Chemical peels can be very effective in removing and minimizing excess, stubborn blackheads by penetrating clogged follicles.
Chemical peels can be very effective in removing and minimizing excess, stubborn blackheads by penetrating clogged follicles.
BEFORE
AFTER
The skin is penetrated by the chemical acid which generally causes some redness, darkening, swelling, and/or frosting (the skin turns opaque or powdery white) depending on the strength and type of peel applied.
After the acid is neutralized, skin will feel dry & tight for the first day or two. If a light strength peel was used, skin may become wrinkled & flakey. If a medium to deep peel was used, more aggressive peeling may start on the 4th or 5th day & typically last for 4 - 7 days.
Once the peeling slows down and stops, the skin begins the healing process. Outer layers may still be visibly pinkish. During this time it is especially important to protect this newly revealed skin with a broad band spf every day and moisturize at least twice daily with a hyaluronic moisturizer.
Results are visible, cells overturned and production of collagen and elastin is amped up resulting in firmer skin with reduced blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles and a more even skin tone. Continued SPF protection, anti aging moisturizer and daily/weekly exfoliator are recommended.
Superficial or Light peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on all skin types. These mild peels remove only a small part of the epidermis or outer layer of skin and are most often used to improve the appearance of fine lines, mild scarring and minimal hyperpigmentation.
Superficial peels should be repeated every 2-3 weeks. A series of 6-8 consecutive treatments are recommended for best results. After 6-8 consecutive treatments, peels may be repeated monthly to maintain results.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are the gentlest acids used in skin peels.
Medium-depth skin peels penetrate further than superficial peels to remove the epidermis and some of the dermis, or underlying middle layer of skin. Medium peels are used to clear pores, reduce wrinkles, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, sun damage and precancerous growths.
Medium strength peels cause excessive pinkness for two to three and may not completely fade away until the skin has fully healed. New skin should appear within the first two weeks after treatment.
Medium-depth peels typically use TCA, as a main ingredient. The Jessner solution, a popular skin peel, contains a combination of resorcinol, salicylic acid and glycolic acid and may be layered to create a deep peel.
Deep skin peels cause a second-degree burn to the skin penetrating all the way to the subcutaneous, or third and deepest, layer of skin. They are used to treat melasma, deep wrinkles, scarring, sun damage and precancerous growths of the skin.
The skin may remain extremely red for weeks and up to 2 months. Full recovery can take several months. Petroleum jelly or another ointment may be applied after a deep peel to protect the skin. Deep peels are not done on darker skin types because they tend to bleach the skin (hypopigmentation).
TCA is the ingredient of choice for most deep peels, but the Jessner solution can be applied in layers to effect a deep peel.
