Chemical peels utilize varying concentrations of varying chemicals in order to burn away dead or damaged skin, revealing newer and fresher skin underneath. While some chemical peels are so strong they can only be applied under medical supervision, others can be applied during a spa facial with results that include fewer wrinkles, less acne and reduced appearance of age spots.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is well-known part of group of chemicals called alpha hydroxy acids, which are derived from food products. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. A glycolic acid peel can be delivered in percentages of 10 to 50 percent, according to larachmem.org. When applied to the skin, glycolic acid loosens the bonds between cells, permitting old, dead skin cells to go away--or be exfoliated. As a result, the skin revealed underneath appears more youthful and other built-up impurities, such as blackheads and pimples are reduced.
Lactic Acid
A lactic acid peel is derived from sour milk and is considered to be a milder peel than its glycolic and salicylic acid counterparts, according to larachem.org. This peel is indicated for a variety of uses, including acne, eczema, wrinkles, enlarged pores or dark spots, according to larachem.org. Those with rosacea may also experience benefits from a lactic acid peel, particularly as it is less damaging to the skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, meaning it is derived from plants. In this instance, salicylic acid comes from trees, such as willow bark and sweet birch. Salicylic acid is commonly applied as a spot treatment, but also has applications as a chemical peel. Salicylic acid's chemical properties cause it to stimulate peeling of the skin, which can last up to three days following its application, according to larachem.org. This makes it useful for sun-damaged skin, blackheads, whiteheads or wrinkles.
Trichloroacetic Acid
Also known as a TCA peel, this peel is considered a medium-level peel, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It is useful in reducing fine wrinkles, pimples and dark spots. A TCA peel requires more recovery time than alpha or beta hydroxy peels.
Phenol
A phenol peel is considered the deepest of the chemical peels, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This means it may take as much as several weeks in order to recover from a phenol peel. For this reason, it is used to make a dramatic difference in facial wrinkles, pre-cancerous moles or age spots. Phenol peels should only be applied to the face as they can cause side effects such as hyper pigmentation.
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