What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel involves the application of toxic chemical solutions to the skin in a controlled manner, producing controlled tissue death. The desired depth of the wound is dependent upon the condition to be treated. After the peel, the skin regenerates. The damaged skin regenerates from deeper layers of the epidermis and the superficial dermis.
What are the different types of chemical peels?
Chemical peels are broadly defined by the depth of damage in the skin that they produce. They are categorized as superficial (lunchtime peel), medium, and deep.
- Superficial peels do not damage skin below the epidermis, the most superficial skin layer.
- Medium peels may reach the superficial layer of the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin.
- Deep peels generally reach the deeper layers of the dermis.
The depth of damage depends on the nature and concentration of the chemicals in the peeling solution and the length of time they are permitted to interact with the skin.
Popular chemicals in peeling solutions include:
- Retinoids (tretinoin dissolved in propylene glycol)
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid)
- Beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Phenol (carbolic acid)
Jessner's solution is a combination of resorcinol (14 g), salicylic acid (14 g), and lactic acid (85%) in ethanol (95%).
Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?
The most common candidate for a chemical peel is a person with sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, and/or actinic keratoses. Sun damage results in fine wrinkling, skin thinning, sun spots (liver spots or solar lentigines, fine lines, freckles, age spots), and a precursor to skin cancers called actinic keratoses. Skin peels also treat acne scarring.
Who should not get a chemical peel?
Individuals with darkly pigmented skin should be very cautious about having chemical peels. This is because there is a significant chance that the pigmentation of the newly healed skin will be substantially different from their current skin color.
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowHow does one prepare for a chemical peel?
Often it is suggested to pretreat patients with tretinoin cream for a period before the peel. People who get cold sores (herpes simplex infections) should start on antiviral medications like acyclovir (Zovirax) one week before treatment and continue taking these for two weeks after therapy to prevent reactivation of cold sores. All patients should be encouraged to use high-SPF sunscreens before and after peeling. Those with darker skin may also require pretreatment with hydroquinone preparations.
How do specialists perform chemical peels?
Superficial peels rarely require anesthesia but are accompanied by a burning sensation when the solution is applied. This can be relieved by the application of cool compresses and fan-aided evaporation. Deeper peels often require extensive local anesthesia, systemic sedation, and rarely, general anesthesia. The peeling process begins with the application of a defatting solvent (acetone or alcohol), which is wiped uniformly over the area to be treated. The peeling solution is then applied for the appropriate period and then halted by the application of a neutralizing solution. Doctors apply bandages to the treated area, and the patient goes home to convalesce. Recovery time depends on the type of peel and can last as long as months. Since peels are generally considered as cosmetic procedures most are not covered by standard health insurance policies.
What sort of follow-up care is needed after a chemical peel?
The skin is especially sensitive after a chemical peel. It is essential to practice strict sun avoidance during and after the healing process. The skin may remain sun sensitive for some time after the peel. The frequency of post-op physician visits will depend upon the depth of the peel and the preferences of the physician.
Are at-home or over-the-counter chemical peels as effective as professional chemical peels?
As a rule, so-called over-the-counter peels do not damage the skin and therefore cannot produce the same sort of results that a peel performed by a physician is likely to achieve. On the other hand, they are safe products and are unlikely to produce any skin damage. The so-called "microdermabrasion" is similarly non-invasive.
What are the benefits of chemical peels?
If performed correctly in appropriate patients, the appearance of the treated skin will have a more youthful texture with a uniform coloration that will blend with their untreated skin.
What are risks, side effects, and dangers of chemical peels?
The risks, side effects, and complications of chemical peels include scarring, infection, reactivation of herpes simplex infections, and a substantial contrast in coloration of the treated skin. All patients will have a recuperation period, the length of which depends upon the depth of the peel. Deep peels can result in substantial periods of healing on the order of weeks. Deep peels generally require extensive local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and occasionally general anesthesia, which carries its risks.
Lee, Kachiu C., et al. "Basic Chemical Peeling – Superficial and Medium-Depth Peels." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2019).
O'Connor, Alicia A., et al. "Chemical Peels: A Review of Current Practice." Australasian Journal of Dermatology 59 (2018): 171-181.
Roberts, Wendy E. "Chemical Peeling in Ethnic/Dark Skin." Dermatologic Therapy 17 (2004): 196-205.
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