Chemical Peels
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure using an acid solution applied to the skin of the face, neck, chest and hands to improve the skin’s appearance and reduce the visible signs of aging. The solution is applied to the skin, causing it to uniformly exfoliate or slough off a controlled amount of old skin cells in the treated areas. This encourages the growth of new, smoother, more uniform skin tone and texture. The result is a refreshed appearance. Chemical peels can also be part of a combination approach to improving acne scarring.
What do chemical peels treat?
- the effects of sun damage (photoaging)
- fine lines and wrinkles caused by aging (anti-aging)
- reduce the appearance of acne
- improve the appearance of acne scars and other scars
- enlarged pores
- redness and rosacea
- hyperpigmentation
- actinic keratoses
What are the types of chemical peels?
Chemical peels affect only the top two layers of skin called the epidermis and the dermis.
Dr. Higgins will provide you with pre and post treatment instructions on how to care for the treated areas while you heal from a chemical peel.
Superficial peels
These peels only treat the upper most layer of skin called the epidermis. This is the gentlest type of peel, so the skin heals quickly in less than a week. Patients need to wear sunscreen during healing to prevent discolorations and after to retain the benefits of the peel. Because superficial peels are so gentle the risk of side effects is low, and the benefits are mild. Thus, up to five peels may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Superficial peels typically use alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. The goal is gentle exfoliation to improve skin tone and texture for a revitalizing effect. Superficial peels can be used on the face, neck, chest and hands.
Medium peels
Medium peels commonly contain glycolic acid, Jessner’s solution or trichloracetic acid (TCH) alone or in combination. They penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin. These peels are anti-aging. The goal is to improve the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, photoaging (sun damage), freckles, mild skin discolorations and minor acne scars.
Side effects include swelling, redness and possibly blistering that will get worse for the first 48 hours. Healing takes 7-14 days. Redness can last for up to a month after your peel. The skin will be sensitive and sun screen is a must. Medium peels can also treat actinic keratosis or precancerous skin growths.
Deep Peels
Deep peels penetrate into the middle layer of skin to treat moderate wrinkles, age spots, freckles and shallow scars as well as sun damage and hyperpigmentation. A higher concentration of Trichloracetic acid (TCH) produces dramatic improvements in skin tone and texture for skin rejuvenation.
You may receive a mild sedative and anti-inflammatory medication before the procedure. After the treatment you may receive cool compresses to calm the skin. Healing takes 2 – 3 weeks. Sun exposure is to be avoided for at least three months. If you are prone to cold sores, antiviral medication may be prescribed for use before treatment.
What are the risks of chemical peels?
Risks include scarring, reactivation of cold sores, temporary and permanent skin color changes, infections, delayed healing and scarring.
Who is a good candidate?
Good candidates are healthy, don’t smoke and are not pregnant or nursing. You should not have a chemical peel if you have used Accutane within the 6 months prior to a peel, or have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or active rosacea.
Located in Asheville North Carolina, Dr. Heather Higgins is a board – certified dermatologist whose goal is to help you look your best. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Higgins to learn whether you are a good candidate for a chemical peel and her recommendations on the type of peel to achieve your goals.
