If you are considering treatments for sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation, you may have heard about chemical peels. A chemical peel uses a solution of gentle acids to peel away the top layers of skin, making imperfections less noticeable.
The depth of the peel depends on a few different things:
- What acids are used in the solution
- How long the solution remains on the skin
- How the solution is applied — lightly or heavily
The lightest solutions are made from alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) like lactic acid or fruit acid. AHA solutions may be used on a weekly basis. A stronger solution is made from trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and is a deeper peel than AHA. Both solutions are safe for use on most skin types.
Your skin specialist or cosmetic surgeon will pick the best type of peel for you and your skin. The solution will be applied with a sponge, cotton pad, cotton swab, or brush. You may treat specific areas of your face or the entire face — the only areas you should not have a chemical peel done are on the eyes, brows, and lips. The skin there is more sensitive than the skin on your cheeks, chin, forehead, and neck.
If your treatment uses an AHA solution, you can immediately resume normal activities. No anesthesia or sedation is needed; you will feel only a mild tingling or stinging sensation from the solution. Even a single treatment can leave your skin with a healthier, more radiant look, though your esthetician may suggest multiple treatments. AHA solutions can even be mixed with a facial wash or skin cream for use in your daily skin care routine.
TCA solutions are especially effective on patient with darker skin. With a TCA solution, because the peel is deeper, you may need a few days of restricted activity after treatment.
If you choose to have a chemical peel to smooth out skin imperfections, keep in mind that you should wear sun block after a treatment. Skin may not tan evenly following a chemical peel. And some facial skin disorders do not respond to chemical peeling; talk to a skin care professional to see if a chemical peel is right for you!