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Chemical Facial Peels - Say '"bye-bye" to tired skin

It is an application of different types of acid to the skin in order to remove the top layer so that a new skin layer can regenerate. The new skin is smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin, and may also be more even in color. Millions of chemical peels are performed each year. It is emerging as an exciting procedure for rejuvenating the skin.

Benefits of Chemical Face Peels

- Chemical peeling is used to treat fine lines, especially under the eyes and around the mouth.

- Mild scarring and certain types of acne may also be treated with chemical peels.

- Pigmentation of the skin in the form of sun spots, age spots, freckles etc. is improved.

- Skin that is dull in texture and color may be improved.

NOTE:
1. Proper sunscreens should be used in conjuction with chemical peels.
2. Chemical peeling does not remove deep scars.

About Chemical Peels

Until recently, face peels were intriguing to many but reserved for the brave. Now, even the squeamish can get in on the act as the gentler beta hydroxy acid (BHA) joins the ranks of "lunchtime" peels.

BHA peels - said to be less irritating than the more traditional alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels - still promise to dimnish sun damage and restore a rosy glow. In fact, some doctors insist that they are more effective than AHAs because they penetrate the skin deeper.

The advantage of BHA peels is that they are self-neutralizing, meaning as the alcohol solution evaporates, the acid becomes inactive. This is why they are less irritating than AHA peels.

However despite BHA's deeper penetration, you wont see significant results the first time around. It takes four to eight monthly sessions for best results, and its effects may last only six months to a yar.

Furthermore BHA peels, which usually contain salicylic acid, penetrate the skin's top layer to break down the "glue" that binds cells. This can prompt shedding of sun-damaged skin, which will be visible as flaking for a few days.

Finally, dont expect the wrinkles to disappear. It wont happen - not even from a series of peels, whether they are BHAs or AHAs. While a series of BHAs may help the finest of lines, if you have medium to deep wrinkles, they are a waste of time and money.,

For extensive repair, dermatologists recommend medium or deep peels, or even laser resurfacing. Or you might try a stronger version of the light peel, like a TCA (trichloracetic acid) 20% concentration, which gives quicker results - but causes more irritation and downtime.

If you have any doubts, see a dermatologic surgeon, to determine which peel is right for you.

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