What are Chemical Peels?
By: AlbrightTotal Views: 276, Word Count: 771,
A chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve & smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the dead skin to slough off & eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother & less wrinkled than the old skin. Thus, the term chemical peel is used. Facial peels are used to reduce wrinkles, especially the ones associated with sun damage, acne scars, other blemishes & areas of uneven skin pigmentation. This is achieved by chemicals (including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid and phenol), mechanical (dermabrasion, micro dermabrasion) or laser application.
Chemical peeling technique is one of the oldest cosmetic procedures in the world, & history says that Cleopatra & the ancient Romans used various food acids to peel their skin. In early twentieth century, European & American women started using mild acids to peel off their skin. In mid twentieth century, phenol peel was developed & as we move further with time various other chemicals & methods are now-a-days used for chemical peeling. Chemical peeling is a quick way to improve the skin conditions as you need not go undergo a surgery or a facelift.
Do you require chemical peeling!
Chemical peeling is often done for cosmetic reasons. If you are unhappy with the look of your skin & want to enhance your appearance & self confidence, then you must go ahead for chemical peeling. Also, if you are troubled by the following conditions, you can use chemical peeling to:
a) Reduce fine lines under the eyes & around the mouth.
b) Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage & ageing.
c) Reduce age spots, freckles, dark patches, blemishes & pigmentation.
d) Reduce the appearance of mild scars.
e) Refresh skin texture & color.
f) Soften acne facial scars & even control them.
g) Reduce cancerous or precancerous lesions or spotting.
The procedure of chemical peeling:
For undergoing this treatment, you must search for an experienced & qualified cosmetic dermatologist & the procedure can be done in a clinic only. The skin is first thoroughly cleansed with cleansers to remove excess oils & then eyes & hairs are protected using a black tape. The chemical is then painted onto the face, neck, hands etc. There may be some burning or stinging sensation. The skin will become red & swollen in few hours. Once the burning sensation & the pain reduce, you’ll experience a feeling of tightness. Over the next few days the skin dries but to prevent cracking, Vaseline should be applied several times a day. The skin will begin to peel off after 5-6 days & after it has peeled off, a new fresh skin will appear from beneath. You need to take care of your fresh skin by applying sunscreen lotion religiously & regularly while moving out in sun.
Types of chemical peels:
There are several types of chemical peels:-
- Alpha hydroxyl acid peels- These are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic, lactic or fruit acids. These are mild or light peels used for the treatment of fine wrinkles, dryness, acne & uneven pigmentation.
- Beta hydroxyl acid peels- These peels are stronger than AHA peels since BHA peels get deeper into the pores & are very effective in controlling oil, acne & removing dead skin cells.
- Trichloro acetic acid peels- These are used in medium facial peels. This chemical works well for treating surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes & pigmentation. Preferred for dark skin patients.
- Phenol peels- Phenol is a strong chemical & is used in deep facial peels. It is used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotches caused by ageing or sun exposure & pre-cancerous growths.
Side effects of chemical peeling:
Chemical peels are safe if performed by an experienced dermatologist but there are few side effects which are often temporary & subside within few days. Patients often experience redness, stinging & crusting. Sensitive patients may suffer from cold sores & fever blisters. Flaking, peeling & changes in skin color are also experienced, but patients should be careful not to pull off peeling skin since it may result in infection & scarring.
Chemical peeling is relatively safe & can be used to change one’s look.
About the Author
Albright is graduated from the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences at Stones Corner in Brisbane. He has an understanding of fashion and design, good with the public, good communicator, flexible and able to work on request for extended periods. He has been a pioneer in the field of beauty therapy. His advice on any beauty therapy will surely prove favorable for anybody.
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