Skin Peels: What You Need To Know

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Chemical skin peels are popular exfoliation treatments which are used to improve the texture of facial skin that has been damaged by acne, age, spots and wrinkles. The treatment consists of the application of a chemical solution which causes the outer layers of dead skin to eventually peel off, leaving regenerated skin which is usually fresher, smoother, less wrinkled, more youthful, and free of lines, discolourations and blemishes.

Three types of skin peel are available. Light skin peels use Glycolic acid which is a mild chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin. Medium skin peels use stronger Trichloroacetic acids or TCAs which penetrate deeper into the skin to remove acne scars and small wrinkles., while deep skin peels use Carbolic acid to help reduce heavier scars and wrinkles.

Most skin peel treatments take around half an hour, but it may be longer depending on the treatment and the size of the affected area. Once the chemical peel is applied and the treatment area turns a whiteish colour, a saline compress is used to neutralise the acid before it is washed off. The skin may swell and some patients ...
... experience a mild burning sensation for up to an hour after the treatment, which increases in intensity depending on the type of skin peel used. A post peel cream is then applied, and 2-3 days later skin begins to peel, revealing glowing, fresh and healthy new skin underneath.

Facial skin peels can be used on all skin types and the chemicals used can be tailored to suit most skin types and conditions. However, skin peels are generally not recommended for patients with abnormal pigmentation, extensive scarring, Afro-Caribbean or Asian skin, or freckles and red hair. Fortunately, permanent scarring is a very rare risk, although the burning sensation can sometimes last longer than expected.