The two best therapies available now include chemical peels and laser resurfacing. The depth of skin treatment differentiates chemical peels. Glycolic acid peels treat superficial levels of the skin while phenol peels penetrate more deeply. TCA peels fall in the middle of this spectrum. They work to peel off the upper layers of the skin as a deep sunburn would.
More youthful skin is revealed after healing is complete.
It takes two to three days to start peeling, and the process lasts about five days beyond that. The face must be kept clean and moist while the skin heals. The patient also must stay out of the sun due to sensitivity. The peel is performed in the office with Valium sedation. Many patients like the peel for the results they see and the short investment in healing time.