What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or derma peeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes trauma or injury to your skin’s layers. The skin layers eventually peel off revealing more youthful skin. The new skin is usually smoother with fewer lines and wrinkles, has a more even colour, and is brighter in complexion.

What skin conditions can be treated with a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are utilised to address specific skin issues or enhance your skin's appearance by refining its tone and texture.

Chemical peels are commonly used on the face, neck, or hands to address various skin concerns, including:

• Fine lines around the eyes or mouth, as well as wrinkles caused by sun damage, ageing, or genetics.
• Certain types of acne.
• Mild scarring.
• Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
• Precancerous scaly spots are known as actinic keratosis.
• Rough skin, scaly patches, and a dull complexion.
• Dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or oral contraceptive use
  

Chemical peels are not effective for treating sags, bulges, deep scars, deep facial lines, and severe wrinkles. In such cases, other cosmetic surgical procedures like carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, facelifts, brow lifts, eye lifts, or soft tissue fillers are more suitable options. A dermatologic surgeon can assess your concerns and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

Is a chemical peel suitable for all skin types?

Superficial peels are typically safe for all skin types, but individuals with darker skin tones are at a higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can darken the skin after treatment. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, it's advisable to consult with your dermatologist for advice on alternative, less aggressive treatments to minimise the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peels may not be recommended if you:

• Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
• Have excessive pigmentation in your scars.
• Have skin conditions or take medications that increase skin sensitivity.
• Cannot avoid sun exposure during the healing process.
• Having used the oral acne medication isotretinoin within the past six months
• If you have a personal or family history of raised, overgrown scar tissue known as keloids
• Pregnant women
• Experiencing frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks

Procedure Details

How is a chemical peel procedure conducted?

A chemical peel is a procedure used for skin resurfacing. Depending on the specific skin issues being addressed, the depth of the peel can vary and is typically categorised into three levels:

Light chemical peel

A superficial or light chemical peel targets the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It is effective in treating fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dryness. Typically, a light peel can be repeated every two to five weeks.

Medium chemical peel

A medium chemical peel removes skin cells from both the epidermis and portions of the upper dermis. It is utilized to address wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve and sustain the desired outcome.

Deep chemical peel

A deep chemical peel penetrates even deeper into the skin. It may be recommended by your doctor for severe wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths. Unlike lighter peels, a deep peel typically provides full effects without the need for repeat procedures.

To get ready for your chemical peel, here are some general guidelines

• Refrain from tanning and direct sun exposure for at least two weeks before each treatment.
• Apply topical products like hydroquinone as directed before the treatment to prepare your skin.
• Avoid using any products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin) for one to two weeks before the treatment, unless advised otherwise by your physician.
• If your physician has prescribed oral antibiotics or antiviral medication, start taking it at least 24 hours before your chemical peel.
• Ensure that the areas to be peeled are free from any open sores, lesions, or skin infections.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your peel type and your unique skin condition.

On the day of your peel

Your skin will be deeply cleansed. If you are undergoing a deep chemical peel, you will be given general anaesthesia.

Procedure

During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to your skin. You may experience a warm-to-hot sensation that lasts for a few minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. To alleviate the stinging, a cool compress may be applied to your skin. The chemical is then washed off and/or neutralised.

Risks

A chemical peel can cause various side effects, including:

• Redness, scabbing, and swelling
• Scarring
• Changes in skin colour
• Infection

Benefits

• Improved Skin Texture
• Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Even Skin Tone  
• Acne Treatment
• Reduced Pore Size
• Brighter Complexion
• Improved Skin Health

How you prepare

Choose a healthcare provider with experience in skin health and performing chemical peels, such as a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon. The results of the peel can differ and are dependent on the practitioner's expertise. Improper application of a chemical peel can result in complications, including infection and permanent scarring.

‍Before you have a chemical peel, your doctor will likely

Review your medical history: Be ready to discuss your current and past medical conditions, medications you're currently taking or have taken recently, and any previous cosmetic procedures you've had.

Do a physical exam:  Your doctor will examine your skin and the treatment area to determine the most beneficial type of peel for you and consider your physical characteristics.

Talk about your expectations: Have a discussion with your doctor regarding your motivations, expectations, and potential risks. Ensure that you understand the number of treatments required, the expected healing time, and the anticipated results.

Conclusion

A peel enhances skin texture and tone while reducing the visibility of fine wrinkles. The effects are subtle but become more pronounced with additional treatments. Following a moderate chemical peel, the treated skin will appear noticeably smoother. A deep chemical peel produces a significant improvement in the appearance and texture of treated areas. However, the results may not be permanent, as new lines and changes in skin colour can develop over time due to ageing and sun damage.

After any type of chemical peel, the newly revealed skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun. Consult with your doctor regarding the duration of sun protection necessary for your skin.

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