A chemical peel sounds like a scary process performed by a super villain. In reality, it’s actually not scary at all! A chemical peel is a beauty treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin on the face to reveal smooth new skin without lines or wrinkles.
Your skin has three layers. The outer coating is the epidermis. Its main purpose is to serve as waterproofing for your skin. On your face, this skin layer is very thin. The second layer, called the dermis, is thicker. The connective tissue and collagen that gives skin its strength is located in the dermis. The third and deepest layer of skin, known as the subcutaneous layer, contains fatty tissue, muscles and blood vessels.
Mild chemical peels include salicylic acid peels or glycolic peels. These are the kind of chemical peels done at a salon or spa, and sometimes in a dermatologist’s office. They typically take off the epidermis, and results are not as long lasting. Side effects are usually skin reddening and some skin peeling. Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:
With any peel, it’s important to know what results you can achieve so your expectations are realistic. Chemical peels in any form cannot remove or reduce the appearance of blood vessels on the skin. They cannot change the appearance of enlarged pores and they don’t have an effect on raised scarring. Chemical peels don’t act as a face-lift, and they have limited benefit for improving skin discoloration for those with darker skin color. They can make skin smoother, help fade brown spots and an uneven skin tone from sun damage, and generally make the skin’s surface look fresher and younger.
There are three basic types of chemical peels:
It’s completely expected to have many questions about these types of treatments. The best way to ensure you are receiving the best treatment for your skin is to do your homework. Go to a reputable place that can answer all of your questions and educate you thoroughly on the procedure that you are receiving.