As skin ages it becomes thinner and less elastic because collagen and elastin, the
tissues that keep the skin firm, become weaker. These changes lead to fine lines,
sagging skin, and other unwanted signs of aging.
Chemical Peels revitalize the skin. These skin friendly fruit acid solutions remove
the damaged outer layers of the skin; thereby, reducing fine skin lines, treating
acne and diminishing skin pigmentation, reducing sun-induced damage and refreshing
the skin texture and tone.
Stop all medicated applications 2 days before the treatment begins and 5
days after the procedure
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm
Use SPF 30 sunscreen lotion regularly
Use a moisturiser if the skin feels dry and stretched
Do not thread / bleach / wax / shave hair (parlour activities) 5 days before
and after the procedure
A chemical peel can reduce fine lines, especially under the eyes and around the
mouth. It can treat mild scarring and certain types of acne. It also helps to diminish
skin discoloration, such as sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, or blotchiness.
Alongwith this skin texture and color is refreshened.
The peel itself only takes between 10-20 minutes. However at Skin secrets we prepare
your skin adequately to receive the peel first. This is done by cleansing, degreasing
your skin. For the face a degreasing pack is used which takes 10 minutes. The peel
is then applied on the skin and kept for 3 to 10 minutes depending on the type of
peel. You may occasionally experience mild tingling sensation that is normal. The
peel is then neutralized using a neutralizer or water. Further neutralization is
done with ice cold water to calm the skin. For the face a hydrating mask is applied
for 10 minutes. This is followed by sunscreen application. The total process takes
approximately 45 minutes.
There are several types of chemical peels, each indicated for different types and
degrees of skin problems.
Light (glycolic acid or salicylic acid) chemical peels can improve rough,
dry skin, as well as uneven pigmentation. They can also improve the texture of sun-damaged
skin and help control acne. Because a light chemical peel is the mildest type of
peel and penetrates the skin the least, multiple treatments may be necessary to
achieve the desired results.
Medium (TCA) chemical peels are best for people who want to smooth out fine
wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes, and even out skin pigmentation. Medium skin
peels can be used on any part of the body, and the peel depth can be adjusted to
best suit the needs of the individual patient.
Deep (phenol) chemical peels can remove major blotching, such as that caused
by aging, sun exposure, or birth control pills. Deep peels can also be used to smooth
deeper wrinkles. Deep skin peels are only used on the face.
Acne chemical peels help to control acne and smooth acne scars. A mild,
medium, or deep chemical peel may be used, depending on the patient’s skin condition.
As with cosmetic chemical skin peels, an acne chemical peel can also reduce or eliminate
\wrinkles and improve skin pigmentation.
Glycolic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which naturally occurs in sugar cane,
it has the smallest molecular size of all the AHA's allowing it to better penetrate
the skin. It is applied to the skin in various strengths ranging from 20-70% for
varying time frames depending on the desired result and skin response. It loosens
the thickened surface layers that appear as dry, rough, scaly skin and stimulates
the production of collagen in the deeper layers. As the uppermost layers are sloughed
away, a smoother textured and healthier skin is revealed. Glycolic peels are used
to treat mild sun damage, pigmentation and loss of elasticity.
Yes, chemical peels can be used for areas other that the face. Though, deep (phenol)
peels are only appropriate for the face, the skin on any part of the body can be
treated with a special mix of the chemicals used in mild and medium skin peels.
The chemical solution for body chemical peels is typically comprised of a combination
of trichloroacetic acid (the main ingredient in a medium-depth skin peel) and glycolic
acid (the main ingredient of a mild peel). The solution for body chemical peels
is typically formulated to be slightly stronger than the chemical solution used
for light or medium facial skin peels, though it is milder than the phenol solution
used for deep skin peels. As with facial chemical peels, body peels address the
effects of sun damage, even out skin pigmentation, and improve skin texture. Chemical
peels can also be used on the body to minimize stretch marks.
Sun protection is the most important precaution to be taken after the procedure.
So avoid excess sun exposure and use sunscreen regularly.
You can carry on with normal day to day activities but adequate sun protection should
be taken. In case of glycolic acid peels, there is no telltale sign of any procedure
done. However in stronger peels like TCA, there is visible peeling of skin from
3rd to7th day after the peels are done. Skin may not look its best during this period
but it can be covered with makeup.
Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin to reduce or eliminate the appearance
of a number of skin imperfections and conditions. After a patient undergoes a skin
peel, the treated layers of skin gradually flake away, revealing a fresh new layer
of skin.