What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin where a chemical solution is applied that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. What is left is smoother and less wrinkled skin that may also have improvement in color and texture. There are three basic types of chemical peels:

• Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.
• Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the outermost and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths, called actinic keratosis.
• Deep peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance, however this procedure comes with significant ‘downtime’.

What should first be done before considering a chemical peel?

A thorough evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist is imperative before embarking upon a chemical peel.

What are the complications or potential side effects of a chemical peel?

• Temporary or permanent change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration.
• Scarring
• Reactivation of cold sores

What can I expect after having a chemical peel?

All peels require some follow-up care:

• Superficial peels require one to seven days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and may scale. Lotion or cream should be applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can usually be worn the next day.
• Medium peels require seven to 14 days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and swollen. Swelling worsens for the first 48 hours. Eyelids may swell shut. Blisters may form and break. Skin crusts and peels off in seven to 14 days. Skin must be soaked daily for a specified period, followed by ointment application. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream may be applied. Avoid all sun exposure until healing is complete. Camouflage makeup may be worn after five to seven days. A follow-up appointment will be necessary to monitor progress.
• Deep peels require 14 to 21 days to heal. The treated area will be bandaged. Skin must be soaked four to six times daily, followed by ointment application for the first 14 days. Afterwards a thick moisturizer is applied for the next 14 days. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream may be applied. Avoid all sun exposure for three to six months. Camouflage makeup may be worn after 14 days. Several follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor progress.

Sun exposure and smoking after a chemical peel must be avoided because they can cause unwanted side effects, including infection and scarring.

Contact Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group today to meet with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss chemical peels. Rest assured, you will be treated in a caring, compassionate and friendly manner.