If you are looking to brighten your complexion and resolve skin concerns, a chemical peel may be the solution for you. A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the surface layers. There are different types of peels available, but how do you know what kind of peel is best for you.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels may be mild, medium, or deep. The variation depends on how deeply the chemical solution penetrates the skin.
- Mild or superficial peels typically involve the use of fruit acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. They gently exfoliate the skin, and require minimal downtime.
- Medium peels penetrate more deeply and therefore require more downtime than mild peels. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is generally used for a medium peel.
- Deep peels penetrate through several layers of skin, and are typically performed with a chemical known as phenol. Recovery time ranges from 14-21 days.
What Kind Of Chemical Peel Is Best For Me?
The chemical peel that’s right for you will depend on your skin type, and the skin conditions that need to be addressed.
If you need to treat mild discolorations and smooth rough skin, a mild peel may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking to treat sun damaged skin and correct issues such as age spots, and fine lines and wrinkles, a medium peel would be more appropriate. A deep peel is ideal for treating advanced signs of aging such as severe wrinkles .
Mild peels are suitable for all skin types, whereas deep peels are not recommended for dark skin tones.
Would you like to learn more about chemical peels? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.