Chemical Peels
A chemical skin peel is a popular procedure used to treat various skin problems, like acne, age spots and wrinkles.
A chemical solution is applied to the skin to improve and smooth the skin (usually on the face) by removing the damaged outer layers.
It sounds like the answer to a lot of people’s problems, but it is important to remember there might be risks or side effects.
Female First examines the options available…
The Procedure
There are basically three different types of peel available: the light, superficial, peels (AHA) medium peels (TCA) and deep peels (Phenols).
Light peel:
Glycolic acid is used, which is a mild chemical solution. These are the most common peels and remove the top layer of skin to reveal healthy skin underneath.
They are for superficial skin problems only. It is quick and easy, and often known as a “lunch-time procedureâ€. The face is cleansed and the peel applied for around ten to fifteen minutes. You may experience a mild tingling, stinging feeling. The peel is then washed off.
Medium peel:
Trichloroacetic acids or TCAs are used which are stronger than glycolic acid are used. These penetrate further into the skin to reduce acne scars, smaller wrinkles and will help to even out skin tone.
The skin is cleansed and the peel applied. The area turns a whitish-grey colour and a saline compress is applied to neutralise the acid in the peel. Your face may swell while the peel is applied and you may experience a burning, stinging feeling for around an hour after the treatment.
Deep peel:
Carbolic acid is used for deep exfoliation. These are not widely available and penetrate deeper to reduce deep scarring and wrinkles. You will be given a local anaesthetic and sometimes be sedated. The skin is cleansed and the peel applied for around 30 minutes before being neutralised.
The Recovery
Light peel:
The skin will be pink afterwards but there should be no after-effects. It may also show faint discolouration or blotches but these should fade soon after. You should repeat the procedure every week for four to six weeks, then monthly after that. Your skin should be radiant and glowing afterwards.
Medium peel:
Recovery takes around a week and your skin will be itchy then start to peel. It may be a dark brown colour to begin with and when it has peeled, become a bright red which will fade over the following three to six weeks. You should repeat the treatment monthly until you reach the desired effect and then maintain the result with treatments every six to 12 months. The results will not be seen immediately but the appearance of your skin will visibly improve once the skin has healed.
Deep peel:
You can expect to feel unwell after the peel and experience moderate to severe pain for the following days. Your face will be itchy and swollen and it will be around two weeks before you probably want to be seen in public. But the results are dramatic and the effects can last up to ten years.
The Risks
If you have a history of abnormal pigmentation, skin scarring, Afro-Caribbean or Asian skin, or freckles and red hair, skin peels are not recommended.
Hyper-pigmentation can occur which is when new skin has too much pigment and will turn to brown blotches in the sunlight. You should use a high-factor sun-cream to prevent this.
Permanent scarring is a very rare risk.
The burnt skin can last for longer than expected.
Sex and the City fans, remember when Samantha had a chemical peel in time for Carrie’s book release party? She ended up with a bad chemical burn and had to attend Carrie’s party while wearing a black dress with a black hat and veil to hide her red cheeks. You could end up not wanting to go out for longer then you planned for.
The Verdict
Light peels cost from around £60 per session. Medium peels start at around £1000 depending on your requirements. Deep peels cost from £2,000 depending on your requirements and the size of area treated.
Cosmetic peels are a well-established procedure (the superficial, light peels) and can provide good results with little or no side-effects. However, healthy skin can be maintained with a combination of eating well and exercise, as well as regularly exfoliating and moisturising your skin. They are a cosmetic procedure and should be treated as such, taking all the facts into careful consideration.
Check out Female First later this month for alternatives to cosmetic surgery.
Tara Hounslea- Female First