Types of Chemical Peels - Do Chemical Peels Work on Acne?
Chemical peels reduce wrinkles, soften acne facial scars, control acne, remove skin problems and produce a softer, smoother and healthy skin. It is a body treatment, which is used to improve and smoothen the texture of the skin using chemical solutions, which blister the skin, and peel off, creating a regenerated fresh new skin which is free from all problems. Though there are chemical peels available in the market, which can be used at home, it is recommended that only a plastic surgeon or an experienced doctor perform this treatment.
There are many types of chemical peels. The most common one is AHA (Alpha hydroxyl acid), which is quite mild but produces good results. It works on the skin surface, causes blisters that remove the affected skin and produces new ones. It includes glycolic, lactic or fruit acid and patients may need more applications to get the desired effect.
For stronger peeling if the problem is more severe, TCAs (trichloroacetic acids) are used. They can be use also on the neck and other body parts. For the results to last longer, the process has to be repeated many times. In one of the latest methods, a blue color is used with the chemical. This blue color is slow but guarantees penetration and it makes the doctor’s job easier. It ensures that the treatment is even and smooth.
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical peels and is used to remove strong lines and wrinkles. The type of skin pigmentation decides whether a person is the right candidate for this treatment. It is good and effective for lighter colored skins. Dark skinned people are advised not to undergo this treatment. Also heart patients and pregnant or lactating women also should not undertake this procedure. Phenol is commonly used for deepest peel and is used to remove wrinkles around the mouth, lips and chin.
A new formulation of salicylic acid is used to smoothen the very fine lines and small imperfections on the skin’s surface. It works fast and takes a short time to produce results.
Generally the acid is painted on the skin of the face and depending upon how deep the patient wants the peel to go, a thirty to seventy percent glycol peel is used. The peels vary according to their specific ingredients and strength. Also the depth of peeling also depends upon how long the solution remains on the skin and how it is applied-lightly, heavily or vigorously.
