Skin peeling is a type of dermatologic treatment in which a chemical solution, usually acid is applied to the skin and it causes the superficial layer to exfoliate and then peel off. Peeling is a method of choice for everyone who wishes to have a smoother and less wrinkled skin, but without undergoing aesthetic surgery or injection of Botox and other fillers into the skin. Acne scars, hyperpigmentation (including melasma), wrinkles, sun damage, sagged and aged skin are just a few among the many skin conditions that are successfully treated with chemical peeling. The underlying skin is smooth and bright, with improved tone, texture and color. Chemical peeling can restore a more youthful appearance to skin and reduce wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun-damage, and blotchy patches.
There are various types of skin peelings depending on the thickness of the layer that is peeled off. Light or superficial peelings only remove the outer layer of the skin. They are useful for treatment of fine wrinkles, acne and areas of dryness. Light peelings improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands. This is the type of peeling that heals the fastest, requiring no more than 7 days for the skin to heal completely. Medium peels penetrate the superficial and also some of the middle layers of the skin, which is why this procedure might be slightly more uncomfortable for the patient and takes more time to heal, usually ranging from 7 to 14 days. Not only are medium peels beneficial for age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration, it also can be used to smoothen rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths such as actinic keratosis. Deep peel is the most invasive peeling procedure that can cause permanent lightening of the skin, and it produces the most dramatic, longest-lasting results. The deep peeling procedure itself can be painful which is why patients are usually sedated; it takes longer than other peels (one to two hours) and requires the most healing time, around 3 weeks to heal completely. Coarse facial wrinkles, blotches caused by aging or sun exposure, and pre-cancerous growths are the most common conditions treated with deep skin chemical peeling.
While skin peeling is a generally safe procedure, in order to achieve the best results you must take good care of your skin before and after the treatment. Candidates for peeling are advised to stop smoking at least a few weeks before the treatment, and the preparation also includes proper cleaning and moisturizing of the skin as well as using sunscreen whenever you are outside. After the procedure you should expect mild to moderate swelling of the skin, redness, itching and stinging, although these symptoms improve as each day goes by, and your doctor may also prescribe you certain products to alleviate the discomfort from the procedure. Proper care of the skin after the peel is very important to speed healing, help results last longer, prevent infection, and avoid color changes in the treated area caused by sun exposure.
Skin peeling is a safe, non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that is also effective against scars; acne and hyperpigmentation, leaving your skin with a matted tan and a youthful, healthy look. It is the recommended procedure for persons with fair skin and light hair, although it can also be performed on patients with darker skin tone but the results are not expected to be as satisfying. Before you decide to undergo skin peeling, make sure that you don’t have active skin infections or open wounds, sunburns and cold rash on the skin area you wish to treat. You should also consult your doctor regarding some medications you might be taking, especially anti-acne products that contain retinol or other acid-based skin products – you will need to stop taking them prior to the procedure. Good communication between you and your healthcare practitioner is the key towards maintaining the confidence and achieving the best possible results. Remember that Dr. Hall is available to you for all the issues you wish to improve on your skin, and through thorough examination and discussion about your health he will offer the solution that should work best for you. A personalized treatment based on your skin type is the only right way to achieve skin that looks youthful and healthy, without showing signs of damage or skin aging.
