Chemical Peels
All about Chemical peels
Chemical peels are the epidermis called stratum corneum& allow the destruction of the epidermis. These include AHA peels such as glycolic peels [35 % to 50 %], lactic acid peels 40 % etc.
Downtime:-
These peels doesn’t involve much downtime. Also called as lunch hour peel means one can join their office or work immediately after the session
• Medium depth peels:-
Causes the destruction of the Epidermis, papillary dermis & reticular dermis. These include TCA [35 to 50 % ]Jesseners solution with TCA, Glycolic acid 70 % etc.
Downtime:-
After medium depth peels, redness, itching & flakiness, dryness on the skin may persist for 3 to 4 days, which can be concealed easily with foundation or moisturizers.
• Deep peels:-
Are usually acting on the deep layer of the dermis, which has collagen & elastin fibers, which are responsible for tightness & firmness on the skin. These are responsible for the destruction of epidermis, Papillary dermis up to mid-reticular dermis. These include phenol peels.
Downtime:-
These peels involves more healing time as they act into deep dermis. Downtime will be for 8 to 10 days. Strict photoprotection is advisable to avoid getting PIH.
Indications:-
• Dull Skin, Uneven complexion
• Skin rejuvenation.
• Blackheads, whiteheads
• Cystic acne
• Melasma
• To reduce fine lines, wrinkles on the skin.
• Pigmentation
• Under Eye Dark Circle
• Antiageing
Choice of peel
Glycolic acid can be used with different concentrations of uneven complexion, for skin rejuvenation acne prone skin, Under eye dark circles.Salicylic acid peels can be used to treat pigmentation, post acne PIH spots, active acne lesions. Medium depth peels like TCA, Nomelan Phenols can be used to treat Melasma, freckles etc.
Nowadays, one solution of chemical peel has also come with 2 to 3 ingredients in it, to give better results when used in combination.
Precautions:
Before going for chemical peels session one should not have :
• More Dryness on skin, irritation & itching.
• The skin should not have any active wound, which will need some time to heal.
• The patient should not have any history of photosensitivity.
There should not be any recent episode of tanning or heavy sun exposure.
• Whether he or she is on regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, should be asked.
• Previous &recent treatment History in terms of oral & topical medications should be taken in detail to avoid any complications after chemical peels session.
For eg:- Many of the patients use different OTC products without the guidance of a dermatologist, these may contain certain steroids. Long-term application of which may lead to redness, telangiectasia on the skin.Such patient cannot tolerate chemical peel session as their skin becomes sensitive & irritable with steroid applications.
