A chemical peel is a treatment that involves peeling skin with a variety of different methods. The end result of each specific type is smoother skin after healing has occurred. The new regenerated skin is usually smoother and is less wrinkled than the skin that was treated.
Some chemical peels can be bought without a prescription and are available to use also without a medical license. These types of peels are usually less harsh and do not produce as dramatic a result that can be acquired by a medical professional. Chemical peels used by physicians, estheticians and dermatologists are much more aggressive and usually involve downtime at home to recover afterwards. Here are the varying degrees of chemical peels available out there and what each one can do for you:
SUPERFICIAL
One of the least aggressive types of chemical peels is a light or superficial peel. This is also known as a “lunchtime” procedure. With this treatment, only the top most layer of skin is removed. The end result is brighter and smoother skin. It is effective for treating mild acne scarring and sun damage.
MEDIUM DEPTH
The second types of chemical peel is stronger than the superficial peels. These specific typo of peel can produce much more dramatic results than a superficial peel as it removes more than just the superficial layer of skin. There is usually downtime involved with this depth of peeling. Expect to see swelling and a pinkish hue.
DEEP DEPTH
A deep chemical peel is the strongest type of peel. It is very aggressive and used for badly sun-damaged skin, severe acne scarring and deep wrinkles. The downtime from this types of peel is no less than one or two weeks. Extra care not to expose the treated skin to sun is crucial after treatment. Depending on tolerance level, sedation could be required during this procedure.
Chemical peels have advanced a great deal over the last several years. With such advancements, patients often derive medium-depth results from a superficial peel. With any cosmetic procedure, be sure to consult a qualified medical professional who is specifically trained in this field.
