Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels for skin treatment has become a very popular option because of sheer effectiveness. There are arguments about side effects, however, it is an option that is used by many who have skin problems such as wrinkles, skin discoloration, and fine lines.

For a common problem like acne, chemical peels are highly suggested by dermatologists and skin experts. Using an inappropriate chemical peel may be ineffective or may even cause damage to the skin.

So it is very important to understand the different types available in the market to check if its suitable for your skin type, and whether the application of it may harm your skin in any way.

Phenol is an extremely strong chemical solution, and therefore, it makes for a deep skin peel. Phenol chemical peels are said to produce amazingly great results.

They have the potential of not just treating minor skin problems or imperfections, but are also known to be very effective in the removal of precancerous skin growths, and also for the permanent removal of wrinkles on the face.

Phenol chemical treatment takes longer duration than any other treatment, as it has a deep effect and the person undergoing this treatment also requires to be given a local anesthesia for the same. The recovery time is also longer for this deep skin peel, along with the medication for the pain.

Also known as AHAs, they are used as a mild chemical peel formula, and are appropriate for the treatment of skin imperfections such as fine wrinkles, acne, dry patches on the skin, and uneven pigmentation. As it produces lighter peels, the person undergoing the treatment does not require to be given any anesthesia.

The most common AHA used for skin treatment is glycolic acid. Many treatment sessions or sittings may be required to attain the desired results, as this peel is mild in nature.

TCA is one of those peels that can produce medium to deep peels depending on the level of its concentration, which means that an increase in the concentration increases the depth of the penetration. Wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, and acne scars are some of the skin imperfections that can be treated with these.

As the treatment may cause a stinging sensation on the skin for a couple of days, over-the-counter medications may be prescribed for the pain and skin irritation, but the patients undertaking this treatment in most cases do not require to be given anesthesia. The recovery time is approximately one week, and the results are better than other lighter peels.

Jessner's chemical peel formula is named after the German-American dermatologist who developed it, Dr. Max Jessner. It is a chemical peel that is made of a variety of chemical solutions, and although it is mild in nature producing lighter peels, it is stronger than alpha as well as beta hydroxy acid chemical peels.

The combination of chemicals includes salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. This treatment is normally advised to those who do not get positive results with AHA. Like many others, it also does not require the use of anesthetics, and only requires a week to recover after the treatment.

Salicylic acid is the commonly used beta hydroxy acid in chemical peels for the face. Salicylic acid has properties of controlling oil, and therefore, it is used in many acne products.

It offers a deeper chemical peel, and also has better and long-lasting results as compared to a much lighter one such as glycolic acid. With a short recovery time, this treatment is apt and effective for mild skin resurfacing purposes, and may also help remove acne scars.

Although this is an effective treatment, it may be required at regular periods in order to maintain healthy skin.

These were the different chemical peels that are used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for the treatment of a variety of skin problems and imperfections. Before undertaking any of the above mentioned treatments, you need to consult your doctor/dermatologist.