A chemical peel is a remedy used to treat various types of skin-related disorders. Depending on the skin conditions, different treatment levels are recommended by dermatologists for each patient.
When the recipient is suffering from acne, fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone accompanied by general dryness in the skin then a light or superficial chemical peel is the answer for the troubles. The patient may be recommended a seating of light chemical peel once every 2 or 5 weeks depending on the results that are expected.
When the patient needs the removal of skin cells from both the epidermis (the skin's upper layer) and the upper part of the skin's middle layer called the dermis, then a medium chemical peel can be the solution to their uneven skin tone, acne breakouts, and wrinkles. In this case, if medium chemical peel sessions are given after three to nine months, the results can be expected.
Deep mid-to-low layers of the dermis and epidermis may require removal of skin cells when the patient's skin has deep wrinkles and scars. In such situations, a deep chemical peel is a solution as it can also extract cells from the middle and lower dermis layers. If precancerous growths are detected in the skin, this procedure may also be recommended. This kind of peeling, though, can only be achieved once.
A patient must also consider risks associated with chemical peeling or the side effects like:
Redness: This kind of problem lasts for several months when a patient has undergone a deep or medium chemical peeling session.
Scarring: Chemical peel is not believed to be causing scarring troubles especially on the lower parts of the face. In order to soften the appearance of these scars antibiotics and steroid medications are used.
Changes in skin color: After a chemical peeling procedure, hyperpigmentation is a common side effect which makes the treated area darker than the normal or actual color when using deeper chemical peeling. If light peeling is used, sometimes hypopigmentation can occur where the regions are pale or lighter. Increases in skin color with hyperpigmentation can be a lasting influence for people on the darker tone.
Infection: Herpes virus flaring can occur as a side effect to chemical peeling and cold sores can be caused by the virus. In very rare cases, bacterial or fungal infection can result from a chemical peel.
Heart, kidney or damage to the liver: use of phenol or carbolic acid in the procedure of deep chemical peeling can damage the muscles of the heart and make it beat irregularly. The kidneys and liver can also get harmed with phenol. In order to reduce these risks, a deep chemical peeling is done at an interval of 10 to 20 minutes.
Pore size or complete removal of deep scars and wrinkles through chemical peels is not possible. The form of treatment may not be appropriate for anybody. Some of the things a doctor considers unsuitable to give a chemical peeling procedure are:
- Patients who have taken isotretinoin for the treatment of acne in the last six months
- Have a very dark complexion
- Have a personal history of ridged areas which can cause the overgrowth of scar tissues or keloids.
- Suffers from abnormal skin pigmentation
- History of suffering outbreaks of cold sores that are severe.