Whether you have fine lines, wrinkles or acne scars, chemical peels can be of use to you. This cosmetic procedure varies in strength from rather mild AHA peels like glycolic acid to incredibly strong ones that use phenols. Which type of peels you will choose depends greatly on your needs, budget and available recovery time. That is why it's so important to thoroughly understand the procedure before you commit.
Trichloroacetic Acid Peels
Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, is used for chemical peels in dermatologists' offices. This peel can penetrate fairly well into the skin to remove the top layers of skin and create a smoother skin texture. Redness, uneven skin tone, blemishes and light scarring can be removed with this treatment. Several treatments are often necessary to achieve the look you want.
Phenol Peels
Phenol peels are the strongest chemical peel available. It penetrates deeply into the skin to remove wrinkles, scarring, roughness and acne scars. It can lighten the skin tone as well, so it's not necessarily appropriate for those with darker skin. Phenol peels can only be completed in a dermatologist's office. This is usually the most costly and most invasive of all peels.
Glycolic Acid Peels
Alphahydroxy acids like glycolic acid are the mildest form of chemical peel and can be used to give the skin a light rejuvenation. You can buy at-home chemical peel kits that use glycolic acid so you can try it out on your own time. This is a good introduction to chemical peels for those who aren't sure about the procedure or who perhaps don't have the time or money to spend on a stronger treatment. Strong glycolic acid peels (above 30 percent concentration) are typically performed in a dermatological setting.
Chemical Peel Side Effects
Strong chemical peels that use TCA or phenols do carry some serious side effects and potential risks. TCA can make you very sensitive to sunlight, cause redness and even pigmentation changes in your skin. A phenol peel is even stronger and could permanently change your skin's pigment, effectively bleaching you. It might also make it so you can never tan again. It causes scabbing, which usually heals within a few weeks, and even scarring if the peeled skin isn't taken care of in the proper manner. Uneven skin tone may also result, though this is more common in those with darker skin.
Glycolic Acid Peel Side Effects
Glycolic acid peels are mild but they can still cause a few unpleasant side effects. For instance, you may notice your skin being red and irritated following a peel. It might sting or burn while the peel is on your face and the skin might crust or seem blotchy for a few days as your skin peels. An oil-free moisturizer is usually enough to combat these side effects, however.
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