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| Chemical
Peels |
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical
peels are a category of advanced clinical skin
rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged
skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and
acne.
Who
are candidates for Chemical Peels?
Clients
who have facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin
pigmentation are candidates.
What
are the types of Chemical Peels?
There are
three levels of Chemical Peels ranging in intensity and
strength:
- Alphahydroxy
Acids (AHA) These are the mildest form of
Chemical Peels and provide smoother,
brighter-looking skin. AHA peels may be used for
treating fine lines, areas of dryness and
pigmentation problems. AHA can be mixed with
bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and it
can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. The
peels’ ingredients originate from glycolic, lactic
and fruit acids.
- Trichloracetic
Acids (TCA) This type is a medium-depth
peeling system that may be performed in different
variations. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial
blemishes and pigmentation problems are commonly
treated with this type of Chemical Peel. More than
one TCA peel may be needed to achieve desired
results, but the recovery time is shorter than with
a Phenol treatment.
- Phenol
This is the deepest, strongest Chemical
Peel procedure with the most dramatic and
longest-lasting results. It is used mainly to treat
clients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of
blotchy or sun damaged skin. Since Phenol can cause
the skin to lighten, your skin tone should be taken
into consideration when deciding whether this level
of treatment is right for you.
How
many treatments are required?
Multiple
treatments are common with certain Chemical Peels:
- Alphahydroxy
Acids Various levels of AHA peels can be
performed weekly or at longer intervals.
- Trichloracetic
Acids This peel is more intense and two to
three TCA peels are usually performed to achieve
desired results.
- Phenol
A single treatment usually produces desired
effects.
Are
Chemical Peels safe?
Chemical
Peels are safe, but each treatment has different side
effects. Some AHA peels may cause irritation, flaking
and soreness. Complications for TCA and Phenol peels
include scarring and changes in skin color.
Will
there be any downtime?
There is
no downtime with AHA Chemical Peels. A TCA peel may
cause redness and swelling, and a mild pain medication
may be prescribed by a physician. Phenol peels may
involve intense swelling and pain. You will be able to
resume normal activities in a week to ten days.
What
are the results?
- Alphahydroxy
Acids The results from this Chemical Peel
may be very subtle at first. You will detect a
natural, healthy glow to your skin, and with
multiple treatments, even better results can be
seen.
- Trichloracetic
Acids Skin will be noticeably smoother and
fresher-looking. Results are longer-lasting than an
AHA peel.
- Phenol
This peel will result in dramatic
improvements in the surface of the skin, including
fewer wrinkles, fewer blemishes and even skin tone.
Who
should avoid Chemical Peels?
Clients
with cold sores or sensitive skin may be at a greater
risk for post-treatment complications.
Chemical
Peels at a glance:
- Alphahydroxy
Acids (AHA)
AHA
peels are used to smooth rough, dry skin, improve
texture of sun damaged skin and aid in control of
acne. AHA can be mixed with bleaching creams to
correct pigment problems, and it can be used as a
pre-treatment for the TCA peel. A series of peels
may be needed.
- Trichloroacetic
Acid (TCA)
TCA
peels smooth out fine surface wrinkles, remove
superficial blemishes and corrects pigment problems.
These peels may require pre-treatment with Retin-A
or AHA creams. Additional treatments may be needed
to maintain results. The healing process is usually
quick.
- Phenol
The
Phenol peel corrects blotches caused by sun
exposure, hormones and aging. It smoothes out coarse
wrinkles and areas of blotchy or sun damaged skin.
This peel is used only on the face and is not
recommended for dark-skinned individuals. Full-face
treatment may take an hour or more. The recovery
rate is slow, and complete healing can take several
weeks. Sun protection must always be used following
the peel, and permanent skin lightening and lines of
demarcation may occur.
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