Chemical Peels:
Youthful Skin

When it comes to beauty, your skin is one of the first things that people notice, so it seems rather unfair that of all the organs in your body, your skin will take and show the most abuse from outside pollutants!

Your skin is your body's first line of defense against dirt and infection, and it will suffer from these things.

Essentially, because your skin shields your body, it can easily become a victim of those same toxic substances, resulting in a look that is dull and tired.

Chemical peels are one thing that people have been using for years when it comes to making their skin look fresh and youthful, and for many people, it has become an essential part of their beauty and health regimen.

What are the benefits of chemical peels?

The benefits of chemical peels are wide, varied, and longer-lasting than similar treatments.

You'll find that after a chemical peel, wrinkles can be greatly reduced and that pigmentation that was irregular has become more evenly toned.

Even some sun damage can be obliterated and blotchy patches on your skin from old scarring or similar trauma can be greatly reduced.

How is a chemical peel done?

At the most basic level, what happens is that an acid of some sort is applied to your skin and the dead layer of skin that sits on top of your epidermis is removed.

The acid that is used can be as mild as those found in fruit juices, or it can actually remove whole age spots from your skin.

While your cosmetic dermatologist will be the one to tell you whether this procedure is right for you and whether it can give you the results you want, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Who should have a chemical peel?

Typically, people with fair skin have the best results with this procedure.

People with darker skin who are interested in this procedure will often need to use a harsher chemical peel.

Also, regular smoking can make the results less appreciable due to the fact that smoking damage to the skin can go quite deep.

This procedure is not recommended to those who scar easily or thickly.

Other people who are warned away from this procedure include people with heart problems and people who are prone to fever blisters or cold sores, because they can be aggravated by this treatment.

Are all chemical peels the same?

You should be aware that there are three different levels of chemical peel, and the one that will be most effective for you and your individual situation will be something that is discussed between you and your doctor.

The exact formula for your peel will be determined by your cosmetic dermatologist.

Light chemical peels

A light chemical peel, for instance, is an excellent way to treat fine wrinkles, dry patches on your skin, and some acne.

This is an excellent peel for someone who wants a quick fix.

These type of peels can be readily available at most spas and can be done in conjunction with microdermabrasion.

Light chemical peels can renew your skin's texture and improve its clarity. They're great to improve dull, lifeless complexions and are cosidered a lunchtime facial treatment because of its quick recovery period.

Medium chemical peels

A medium chemical peel can be used for many superficial blemishes and problems with pigmentation.

You'll find that these peels will use trichloroacetic acid and this is the process that is usually recommended for people with darker skin.

Deep chemical peels

Deep chemical peels, on the other hand, have the most dramatic results and can effectively treat coarser wrinkles as well as sun damage, age spots, and even pre-cancerous growths.

A deep chemical peel will take around two hours and can result in a permanent lightening of the skin. This

The risks of chemical peels

It is important to be aware of the risks that come with this procedure.

Negative reactions are quite rare, but numbness, infection and scarring can result.

Common side effects to a medium chemical peel include irritation, redness and swelling, which should all disappear in a day or two.

A deep chemical peel, on the other hand, can take a few days for recovery.

Typically, people with fair skin who do not smoke have the best results with this procedure.

As you can see, there are many reasons why a chemical peel might be the answer to many of the problems that you might experience with your skin.

Before you make a final decision, though, speak to your cosmetic dermatologist and discuss what results you can reasonably except from this procedure.

You'll find that by having a good idea of what to expect along with a clear conception of the process itself is invaluable!