Chemical peel is the application of a chemical solution to induce a healing process in the skin. It is used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. A peel removes several layers of sun damaged skin cells, leaving fresh skin which has a more even surface and color. It also stimulates new collagen to be formed improving skin texture and quality. Peels may result in superficial, medium depth or deep skin injury/ peeling.
The various solutions used for this includes: Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and Phenol formulations. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.
With aging, the accumulated effects of sun exposure, pollutants, acne, and scarring can damage our skin and cause us to look older than we are. Such skin damage can be treated with a chemical peel, a non-invasive procedure designed to promote cell growth and produce smoother, clearer skin.
Chemical peels are also used to treat pigmentation, sunspots, melasma (a skin condition characterized by irregularly shaped patches of brown skin commonly found on the face and neck), and pre-cancerous changes in the skin.
Chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs.
Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery.
Chemical peels are sometimes applied to other sites such as the hands. They may be used to treat damage caused by exposure to the sun (photo ageing), to remove pigmentation such as freckles or sunspots and fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels may also soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Therefore, most medical aids will not reimburse the procedure.