CHEMICAL PEEL

What is Chemical Peel?

It is an acid solution which is applied to the skin, It then
blisters off over a period of up to 14 days. The chemical
solution improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin
by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for
those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven
skin pigmentation.
There are different types of chemical Peels. Phenol,
trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs).
Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and
administered without a medical license, however people
are advised to seek a qualified practitioner on a specific
type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.

The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each
patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed
in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such
surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.
This article is about providing basic information about
certain types of chemical peel treatments and the results
you might expect. It won't answer all your questions, since
a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Once you
and your practitioner have decided on a specific peel
program, be sure to ask about any details that you do not
understand.
Deciding if chemical peel is right for you.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic
reasons to enhance your appearance and your self
confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous
skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control
acne. Chemical peel cannot heal loose or sagging skin,
and do not serve the same function as a face-lift.

Phenol
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and
produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients
with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged
skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths.
Since phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, your
skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to
whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you.
Phenol is primarily used on the face; scarring may result
if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.

Alphahydroxy Acid
Alphahydroxy Acid (AHAS)Alphahydroxyl acids are found
in plants and food such ascitrus fruits, grapes, apple and
sugar cane and sour milk.The acid breaks the intracellular
bonds of the epidermisand accelerates the sloughing of
the superficial dead skincells of the epidermis. Glycolic
acid and lactic acid are thetwo most commonly used
AHA’ s in skin care products andas a stand-alone peel.
This peel is considered as a lightpeel and patient may
require multiple treatments to see results.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
TCA Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many
concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-
depth peeling. Superficial blemishes fine surface wrinkles,
and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA.
The result of TCA peel produces more dramatic results
than AHA peels. Clients may require more than one peel to
achieve the desired results. TCA peeling can improve the
appearance of acne and can be beneficial in combination
with clinical and dermatological treatment.

What is the treatment like?
After cleansing the skin to remove oils, the peeling agentis
carefully applied. Within minutes, there is a very warm
sensation that feels like sunburn. This lasts for a few
minutes and is rapidly relieved by the application of post
peel mask.

After your treatment
After a AHA peel, it is common to experience some
temporary flaxing or scaling, redness and dryness of the
skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin
adjusts to treatment. After aTCA peel there may be some
swelling, especially around the eyes for the first two days,
but discomfort is minimal. By the third or fourth day, the
skin has a tight feeling and sheds. This is replaced by skin
with a pink colour and smooth texture, usually on 5 to 7
days.

How much improvement will I have?
The amount of improvement is individual and depends on
the initial condition of the patient's skin. Maximum
improvement of damaged skin and wrinkling ranges from
50%-80% and, although100% percent improvement is not
possible, most patients view the results as dramatic.
Chemical peel cannot heal loose or sagging skin, and do not
serve the same function as a face-lift. Laser resurfacing,
or soft tissue fillers may be much more effective. These
options should be discussed with your medical practitioner.
Chemical peels can not remove broken blood vessels on the
face. However, chemicalpeels may improve the appearance
of these conditions.

How Much Does The Treatment Cost?
The price of the treatment ranges from £80-£1,000. It will
also depend on the type of chemical peel that is
recommended for your type of skin.

What happens after the treatment?
After having a TCA peel patients are advised not to wash
the treated area with water for 24 hours and protect from
UVA radiation. Apply Post peel moisturising cream and sun
block as required. Patient's progress should be monitored
and should be invited back to clinic at prescribed intervals
for follow-up examinations with the practitioner and given
specific post-peel instructions.

Risk
with medium peel hyrer-pigmentation can occur even if you
use sunscreens. Brown blotches can be treated with
bleaching and bleaching cream.
Alternatives to Chemical Peel
Give up smoking and drinking, take regular exercise to
improve circulation, have a healthy diet, take 2 litres of
fluids daily. No over the counter moisturiser can hydrate
the skin effectively (better to hydrate from inside by
increasing water intake).
Avoid foundation, it clogs pores and glands and slow down
natural exfoliation process.
According to reserch over time moisturisers could actually
speed up the skin's ageing process.