What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a minimally invasive procedure using a strong concentration of acids to improve the clarity, tone and texture of the skin on your face, hands and neck. It works by exfoliating the outer most layers of skin to remove imperfections caused by the sun, acne, aging, and the normal buildup of dead skin cells that make the skin look dull, wrinkled and blotchy.

There are many types of chemical peels that range in effect from light to deep peels. Light peels treat the top layer of skin called the epidermis, while deeper peels may penetrate to the middle layer of skin call the dermis. Professional peels are powerful and provide result quickly.

A chemical peel is an office procedure that is safe enough to be repeated monthly and is effective for all skin types and skin conditions. It is a cost-effective option to rejuvenate the skin for a refreshed appearance.

Why have a chemical peel?

Sun damage, acne, aging, and the buildup of dead skin cells cause dull skin and accentuate wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, making you look older than you really are! Dead skin cells clog pores and lead to pimples.

Chemical peels can improve the skin’s appearance for a more flawless complexion. They can moisturize, exfoliate, treat acne, improve scar and treat photoaging. Depending on the type of peel chosen the effect will include some or all of these benefits:

• softening of fine lines and wrinkles
• improve acne and acne scarring
• remove rough skin and scaly patches
• treat hyperpigmentation caused by the sun and aging
• treat melasma, a discoloration caused by hormone fluctuations
• exfoliate dead skin cells
• improve the appearance of skin pores
• encourage skin cell regeneration
• gently resurface the top layer of skin

Types of chemical peels:

Superficial peels

Superficial peels use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which are mild and gently penetrate the top layer of skin. AHA’s include Glycolic acid which is made from sugar cane. Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells and is beneficial for people with acne prone skin due to its antibacterial properties. Lactic acid is derived from milk and is great for dry and sensitive skin. Lactic acid refreshes and retexturizes the skin. Citric acid balances the Ph of the skin and increases hydration. Superficial peels are used to improve mild skin discolorations, smooth rough skin and refresh the skin. Patients have minimal downtime and can return to work right away, with makeup.

Medium Peels

Medium Peels use trichloracetic (TCA) or glycolic acid to treat the outer and middle layer of skin to address the signs of aging. TCA penetrates deeper than Alpha Hydroxy Acid peels reaching into the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. It can improve the look of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, superficial blemishes, freckles and moderate skin discolorations. It will also smooth rough skin and even treat some precancerous growths called actinic keratosis. Glycolic acid proven anti-aging effects. It stimulates collagen production and improves fine lines and wrinkles as well as skin tone.

Deep Peels

Deep Peels penetrates the middle layer of skin to remove damaged cells. This peel uses Phenol acid or Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) in a stronger formula than used in a medium peel. This peel will erase moderate lines and wrinkles, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. It provides a dramatically improved appearance with long-lasting results.

Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are ideal for men and women who desire to restore youthful, healthy and radiant skin. Dr. Swetha Kandula is an expert dermatologist who will listen to your concerns and goals and evaluate your skin.  She will recommend the best peel options for you based on your goals.

If you have dry, dull skin a peel can quickly brighten the skin, restore firmness and youthful radiance. Contact Dr. Kandula at Dermatology and Skincare Arts in Parsippany, New Jersey to schedule a consultation.