Do you need a chemical peel?
Chemical peels rejuvenate and improve the skin’s appearance. In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it swell with redness and sometimes blister and eventually exfoliate or peel off. It is like an anti-aging procedure. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled and has a radiant glow. Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. Usually repeated sessions are required.
What can a chemical peel be used for?
Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, it does not treat severe wrinkles
Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
Improve the appearance of mild superficial scars
Treat acne, blackheads, whiteheads
Reduce pigmentation, age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
Improve the look and feel of skin
What are the types of chemical peels?
There are various types of chemical peels that can be classified according to the depth of penetration. Namely superficial, medium and deep chemical peels. Most of the chemical peels used in the National Skin Centre have a superficial to medium depth of penetration. Superficial peels which are the most commonly used work by exfoliating the epidermal layers without going beyond the basal layer. As such, this is suitable for superficial pigmentation and scars and has reduced risk of complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How is a chemical peel performed?
Your dermatologist assesses your condition and will decide on the type of peel you need. Most commonly are the Glycolic acid (GA) peels. On application, you may feel a hot sensation. The face is usually pre primed with daily applications of less potent GA for 2 weeks before the peel. The peels may be repeated.
Patient should stop harsh anti-aging treatments (e.g. topical tretinoin and lightening creams) for 5-7 days prior.
How do I look after my skin after the peel?
After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear broad spectrum sunscreen (above SPF 50) everyday. It protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Avoid the sun especially between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, carry an umbrella and walk under a shade. Avoid harsh anti-ageing creams and facial scrubs for a week. The peels are repeated 1-2 months later.
What are the complications with a chemical peel?
A risk of developing post peel darkening of the treated areas. The dark colour may take 3 months to clear. Priming the skin with a lightening cream, hydroquinone may help reduce this.
Scars may form, e.g. infected scabs, and scratching the skin. Scars can form if you are on oral isotretinoin at the same time. One should not do chemical peels while on oral isotretinoin to prevent scarring.
Reactivation of previous herpes simplex infection.
Allergy to the solution.
What are the limitations of chemical peels?
Chemical peels cannot change pore size, nor change veins of the skin. Deep scars, deep wrinkles, sagging skin and skin bulges do not respond well to chemical peels. They may need other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as laser resurfacing, a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or fillers. A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for you.
