What Does a Chemical Peel Do For Your Skin - The Real Truth

What does a chemical peel do for (or to) your skin? You'll find the answer to that question and more in this article.

The peels contain acids of various strengths. The concentration of the acids varies, as well. Not only does the concentration and strength determine the effectiveness of a product. It also determines the possibility of unwanted side effects, primarily burning, stinging, itching and redness.

The treatments are sometimes recommended by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons for improving the skin's texture; making it smoother. Basically, they cause a minor burn, which is why you experience the side effects.

If you have ever had a sun burn, you may have experienced peeling as the burn healed. You may have noticed that your skin felt smoother after the peeling process was over. If you had some pimples when you got the burn, they probably dried up and healed quickly. The effect is basically the same.

So, what does a chemical peel do? First, it causes a mild burn. As the burn heals, some of the outer layers of dead skin cells are sloughed off and the layer beneath may look younger and smoother. It doesn't always work, but that's what is supposed to happen.

According to plastic surgeons, all peels are accompanied by some uncertainty. They do not always work exactly as the patient or the practitioner had hoped. It is primarily a cosmetic procedure; although some of the stronger acid peels are used to remove pre-cancerous cells. If the procedure is being done for strictly cosmetic reasons, it is wise to seriously consider the risks.

What does a chemical peel do that is risky? It is difficult to control the severity of the burn or the penetration of the chemicals. If they penetrate too deeply or burn too severely, scarring can occur. Scarring is the greatest risk of the procedure.

Scarring is not typically a concern when using over-the-counter treatments, because the concentration and the strength of the acids are weak. However, the weaker solutions might not provide the effect you are looking for. For example, the mild alpha and beta hydroxy acids are ineffective against wrinkles.

Some home-use products have proven to be effective against wrinkles, but they do not contain the chemicals that cause burning and peeling. Sometimes a good moisturizer provides better results.

Knowing what does a chemical peel do, experts recommend some follow-up care. If you do decide to use one of the at-home peels, you should be prepared to protect the area from sunlight, because the skin will be more sensitive to sunlight. You should also be prepared to use only gentle cleansers for the following weeks, if not longer.

Some cleansers contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids. The low concentration wouldn't cause a problem before the peeling, but they would cause a problem afterwards.

You will also need to invest in a good moisturizer, because of this. What does a chemical peel do to your skin? It causes it to become flaky and dry. A good moisturizer helps to prevent flaking and corrects dryness issues.

Pam Wollgast is an enthusiast of products relating to skin care and health. She prides herself in taking care of her skin and loves to share her passion for great skin tips. Feel free to check out http://www.skin-health-and-beauty.com to learn more about her discoveries on skincare.

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