What Does a Chemical Peel Do and How Can It Benefit Your Skin?

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic procedure used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, and scars, usually on the face. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures, and they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more dramatic results, but they also take longer to recover. Not only do chemical peels improve the appearance of the skin, but they also reduce the risk of certain types of skin cancer.

Chemical peels remove the upper layers of the skin, including the epidermis, where most precancerous growths develop. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, chemical peels can be used to treat actinic keratosis, a potentially cancerous lesion that develops due to sun exposure. A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve skin texture and tone by removing damaged outer layers. Patients with darker skin may need to take precautions before having a peel to ensure that the peel is safe for their skin tone.

If you're considering a chemical peel, it's important to know the details of what a peel is, how it works, and how it can benefit your skin. Chemical peels are used to treat certain skin conditions or to improve appearance by improving skin tone and texture. Sagging, bumps, deep scars, deep facial lines, and more severe wrinkles don't respond well to chemical peels. Each chemical peel offered at Arizona Dermatology is unique and can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.

A chemical peel, also known as a chemical peel or dermapeeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of the skin. Chemical peels can be customized to fit any skin type, including sensitive skin, making the procedure safe for most skin types. Different types of chemicals cause controlled injury, each penetrating through a different depth of skin and then peeling off to reveal a new layer of skin. Patients of all skin types enjoy the flexibility of choosing an exfoliation that is right for their skin and the remarkable results that an exfoliation provides.

Chemical peels are an effective treatment for many skin conditions, such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation and acne. During a light peel, a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply a chemical solution, such as salicylic acid, to the area being treated. However, chemical peels can have more serious risks and dangerous side effects that can be permanent. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, causing the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off.

Chemical peels can be done in the doctor's office or in a surgical center as an outpatient procedure.