Differences Between a Chemical Peel and a Glycolic Peel
A glycolic acid peel is a mild, natural alphahydroxy acid (AHA) skin peel that derives from sugar cane and sometimes fruit acids. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol chemical peels are stronger and offer more dramatic results. Does this Spark an idea?
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How Peels Work
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Both glycolic and chemical peels enhance the skin's appearance by peeling off the top layers of skin to allow growth of new skin that "is smoother, less wrinkled, and may be more even in color," writes the American Academy of Dermatology.
Glycolic Peels
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Glycolic peels "treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne," the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports. You might experience mild irritation, but no recovery time, from this light sugar peel.
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Chemical Peels
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TCA peels are medium strength with greater results, and the depth is adjustable.
Phenol peels treat deep damage, even precancerous growths. New skin may lose the ability to make pigment. Phenol is becoming uncommon, due to the chemical's harsh nature. Patients need extensive recovery time.
Regulations
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Some states do not require a medical doctor to perform glycolic or even chemical peels. Other states limit the strength of peels that nonphysicians can apply.
Considerations
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Wear extra sun protection while new skin grows, especially after chemical peels. Glycolic and chemical peels are generally safe if done by a qualified practitioner.
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References
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Comments
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elkat
Jan 20, 2010
Actually a Glycolic Peel IS a "chemical peel". Chemical peels are named such due to they use "chemicals" to exfoliate the skin. These chemicals breakdown the intercellular glue that holds dead skin cells together, so they are easily removed. There are many different types of chemical peels. Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, TCA and Jessner. Each of these are used in different strengths for different types of skin. Most often TCA and Jessner's are performed in a dermatologist or doctor's office because the skin will actually peel for a few days to weeks after these deeper peels are performed. It is now more common to use the term "Chemical Exfoliation" when you are referring to Glycolic peel treatments.
