used to remove the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. A mild peel helps to slightly change the patient's skin.

Medium-Depth Peel

This particular peel not only removes the epidermis, but also the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin. Trichloroacetic solution is used for this type of peel. It can help with fine wrinkles and sun damage.

Deep Peel

A deep peel consists of phenol, and it goes even deeper than a medium-depth peel. Qualifying for a deep peel depends on the patient's skin tone, since phenol lightens the skin it's used on. Deeper wrinkles are improved by the deep peel.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have the ability to improve a person's skin. Peels can help with blemishes, wrinkles, precancerous spots and sun damage. Chemical peels take off the damaged layers to reveal newer, unmarred skin.

Side Effects of Chemical Peels

Side effects of chemical peels range from the mild to the more serious. For some, redness, blotchiness and stinging can occur after a peel. In more serious cases, permanent scarring follows a peel, although this rarely occurs.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons