CHEMICAL PEEL

CHEMICAL PEEL

Overview and Facts

Chemical peeling is a process that enables the underlying skin to be brought to the surface the shortest time possible. This method has been around for decades and dates back to ancient Egyptian times, where women are fond of beauty rituals to make them more appealing to the opposite sex.

Several substances were used like resorcinol, trichloroacetic acid, and salicylic acid, among others. The primary goal of using chemical peeling is to remove the impurities which can be seen in the different areas of the body, most notably the face in the form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and pimple marks.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

There are different types of chemical peeling ranging from the mildest (peeling of the first layer of the skin only) up to the strongest (involves several layers of the skin). The desired type of peeling is dependent upon the type of chemical used.

  • Chemical peel using alpha hydorxybutyric acid (AHA)- this solution is also known to hasten the whitening properties of some face creams. This also works miracles since this chemical can remove age lines and some fine wrinkles.
  • Betahydroxybutyric acid peeling(active ingredient is salicylic acid)- is suitable for a wide range of skin types. This chemical also can go deeper into the skin surface to reveal a new layer of skin, thereby getting rid of scars caused by acne.
  • Peels using Trichloroacetic acid- this solution offers a remedy for wrinkles, which has already traversed several layers of the skin, uneven skin tone correction, and damage brought about by the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
  • Deep tissue peels- utilizes phenol in the solution and can penetrate the deepest layer of the epithelium, causing a more prolonged effect. This is done in a clinic set up and is performed by a licensed dermatologist.

SYMPTOMS

After the prescribed number of days in the application of the chemical peel. One can expect any of the following appears on the area of the application:

  • Localized erythema
  • Mild itchiness and stinging sensation on the area of application
  • May form some crusts on the field of scars left by acne
  • The skin tends to create a scaly pattern and will eventually fall off

The appearance of the skin after treatment is only temporary, and a new layer of skin will begin to resurface after 3-4 weeks.

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

After undergoing such a non-invasive procedure, it is best to wear creams that protect you from ultraviolet rays both from the sun and indoor lighting. This is to preserve the integrity and the suppleness of the resurfacing skin.

Other steps to preserve the rejuvenated skin include eating healthy foods and taking food supplements rich in collagen and vitamin E because this helps the skin maintain the natural pinkish glow. Soothing creams are also available for use for those individuals who cannot tolerate the itchiness and stinging sensation brought about by peeling.

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