Treating Acne, Wrinkles and Fine Lines - Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are precisely described by the name, a chemical is applied to the face, allowed to react with the skin and then peeled or pulled away to reveal vibrant, deeper skin layers. The process can improve the look of wrinkles and fine lines, treat certain forms of acne and remove dead or damaged skin cells. There are several types of chemical peels depending on the patient’s specific needs. The three main types of chemical peels (listed in order of depth of peel) are alphahydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid and phenol. Alphahydroxy acids are used to smooth rough skin, improve skin texture and treat some forms of acne. Alphahydroxy acids may be used in tandem or as a pre-treatment for tricholoracetic acid chemical peel. Tricholoracetic acid can smooth out fine wrinkles and remove certain blemishes and discolorations. The depth of this chemical peel can be controlled based on the concentration and the time it is allowed to stay on the face. Phenol is the deepest chemical peel and is used for more aggressive changes to the face. It can correct larger blemishes or blotches and even smooth moderately deep wrinkles. Phenol has the added benefit of removing precancerous skin cells.

 

 

The depth of the peel dictates that amount of recovery required. For example, people undergoing a phenol chemical peel can take several months to heal. Regardless on chemical peel type, the patient must wear sunblock on the face each day at least until the face is fully healed. The skin that is exposed after a chemical peel is extremely sensitive to sunlight and is easily damaged if left uncovered. It is normal for the area to be red and appear flaky after the chemical peel. The skin will need to be adequately moisturized as it heals meaning that lotions or creams should be applied generously. In more aggressive chemical peel procedures the entire face may become swollen. In more extreme cases this may cause the eyes to swell closed. Driving after a chemical peel is up to the discretion of you and your aesthetician though most will recommend that you have someone drive you home after the procedure, especially after a phenol chemical peel.

 

Chemical peel procedures do not require anesthesia and certain peels numb the skin as they are applied. You may request sedation if you are concerned about discomfort. Keep in mind that chemical peels are not regulated by most state medical boards thus there is no strict guidelines regarding who can perform these techniques. Thus it is your responsibility as a patient to determine if the person that is performing your chemical peel is fully capable and experienced with the procedure. If you have a chemical peel performed by a person other than a licensed physician, sedation will not be available to you.

 

Chemical peels are usually purely cosmetic and are not covered by health insurance in many cases. However, if the chemical peel is being performed by a dermatologist as a treatment for acne or to remove precancerous cells, it may actually be covered. You should work with your physician and health insurance carrier to obtain pre-approval for the chemical peel to help defray some of the costs.