Medical Strength Chemical Peels

It seems ironic that putting harsh chemicals on the skin can actually improve its appearance. I often wonder how the first doctor to perform a chemical peel convinced his patient that putting acid on their skin was a good idea! Clients, and some doctors, often have difficulty coming to terms with this concept. Education is the best way of helping someone decide if a chemical peel is a good option for them.

Chemical peels are usually used to improve skin texture and discolouration, particularly damage caused by the sun. Peels can also help with fine lines and wrinkles, reduce scars and treat acne. Chemical peels do not help deep creases or wrinkles and sagging skin.

A chemical peel is performed by applying a solution to the skin. The face is usually treated but the decolletage and backs of hand can also benefit. The solution can be glycolic acid, trichloracetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol). Depending on the particular chemical used, its concentration and the number of coats applied, the solution will penetrate to a certain depth within the skin. The skin above this level will peel off. Recovery time depends on the depth of penetration and can vary from less than 24 hours for mild glycolic peels to several weeks for deep phenol peels. Deeper peels are associated with more down time but deliver more dramatic results.

Chemical peels are not suitable for everybody. People with darker complexions must proceed with caution as they may be left with pigment changes if they have a deeper peel. Some other potential problems with deeper peels are burns, swelling and scarring.

Microdermabrasion is an alternative treatment that can deliver similar results to a superficial chemical peel. It causes superficial resurfacing and exfoliation and can be used to treat fine lines, sunspots and small acne scars. Chemical peels can penetrate deeper than microdermabrasion and are more useful for more prominent scars and deeper pigment.

There are a couple of things that are important to ensure you obtain the best results from a peel. The first is skin preparation. Creams are used on the skin to prepare it to ensure that the chemical penetrates evenly. This improves the results of the peel as well as reducing the risk of complications. Skin preparation takes a minimum of two weeks but I prefer 4 to 6 weeks. Secondly, sun avoidance after the peel is vital. This is particularly important in the first three months following the peel. It also means committing to wearing sunscreen daily. Doing this will ensure good long-term results. Afterall, if you have invested significant time and money in this procedure you want to ensure you receive the maximum benefit.

Dr Stephen Wassall has a Masters Degree in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine and is a Member of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine. He practises on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. He offers an integrated Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Facial Rejuvenation service performed with high professional and ethical standards. He performs non-surgical procedures including wrinkle injections, chemical peels and dermal fillers as well as offering prescription strength skin rejuvenation products.

http://www.SkinIntegrity.com.au

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