Understanding the Different Types of Chemical Peel
Chemical peels have become one of the most popular options among cosmetic treatments available today. Perhaps it is because of their proven results, the instant improvements seen, or the variety of choices available. Chemical peels come in three different varieties, offering the right level of treatment for any type of skin or level of concern.
What Are Chemical Peels?
First, it’s necessary to understand what a chemical peel actually is and does before we can distinguish the three varieties available as treatments. To put it simply, a chemical peel is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and other debris in order for the healthy skin beneath to thrive. Technically, a chemical peel damages the skin, yet in a controlled way, and then allows the injured skin to heal and improve. The result is a safe, effective way to achieve younger-looking, healthier skin and minimize other concerns.
Chemical peels are often used to improve the brightness of the skin, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, acne scars, and other damage. Depending on the variety of chemical peel you and your aesthetician decide upon, your chemical peel can treat only surface issues or dig deeper into the pores to solve large problems. There are three main types of chemical peel: superficial, medium, and deep.
About Superficial Chemical Peels
A superficial chemical peel is the mildest and gentlest variety. It is also the most limited in terms of how far down into the pores it will reach. These will cause damage only down to the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin, and do not extend deeper. They are ideal for surface damage, such as fine lines that have just begun to form and more recent acne damage. Sometimes called mild chemical peels, these use gentle chemicals like alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) in various concentrations to get quick results without causing harmful side effects, even on sensitive skin. Your old and unhealthy skin cells will be shed during this process, while the AHAs work to hydrate your skin and improve your natural glow. Bleaching agents may be added to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and sun damage.
Obagi Blue Peel Radiance is one example of a superficial chemical peel used in skincare clinics. This mild, salicylic acid-based peel helps patients fight the signs of aging and reduce the visibility of sun damage. It is a very safe way to get quick results and improve skin imperfections. It can be used on the face, neck, chest, hands, back, arms, and legs to help with trouble spots anywhere on the body. Other options for you might include the very gentle SkinMedica Illuminize Chemical Peel and the SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel.
About Medium Chemical Peels
The next level of chemical peel is medium, which can go into the top layer of the dermis. This deeper layer of the skin can harbor additional problems that a medium chemical peel will work to solve. Typically, trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, is the main ingredient used in these mid-level peels. However, your aesthetician may perform your medium chemical peel in multiple steps using a variety of solutions. The medium chemical peel is best designed to help with fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation issues, and blemish removal.
The Obagi Blue Peel, different from the Radiance variety mentioned above, is one such TCA-based peel that can treat a variety of skin conditions. Talk to your doctor about this option if you suffer from wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, and blemishes. Obagi Blue Peel will leave your skin appearing smoother, healthier, firmer, and more radiant. The depth of this peel can be easily tailored to your skin’s needs by making adjustments and adding more coats as needed. You might also discuss additional medium-strength facial peel options like PCA Sensi Peel, PCA Ultra Peel I, PCA Ultra Peel Forte, PCA Smoothing Body Peel, and the PCA Skin TCA Peel, many of which start out very mild and can be built in intensity to create a deeper peel experience.
About Deep Chemical Peels
Finally, a deep chemical peel will extend way down into the deeper layers of the dermis. The deepest levels of damage will often be treated with this powerful chemical peel. Phenol is the active ingredient used for deep chemical peels, offering a full-face peeling for severe amounts of sun damage or wrinkling. Many patients are treated with phenol-based chemical peels in concentrated areas in order to deal with specific trouble spots. Deep chemical peels can help with deep wrinkles surrounding the mouth, for example.
SkinMedica Vitalize Peel is a gentle but powerful deep chemical peel, with the ability to take years off of your aging skin and leave you with a more youthful, more radiant glow. This variety uses retinoic acid to give you enhanced exfoliation that will address common problems like aging, sun and environmental damage, uneven pigmentation, photodamage, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and others. If you believe you suffer from the extensive damage that requires a deep chemical peel, discuss your options with a licensed aesthetician or trusted physician.
Chemical Peels at Weniger Plastic Surgery
At Weniger Plastic Surgery, you can get the right chemical peel for your skin type and your skin concerns. Consult with Susan Coker PA and our SC licensed Estheticians about your surgical questions and concerns. You can rest assured that the team at Weniger Plastic Surgery will keep you informed and care for all your needs. Contact the office, located at 350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200, in Bluffton, South Carolina, by calling (843) 575-0123.