Chemical Peel - Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a solution that, when applied to the face, removes the layers of the skin. On applying the solution, the dead skin cells or layers get removed, revealing glowing and youthful skin. It makes the skin bright and fresh and improves the complexion. In this technique, the chemical peel solution will be applied topically to the skin, causing the outer layer of the skin to exfoliate. This reveals the underlying young and wrinkle-free skin.

What Are the Other Names for Chemical Peel Treatment?

The other names of chemical peel treatment are:

• Derma Peeling: ‘Derma’ means skin.

• Chemoexfoliation: This means exfoliation using chemicals.

What Are the Benefits of Chemical Peel Treatment?

Chemical peel treatment is used in the following conditions:

• Reduces Acne: Chemical peels reduce acne scars and pigmentation related to acne.

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Fine lines and wrinkles can be caused by reasons like genetics, aging or prolonged sun exposure, or UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure. Fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced by removing the affected layer of skin with chemical peels.

• Uneven Pigmentation, Spots, and Discoloration of the Skin: Spots and uneven skin discoloration may be due to many reasons. Aging and sun exposure plays a major role in causing such skin changes. This can be reduced by chemical peel treatment.

• Melasma: Melasma is a condition where brown patches appear on the skin. It is also known as chloasma. Radiation and hormonal changes are the main causes of melasma. This skin condition can be treated with chemical peels.

• Actinic Keratosis: It is also known as solar keratosis. It is a skin condition where scaly patches develop on the skin due to years of exposure of the skin to sunlight.

What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peel Treatment?

Chemical peels are of three different types:

• Superficial Peels: Superficial or light chemical peel removes the epidermis or the topmost layer of the skin. This is usually done in case of wrinkles, pigmentation, dryness, and acne conditions. The chemical peel solution will be applied to the skin and left for a few minutes. Agents like glycolic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, or salicylic acid may be used in the chemical peel solution.

• Medium Peels: Medium chemical peels remove the epidermis and upper portion of the middle layer of the skin or the dermis. It is used to heal acne scars, deep wrinkles, and altered skin pigmentation. Glycolic acid, Jessner’s solution, or trichloroacetic acid will be the contents used in the chemical peel solution.

• Deep Peels: Deep chemical peels affect the deep layers of the skin. It may be done in cases of pre-cancerous growth, damaged skin, and acne scars. It will usually be done under a local anesthetic. Strong chemicals like phenol will be used in the chemical peel solution that causes deep peeling.

What Are the Side Effects of Chemical Peels?

The possible side effects of chemical peels are the following:

• Discomfort: The procedure can immediately cause pain or discomfort on the skin. Some contents of the solution can cause a warm sensation on the skin. Agents like trichloroacetic acid can cause a burning sensation or pain. Deep peel solutions can cause swelling, severe pain, discoloration, and blistering.

• Sensitivity: Skin treated with a chemical peel solution may be more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to use sunscreen cream multiple times a day to protect from damage.

• Abnormal Pigmentation: The treated skin may show abnormal pigmentation like persistent redness, hyperpigmentation, or temporary darkening. In some cases, the skin may become abnormally light.

• Cold Sores: Cold sores are painful blisters that appear on the skin. These blisters can be pus-filled and may get infected.

• Scarring: In some cases, the infected skin forms scar tissue after the treatment.

• Heart Conditions: Deep chemical peel solution containing phenol can cause risks in patients with heart conditions.

• Pruritus: Pruritus is the uncomfortable itching of the skin, which can occur due to the reaction to the chemical components of the solution.

• Eye Injuries: The chemical solution used may come in contact with the eyes, causing injuries like corneal damage.

• Infections: Infections rarely occur after chemical peel treatment. The contents of the chemical peel solution are usually bactericidal (kills the bacteria) in nature. But rarely, folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles), impetigo (a contagious skin infection), or other infections can be developed.

• Milia: Milia or milk spots are small white cysts or bumps seen on the skin of the nose or cheeks, which may develop after chemical peel treatment.

• Altered Texture: The texture of the skin may get altered after chemical peel treatment.

• Atrophy: Skin atrophy refers to the thinning of the skin. Skin atrophy may occur after chemical peel treatments.

• Allergic Reactions: The patient may develop allergic reactions to the chemical components, which may cause irritation and other allergic symptoms.

What Are the Things to Be Considered After a Chemical Peel Treatment?

• The above-mentioned side effects can happen after a chemical peel treatment. The patient should be aware of the aftereffects of the treatment.

• The skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the skin from the sun by applying sun cream.

• The patient should apply the lotions recommended by the doctor without fail.

• Additional sitting for the chemical peel treatment can be done after two weeks, as recommended by the doctor.

• In case of deep peels, the bandage may be applied to the skin and will be removed after a few days.

• To prevent scarring, it is necessary to apply moisturizers topically.

• The individual can apply makeup after getting approval from the dermatologist.

• The skin starts showing the required benefits only after healing. It may take one to 14 days for the skin to develop visible results.

• If the skin develops severe side effects, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist.

Conclusion

Chemical peel treatments are the best way to repair aged or damaged skin. The final peel results depend on the expertise of the dermatologist and the care taken during and after the procedure. The patient should be aware of the possible complications, and the dermatologist should take all the required steps to prevent the development of post-procedure complications.