1.What are chemical peels?
Chemical peel is a treatment which uses application of naturally derived acid over skin in order to exfoliate and ultimately improve the textural properties of the skin.
2.What are the types of chemical peels?
There are three types of Chemical Peels.
Superficial Peels:
Mostly done by Alpha Hydroxy Acids or other mild acids which are capable of penetrating only the outer layer of skin. These peels works to gently exfoliate and hence improve upon mild cases of skin discoloration and rough skin texture.
Medium Peels:
Done using Glycolic or Trichloroacetic Acid, these peels have the ability to penetrate up to the middle layers of the skin in order to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment helps in reducing age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, freckles as well as moderate extents of skin discoloration.
Deep Peels:
Involve usage of Trichloroacetic acid or phenol in stronger concentrations to deeply penetrate beyond the middle skin layer and remove the damaged cells. The treatment is effective in removal of moderate line, freckles and shallow scars.
3. What are the uses of chemical peels?
Chemical peels can be used for the following :
• Acne (all grading of acne can be helped with chemical peels) • Age spots • Discoloration (blotchy complexion, uneven skin tone) • Dull complexion • Fine lines (especially under the eyes and around the mouth) • Freckles • Melasma • Rough textured skin • Sun damaged skin
4.What is the procedure of getting a peel done?
Depending on the skin type & your problem, the peel is chosen by your dermatologist. After cleaning & degreasing the skin, the solution is applied all over the face leaving the area close to mouth, nose & eyes. Some tingling sensation & irritation might be experienced which resolves on its own or after neutralization of the peel.
Leave on peels:
These peels are left over the skin for a variable period of 4-6 hours and can be washed by patients themselves. No anesthesia is required for any peel.5.What are pre peel instructions to be followed?
Inform your doctor regarding the creams/ medicines which you might be using Inform the doctor regarding any previous allergies . Avoid combining peels with any other cosmetic procedures like fillers, botox injections, laser treatment etc. Inform your doctor if you have history of getting cold sores(herpes labialis) Stop using creams containing retinol, alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA), beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide for a few days before your procedure.
6.What can I expect after getting a peel done?
Depending on the depth of peel, you might experience • Superficial peels require usually one to seven days to heal. Treated skin turns red initially and might peel a bit. Moisturisation helps and sunscreen should be applied regularly. • Medium peels require seven to 10 days to heal. The skin may show redness, crusting and peeling off within this period
7. Post procedure care to be followed:
Avoid sunlight for the next 10 days.Use sunscreen even at home and avoid stepping out between 10 am-4pm. Cover your face with a thick dupatta, cap, hat while stepping out in addition to using a sunscreen. Avoid using any other cosmetic treatments or home remedies over the face during the healing time. Avoid treatments like steam/ hot baths/sauna Do not remove any of the dry, dead skin with any sort of rubbing, peeling or pulling during the peeling process Moisturise properly and sufficiently Avoid touching your face
8. Why did I not have any visible peeling after my peel?
The success of the peel should not be judged by the amount of peeling, but by the end results that the peel will produce. The amount of peeling may vary depending on individual skin condition at the time of the peel or the depth of the peel. Regardless of the degree of peeling, the skin is still sloughing off at an accelerated rate, resulting in the improvement of skin tone and texture and an improvement of fine lines and uneven pigmentation.
9.What are the contraindications to chemical peels?
Chemical peels should be avoided if any of the following conditions are present:
• Active cold sores, herpes simplex or warts in the area to be treated • Wounded, sunburned or excessively sensitive skin • History of recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy • Women who are pregnant or actively breastfeeding • Known allergies to the constituents of chemical peels • Any history of abnormal scarring like keloids.
10. What can go wrong?
Rarely, patchy skin discoloration can happen following medium to deep peels in the event of an allergic reaction or lack of post procedure care. Usually , its temporary and can be reduced faster with a depigmenting agent