A face peel, also called a chemical peel, is a cosmetic procedure to remove blemishes, fine wrinkles, discoloration and sun damage from the skin. Face peels require the use of an acidic solution that dissolves the upper and sometimes middle layers of skin. Some very superficial face peels can be done at home with over-the-counter preparations, while others are done as outpatient procedures and require longer recovery times.
Light Face Peels
Light face peels are used to smooth, refresh and replenish the skin. Light face peels also might help remove acne and minor acne scars. They only remove part of the outermost layer of skin, so they require almost no recovery time. Alphahydroxy acid, or AHA, is generally used for light face peels. Some commonly used AHAs are glycolic acid and citric acid.
Depending on the concentration of acid in the face peel solution, light face peels may be done at home or in a doctor's office. The solution is applied to cleansed skin, and the dissolved skin comes away with rinsing. You might feel some burning during the procedure, and your skin may look red for a few hours afterward. Light face peels can be repeated several times a month, or a mild acidic solution can be added to a daily cleanser or lotion to preserve the effects.
Medium Face Peels
Medium face peels remove the entire epidermis and may penetrate into the dermis, or middle layer of skin. The procedure is always done in a doctor's office, and may require several days to recover. For medium chemical peels, tricloroacetic acid or a stronger glycolic acid solution might be used. Jessner's solution is another medium peeling agent, comprising salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol, a disinfectant.
Medium chemical peels have longer-lasting results than light face peels, and they are better for removing wrinkles and serious sun damage. Scarring is possible with a medium peel. Following the procedure, your face will be bandaged for a few days, and recovery can take up to a week.
Deep Face Peels
To smooth rough or wrinkled skin and remove severe blemishes or sun damage, a deep chemical peel is usually required. Deep face peels can also remove pre-cancerous lesions. This type of peel is the most invasive because it completely removes the outer and middle layers of skin. The procedure can take up to two hours, and it may be several months before the skin heals completely. Sedatives and topical anesthetics are often used during the procedure, and pain-killers and antibiotics are usually used afterward.
The results of a deep face peel are permanent with proper care, such as daily sunscreen use. In some cases, the face is permanently discolored or can never tan again. Deep face peels are not suitable for people with dark skin or with certain types of heart conditions.
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