Frequently used to combat signs of aging and skin discoloration, chemical peels may also be used to smooth over acne scars or remove pre-cancerous melanoma spots. According to the Derma Network, chemical peels involve causing "controlled injury" to the skin with the goal of growing new skin with an improved appearance.
Types
Facial peels that are designed to accommodate the specific needs of the client. They are classified by the depth in the skin that the chemicals are able to impact. The higher the concentration of the solution, the deeper the chemical will penetrate. Very light peels only penetrate the top layer of the skin, while medium-depth facial peels involve injury to the upper level of the dermis. Deep facial peels involve injury to the mid-dermis and carry higher risk factors but longer-lasting results.
Chemicals Used
Beginning with a vigorous skin cleansing, chemical peels involve the use of various different chemicals being applied to the skin to achieve the desired effect. Common chemicals which may be applied to the face include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol and Jessner's solution, which is made of a combination of lactic acid, salicylic acid, resorcinol and ethanol.
For very light chemical peels, glycolic acid or salicylic acid may be used in a minute concentration along with a 10 to 20 percent trichloroacetic acid (TCA) concentration to produce a mild exfoliating effect on the skin. For medium-depth peels, a 70 percent glycolic acid solution is combined with 25 to 35 percent TCA solution to stimulate collagen formation. This also has a plumping effect on the skin. Phenol is the strongest chemical used for facial peels and it is used only for the deepest chemical peels which provide a complete resurfacing of the skin on the deepest level possible.
What to Expect
Most facial peels may cause a burning sensation during treatment. Cool compresses are commonly used to relieve this side effect. Topical anesthesia is often used for medium-depth peels and deep chemical peels involve the use of sedation and local anesthesia combined. Most chemical peels usually take about an hour from start to finish.
Recovery
While the deepest peels provide the most long-lasting and dramatic effects, they require a longer recovery time and carry a higher risk of complications. Risk factors for deeper peels include redness, discoloration, infection and possible scarring. Deeper chemical peels may require weeks for full recovery, while medium-depth peels may cause only a few days of redness. Very light or superficial peels may require no recovery time, but a series of treatments is usually required to achieve the desired effect. Results may last for months or even years with adequate protection from sunlight.
Cost
According to Doc Shop.com, as of 2009, very light chemical peels generally cost from $150 and $300 in the United States. However, very light peels usually need to be administered more than once so they may not be the most economical choice overall. Medium-depth peels may range from $1000 to $2000 each, while deep chemical peels cost from $2500 to $6000. Light and medium-depth peels may be performed by an aesthetician, where deep peels must be performed by a licensed dermatologist.
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