Are you a suitable candidate for a chemical peel?

The ideal chemical peel patient is in good, physical health and has a thorough understanding of the treatment process, outcome and risks involved. If you suffer from acne, acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, or you want to improve your skin tone and texture, wrinkles and fine lines and the general health of your skin, you will make a good candidate for chemical peeling. Patients who have been treated with systemic isotretinoin (Accutane) within a year or two are not good candidates for chemical peels, as well as patients who suffer regularly from fever blisters.

Are all chemical Peels the same?

There are many different peel solutions that can be used in varying degrees and strengths. The most common and effective exfoliation agents on the market are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (glycolic acid), Beta Hydroxy Acids ( salicylic acid), Tricholoracetic Acid (TCA) and Phenol. These are categorized according to their concentrations and the resulting depth of the peel on the skin into superficial (also know as light), medium and deep peels.

Superficial Chemical peels (light peels)

Superficial peels are most often achieved with the use of Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA) that is derived from naturally occurring fruit acids. These include glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric and malic acid. The most popular AHA used as a medical strength peel is glycolic acid, which comes from sugar cane. The glycolic acid formulations can be applied in varied concentrations and strengths, ranging from 20% , 35%, 50%, 70% and even stronger. The strength of the peel also depends on the Ph of the solution, a Ph below 3.5 is considered very strong and should be overseen by a physician. Skin care products containing AHA's usually contains strengths of 3-15% AHA's and gradually exfoliates the skin over several weeks. These products are good to use as a pre-peel regime to maximize the effects of the higher concentration peel.

Alpha Hydroxy acid peels are very effective in improving the skin's texture, reducing acne and acne scarring,it improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles, lightens skin discolorations and gives the skin a radiant and healthy appearance. Because a superficial peel does not penetrate the skin very deeply, repeated treatments may be necessary to achieve and maintain a good result and the treatments should be spaced between 3-5 weeks. Several superficial to medium depth peels can achieve the same results as a deep peel, but with a shorter recovery time and with less complications afterwards.

The most common side effects of AHA peels are irritation, which include redness, burning, itching, blistering and frosting (whitening of the skin). Take note that after a stronger concentration peel, these are common after effects followed by peeling and flaking of the skin. Another side effect of AHA peels are increased sensitivity to the sun. Although it works well to improve sun damage to the skin, it also at the same time makes the skin more susceptible to it. It is extremely important to wear a good quality sunscreen (apply it twice daily – once in the morning and again at noon) during treatments.