When dead skin cells dull and dry your complexion, a chemical peel can improve your appearance. Chemical peels have been used for centuries--including ancient Egypt and Greece--to rid the skin of its top layer to make way for fresher, younger-looking skin underneath, according to DocShop.com.
Function
A chemical peel involves mixing some percentage of a chemical solution and then applying this solution to the face. Some peels must be performed under medical supervision due to the depth at which they penetrate, while others can be performed at a spa or aesthetician's office. When the solution is applied, it is left on for a predetermined amount of time. A person may experience some burning sensations at this time.
Benefits
Although results vary based on the type of chemical used, chemical peeling can offer a number of benefits to those wishing to undergo this process. Benefits include a reduction in fine lines and wrinkling; acne blemishes and blackheads; and hyperpigmentation, such as age or sun spots, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Because chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin, they also can make the skin appear more fresh and glowing.
Types
Chemical peels range from those that affect only the top layers of skin to strong chemicals that penetrate deeply. The type used often depends upon your skin's sensitivity and desired results. Mild chemical peels include those made with alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic or malic acid, according to DocShop.com. A slightly deeper peel is the trichloracetic acid--TCA--peel. The peel that penetrates most deeply is the phenol peel, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Warning
While mild chemical peels cause few side effects and little irritation, other peels can have side effects. These include irritation, redness, sun sensitivity, skin that appears gray or discolored and peeling skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In some instances, scarring can occur--always tell your physician if you experience difficulty with scar tissue, such as keloid scarring.
Cost
Chemical peels vary in cost based on the type of the peel being performed. Light chemical peels that do not require anesthesia and are performed in under an hour can cost an estimated $150, according to DocShop.com. While most chemical peels range in price from $600 to $900, some can cost up to $6,000 when anesthesia, a hospital stay and physician supervision is taken into account.
