Introduction How it works Indications Contraindications Types Before the peel The peel procedure After the peel Skin care post-peel Complications General advice
A chemical peel refers to the application of one or more chemicals to the skin which 'burn' off damaged cells, resurfacing the skin.
The three principal types of chemical peels are alpha-hydroxy acid peels, trichloroacetic acid peels, and the phenol-croton oil peel.
A peel removes several layers of sun-damaged skin cells, leaving fresh skin which has a more even surface and colour. It may stimulate new collagen to be formed improving the skin texture. Peels may result in superficial, moderate depth or deep skin injury.
Chemical peels are most often used on the face, but they are sometimes applied to other sites such as the hands.
A peel may be used to treat damage caused by exposure to the sun (photoageing) including actinic keratoses, to remove pigmentation such as freckles and melasma, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and to improve acne.
They are most often used in patients with fair skin, Fitzpatrick skin types I to III.
Peels can be repeated as necessary; some people have superficial peels every few weeks. It is wise to wait for 3 to 6 months before repeating a moderate depth peel.
Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI have increased risk of dyspigmentation, hypertrophic, and keloid scarring and chemical peels must be performed cautiously with full patient informed consent.
Superficial peels use glycolic acid, salicylic acid and Jessner solution and are well tolerated — the 'lunchtime' peel. They remove thin lesions on the skin surface, reducing pigment and surface dryness. The result of the first peel may be disappointing, but after repeated peels, significant improvement is usually evident. A nurse or aesthetician (beauty therapist) may perform superficial peels.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the most common chemical used for a medium depth peel. The results depend on its concentration, usually 20–35%. The treatment is painful and treated areas are swollen, red and crusted for the next week or so. It can lead to an impressive improvement in skin texture with a reduction in blotchy pigmentation, freckling and actinic keratoses (dry sunspots). Although fine wrinkles and some acne scars are less obvious, the TCA peel has no effect on deep furrows. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon usually performs moderate to deeper peels.
Phenol results in deep skin injury. It is rarely used for facial peels nowadays because of the risk of scarring and because of its toxicity. Absorption of phenol through the skin results in potentially fatal heart rhythm disturbances and nerve damage. However, it is very effective at improving both surface wrinkles and deep furrows. After a phenol peel, the treated skin is pale and smooth but it may be waxy and 'mask-like'.
A chemical peel is a four-step procedure:
The performance of a peel requires a thorough knowledge of aesthetics including any medical or surgical treatment for skin ageing.
Determine whether the peel is required for a focal lesion or for the entire face. Undertake a pre-peel classification.
Pre-treatment creams are applied to the face at night for several weeks prior to the peel. By exfoliating the skin and reducing pigmentation themselves, they improve the results seen from chemical peeling. They may also reduce the time needed for healing. The creams usually include one or more of the following:
Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen should be used during the day.
Superficial chemical peels are a minor procedure and no special arrangements are needed. But you may need painkillers, sedation, local anaesthetic or even a general anaesthetic for deeper peels.
First, the face is thoroughly washed to remove surface oil. The peeling agent is then applied for several minutes. It stings - how badly and for how long depends on the chemical, its concentration, whether you've had pre-treatment with aspirin, and individual factors. A fan can help. The peel is then neutralised, and the burning sensation lessens.
Individual treatments may include peels with several agents on the same occasion, with the aim of improving results and reducing risks.
Antibiotics and oral antiviral agents may be recommended after deeper peels.
Superficial peels result in mild facial redness and occasional swelling which usually resolve within 48 hours. The peeling is similar to a sunburn. Most people can continue their normal activities. Make-up can be applied a few hours after the procedure.
Moderate depth peels result in intense inflammation and swelling, which resolve within a week. The peeling is more marked. Mild redness can persist for several weeks. Most people take a week off from work after a moderate depth peel.
Complications are uncommon if the health professional performing the peel is properly trained and experienced.
