Chemical Facial Peels: What Types, Results And Risks

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:49

Through adolescence and the "roaring" twenties, we all had skin problems. Even if you know the causes of acne and you have taken advantage of the 12 anti-acne essential oils, your skin is still perforated. Looking for a quick method and hoping it will work, you opt for the chemical face peel. Except that sometimes this beautifying procedure can carry risks. Which and why, what types of peels and how they work, the difference between a professional chemical peel and a product for home use, we have tried to decipher in the article below.

The chemical facial peel: what is this cosmetic procedure?

To put the dots on the "i" and the bars on the "t", it is necessary to decipher the essence of the chemical facial peel. It is so overwhelming the urge to part with this ugly inconvenience forever that every new anti-acne facial treatment is welcome.

Chemical peels are a skin treatment that has the potential to reduce acne, scars, wrinkles, and sun damage, and make the skin appear lighter. Applying a chemical solution to the face, neck and hands results in "blistered" skin that eventually peels. The new skin is generally smoother and less wrinkled than the old one. These cosmetic treatments involve a careful exfoliation, a skin detox using an acid. For its part, this chemical removes a uniform amount of damaged skin cells all over the treatment area. When done properly, it allows the skin to heal, with minimal scarring or color changes as a result of treatment.

Chemical peels affect two layers of the skin: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the visible outer layer and the dermis is located just below. This deeper layer contains nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

The effect of chemical facial peels on the skin

First of all, the positive effect of chemical face peels in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles concerns those under the eyes and around the mouth: the envy of every woman over fifty. This group includes wrinkles caused by the sun, the treatment of which is more or less effective.

If you have light scars, the peel procedure improves their appearance. As for age spots, freckles and dark spots (melasma), chemical peels largely reduce them. This approach is used for the treatment of certain types of acne.

Types of chemical peels

In case a person wants to try peeling products that contain chemical ingredients, they should make sure that they are safe to use at home.

In principle, the three existing types do not have the same indications, aiming for different purposes. The first, known by the abbreviation AHA (Alpha Hydroxy acid) and by the name fruit acid peel, is the mildest of the three. As its effect on the skin is softer, the result is superficial and results in a remarkable radiance. As for the second, it is the TCA or trichloroacetic acid peel which treats in medium depth and eliminates acne, any spots and wrinkles caused by the sun and age. Surely the third deals in depth.

For whom is chemical peeling not recommended?

Despite the more we have mentioned, there are downsides that concern pregnant women, people who take photosensitizing drugs or have recently been exposed to the sun. Chemical peeling is not recommended on skin irritated for various reasons such as shaving or exfoliation.

In general, patients with fair skin and hair are the best candidates for chemical peels. If you have darker skin tone, you may get good results, depending on the type of problem being treated, but you may be more likely to have an uneven skin tone after the procedure.

However, sagging skin, swelling, and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may need other types of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as laser resurfacing, facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or soft tissue (collagen or fat) filling. A dermatologic surgeon can help you determine the most appropriate type of treatment for you.

What should you know about the chemical facial peel before?

Before starting the chemical peel on the face, neck or hands, it is mandatory to inform your doctor if you have a history of scars, persistent cold sores or x-rays of the face. Likewise, the specialist may ask you to stop taking certain medicines and prepare your skin by using other medicines, such as Retin-A, Renova or glycolic acid. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or antivirals.

It is necessary to discuss with him to determine the depth of the work on your skin. This decision depends on his condition and the treatment goals. In addition, it is best to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

Skin types to look out for

Many dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick Scale to decide on the best type of peel. This scale classifies skin into 6 types:

• white skin that always burns in the sun and never tans
• white skin that usually burns and does not tan easily
• darker white skin that may slightly burn and tan
• moderate brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily
• darker brown skin that burns very rarely and tans very easily
• black skin that does not burn and tans very easily

People of the first three types are less likely to have a chemical procedure change the color of their skin or cause scarring. On the contrary, people with type four, five, or six skin have a higher risk of receiving lighter patches of skin or scarring. However, superficial chemical peels usually do not cause these problems.

