Types of Chemical Peels - Differences, Pros & Cons
According to the AS of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, chemical peels & Botox are the most popular skincare procedures in the US. Chemical Peels help with the texture and appearance of the surface of the skin.
What are the different types of chemical peel options and how will they benefit the look of your skin?
Glycolic Acid. Stronger than over the counter products, in office glycolic peels have a smaller molecular structure giving the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin. Dead skin cells and excess sebum are removed and the overall complexion is improved.
Jessner. Proven safer and more effective to treat and reduce hyperpigmentation and melasma in darker skin, the jessner is a medium peel that is added to other chemical peels, as it helps to increase the effectiveness as it contains lactic acid, salicylic acid and at times resorcinol.
Lactic Acid. A mild chemical peel with larger molecular size releases into the skin slower than most, making it available for everyone as it’s gentle on the skin. Although those with acne and sensitivity have issues with most chemical peels, the lactic acid peel is gentle enough even to be used on them.
Mandelic Acid. Great for those with acneic or sensitive skin, mandelic acid is sometimes combined with other active ingredients for optimal results. Less harsh than other AHA’s, this form of alpha hydroxy acid has a larger molecular weight which penetrates slowly allowing it to be gentler on the skin.
TCA. Stronger than most peels, TCA has the ability to be customized and to be used in a variety of strengths, and is commonly found in deep and medium types of peels. Also used as an effective spot treatment when treating acne scarring, it provides better results than those gentler types.
AHA/BHA. Leaving skin with a brighter, clearer and smoother appearance, alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid peels are used especially as an effective treatment for those dealing with acne scarring. Regardless of the concentration being used, both hydroxy acids are highly effective in deeply exfoliating the skin.
What benefits do chemicals peels have on the skin?
Increase cell turnover
Help the production of new skin cells
A powerful exfoliant
Improve collagen
Smooth and diminish fine lines and wrinkles
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots fade
Skin has a much smoother and clearer texture and tone.
After a chemical peel procedure, what aftercare should you follow?
Peeling, a regular side effect, occurs allowing new skin to appear within 48-72 hours typically depending on the person and their individual skin type. These dead skin cells will peel for a few days, even a week for some and other side effects including red, irritated, even raw skin can occur. Many people are tempted to peel off the dead skin that’s peeling for aesthetic purposes, but doing so may ruin the results as picking can cause damage to the skin including hyperpigmentation.
What should you do post procedure?
Moisturize regularly with a gentle moisturizer
Cleanse your face with gentle, creamy cleansers or micellar water to avoid further irritation
Avoid sweating including workouts and saunas
Apply SPF 30+ avoiding the sun and indoor tanning
Drink plenty of water
Skip exfoliating
Follow the professional directions post-procedure.