Chemical peeling is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers.
Chemical Peeling
Chemical peeling is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother. You may need to go through the procedure more than once to achieve desired results with light or medium peeling.
Chemical peels are often used to treat facial wrinkles, discolored skin, and scars. They can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures. It can improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, it “bubbles” on the skin and eventually peels off. New skin is usually smoother and has fewer wrinkles than old skin.
Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck or hands. They can be used for:
- Reducing fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treating wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
- Improving the appearance of mild scars
- Treating certain types of acne
- Reducing age spots, freckles and dark spots (melasma) due to pregnancy or birth control pills
- Improving the look and feel of the skin
After a chemical peel, the skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen should be used every day. It should say “broad spectrum” on the label, so choose a sunscreen that protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. It should also be a physical sunscreen and have an SPF above 30. Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10:00 and 14:00, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Chemical Peels?
Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels. If you have darker skin, you may also get good results depending on the type of problem being treated. But you may also be more likely to have an uneven skin tone after the procedure.
Skin sagging, swelling and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may need other types of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as laser resurfacing, facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or soft tissue filling (collagen or fat). A dermatological surgeon can help you determine the most appropriate type of treatment for you.