Chemical facial peel afterwards: precautions to take

Since the skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, wear sunscreen every day. It should say "broad spectrum" on the label, which means it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Also, it should be physical sunscreen and an SPF above 30. Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a wide-brimmed hat for face and hair protection.

Where can the procedure be performed?

In general, this cosmetic treatment must be carried out in the office of the dermatologist or in a surgical center. As long as it is an outpatient procedure, there is no need for an overnight stay.

The professional who does your peel will first cleanse your skin thoroughly. Then, he will apply one or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol) to small areas of your skin. This creates a controlled wound, letting new skin take its place.

During a chemical peel, most people experience a stinging sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a tingling sensation. Putting cool compresses on the skin can reduce this burning sensation. You may need pain medication during or after deeper skin. In many cases, the treated surface reddens due to local inflammation. For this reason and many more, we insist that you undergo a thorough analysis before starting the chemical peel procedure.

What to expect after the chemical peel?

Depending on the type of chemical peel, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs after the procedure. Usually the peeling involves redness followed by peeling that ends within three to seven days. Gentle peels can be repeated at intervals of one to four weeks until you achieve the look you are going for.

Also, a medium to deep coat can lead to swelling as well as blisters which can break, bite, turn brown and peel off over a period of seven to 14 days. Medium-depth peels can be repeated after 6 to 12 months, if necessary.

After treatment, you may need bandages for several days on some or all of the treated skin. As it is already written, you will have to avoid the sun for several months after a chemical peel because your new skin will be fragile.

In short, be patient and follow the prescriptions to avoid complications.

Possible complications during a chemical deep facial peel

Certain skin types are more likely to develop a temporary or permanent color change after a chemical peel. Taking birth control pills, a later pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face can make this more likely. In addition, there is a low risk of scarring in some areas of the face. Some people may be more susceptible to it. If scars do occur, they can usually be treated with good results.

For people with a history of herpes outbreaks, there is a small risk of reactivation of cold sores. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to prevent or treat this.

A chemical peel removes a controlled amount of skin cells from the epidermis. Stronger skin can also remove a small part of the dermis.

During a chemical peel, a dermatologist first applies the exfoliating acid to the thicker areas of the skin, such as the chin, nose, and cheeks, before applying it to the thinnest areas around. eyes and mouth.

After the chemical peel, the dermatologist can use cool saline compresses to remove any remaining exfoliant. Another way to help the skin heal can be by applying a weak vinegar solution or an unscented emollient to the face for a few days after the treatment.

Chemical peels often cause redness and flaking which can take 1 to 2 weeks to go away. It is important to keep your face dry and not to shower or use facial cleanser for the first 24 hours. People shouldn't use makeup until the skin has healed.

To know the acids applied

If you want to learn about the different types of acid, take a look at the list below.

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Among these are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. Manufacturers often include alpha hydroxy acids in at-home exfoliating treatments.
2. Beta-Hydroxy Acids: Salicylic acid is an example of this and it is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin and large pores.
3. Trichloroacetic Acid: Dermatologists typically use it in medium to deep chemical peels.
4. Phenol: This powerful chemical agent is useful in deep skin peels.

What is the icing?

Certain chemicals found in peels cause a white layer to develop on the skin that the dermatologist may call “icing”. In fact, there are three levels of frosting: white coating spots on the red skin, a white layer with redness underneath, full coverage of white coating with almost no redness. Being a final step in the peel, the presence and extent of the icing helps the doctor tell if the procedure has been effective enough.

The homemade chemical face peel: is it possible?

To help you make the decision, we've listed the do's and don'ts for this cosmetic procedure.

1. When shopping for skin exfoliation products, read the ingredients.
2. Do not rely too much on the percentages indicated on the packaging.
3. Test on a small, not very visible area, never on the face.
4. There is no need for preparation.
5. Do not do anything before that could irritate the skin.
6. Say goodbye to retinoids, vitamin C, and other products that contain acid.
7. Do not use physical exfoliators immediately after a peel.
8. Do not repeat the procedure frequently.
9. Use gentle care products after a peel.