Top 3 Chemical Peels and How to Decide What's Right For You

Chemical peels are a growing trend in today's society and are used for everything from reducing fine lines under the mouth to reducing age spots, freckles, and dark patches on the skin. They can also be used to improve the appearance of mild scarring and to treat certain types of acne.

Chemical peels can be performed in a doctor's office, medical spa, or surgery center as an outpatient procedure. With all chemical peels, the skin is first cleansed with an agent to remove excess oil. Then, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. The type of solution (and how deep it penetrates) depends on which type of chemical peel you decide upon. So, how to do you determine what's right for you? Take a look at the most common types of chemical peels and the benefits of each:

Alphahydroxy Acid Peel (AHAs) - This type uses glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids, which are the mildest type available and are used to provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. It's used to treat uneven pigmentation, acne, fine wrinkling, and dryness. A concentration of AHA should be applied weekly or at longer intervals for a long-lasting result. This mild solution can also be blended with a facial wash or cream to be applied daily, but this will normally be determined by your healthcare professional.

Side effects associated with AHA peels: AHA peels may cause redness, irritation and stinging during the first treatments. As the skin adjusts, the side effects will likely go away.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) - This type of solution is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling to treat fine surface wrinkles, pigment problems, and superficial blemishes on the face and other areas of the body. The procedure can be done in just 10 to 15 minutes, but sometimes requires a pre-treatment of Retin-A or AHA creams. The results are usually less dramatic and last for less time than a phenol peel. For this reason, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the results you're looking for.

Side effects associated with TCA peels: Those who undergo a TCA peel are encouraged to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment so the new layers of skin will be protected.

Phenol Peel - Phenol is the strongest chemical solution and is used for a deep peel. It's ideal for patients who have blotchy or damaged skin, coarse facial wrinkles, or pre-cancerous growths. The peel is known to sometimes lighten the treated area, so your skin tone will likely be a factor in whether or not the treatment is appropriate for you. Another thing to note with this type of treatment is that it should be used primarily on the face - when applied to the neck or other body areas, it may cause scarring. Finally, the recovery time associated with a phenol peel is fairly long and can take several months.

When undergoing a phenol peel, the new skin that develops frequently loses its ability to make pigment, or get a tan. Not only will your skin tone be lighter, but you'll have to work harder to protect it from the sun.

Side effects associated with phenol peels: Phenol peels aren't recommended for those patients with a history of heart disease. This type of peel can also cause uneven pigment changes.

How do you decide what's right for you?

Before you decide on which chemical peel to use, it's even more important to find a reliable provider with an experienced staff. Someone who has been well-trained can walk you through the different options and help you determine which one - or series of peels - is right for you. Talk with your friends to see if they have a recommendation for a local business - or, check sites like Yelp to see what other customers think about the business and staff.

During the initial consultation, talk with the staff about your expectations and be sure to ask any questions that have been on your mind. At this time, the staff member should explain the procedure in detail, as well as give you the risks and benefits associated with it. They'll also go through all the things you need to know prior to treatment and outline any medications or antibiotics that you should stop taking before the procedure.

Roxanne Jones has written extensively about the medical spa industry. Finding the right medical spa and botox treatment is important for a successful outcome.

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