Chemical peels are often used in dermatology to rejuvenate the skin, improve its appearance, and reverse signs of aging. This technique involves the use of certain types of chemicals to induce keratolysis and keratocoagulation. In addition, “this process causes the controlled destruction of all or part of the epidermis or dermis, resulting in the subsequent exfoliation of these layers”(O’connor, 2017). Chemical peels can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, scarring, and keratosis. Chemical peels may be classified based on their strength, concentration, pH, and depth of penetration into the skin. The depth of penetration may range from superficial to deep.
Types of Chemical peels
There are many different types of chemical peels that are available on the market today. Some of the superficial chemical peels include alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), lipohydroxy acid, Jessner solution, Pyruvic acid, and Resorcinol. Superficial chemical peels are often used to treat mild photoageing, acne, mild acne scarring, and pigment disorders.
Medium depth agents include tricholorinated carbonic acid (TCA). This type of chemical peel enables skin frosting which causes protein coagulation. Deep- peeling chemical agents include phenol and Baker-Gordon formula. These types of agents are very strong and are commonly used in patients who have severe pigmentation disorders and pre-malignancies.
Side effects of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels have been used for many years and have relatively low risk of side effects. Some of these side effects may include redness, changes in skin texture, swelling, scaring, and infection. Before treatment with chemical peels, it is very important to notify all patients of these side effects. Some of the more serious side effects may include anaphylaxis, cardiotoxicity, and corneal damage.
Chemical Peel Application
Chemical peels are usually applied at a dermatologist’s office. This technique requires proper equipment and patient monitoring. Chemical agents should always be kept away from the eyes. In the case that a chemical agent comes into contact with a person’s eyes, it is very important to have a neutralizing agent nearby. Chemical peels are often times applied to the facial area, neck or hands with a cotton ball. Based on the patient skin condition, it may be necessary to repeat the process several times within a range of weeks.
Resources:
O'Connor, Alicia A et al. “Chemical peels: A review of current practice.” The Australasian journal of dermatology vol. 59,3 (2018): 171-181. doi:10.1111/ajd.12715
Lee, Kachiu C et al. “Basic chemical peeling: Superficial and medium-depth peels.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology vol. 81,2 (2019): 313-324. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.10.079
Written by Aleksandra Agranovich
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are often used in dermatology to rejuvenate the skin, improve its appearance, and reverse signs of aging. This technique involves the use of certain types of chemicals to induce keratolysis and keratocoagulation. In addition, “this process causes the controlled destruction of all or part of the epidermis or dermis, resulting in the subsequent exfoliation of these layers”(O’connor, 2017). Chemical peels can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, scarring, and keratosis. Chemical peels may be classified based on their strength, concentration, pH, and depth of penetration into the skin. The depth of penetration may range from superficial to deep.
Types of Chemical peels
There are many different types of chemical peels that are available on the market today. Some of the superficial chemical peels include alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), lipohydroxy acid, Jessner solution, Pyruvic acid, and Resorcinol. Superficial chemical peels are often used to treat mild photoageing, acne, mild acne scarring, and pigment disorders.
Medium depth agents include tricholorinated carbonic acid (TCA). This type of chemical peel enables skin frosting which causes protein coagulation. Deep- peeling chemical agents include phenol and Baker-Gordon formula. These types of agents are very strong and are commonly used in patients who have severe pigmentation disorders and pre-malignancies.
Side effects of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels have been used for many years and have relatively low risk of side effects. Some of these side effects may include redness, changes in skin texture, swelling, scaring, and infection. Before treatment with chemical peels, it is very important to notify all patients of these side effects. Some of the more serious side effects may include anaphylaxis, cardiotoxicity, and corneal damage.
Chemical Peel Application
Chemical peels are usually applied at a dermatologist’s office. This technique requires proper equipment and patient monitoring. Chemical agents should always be kept away from the eyes. In the case that a chemical agent comes into contact with a person’s eyes, it is very important to have a neutralizing agent nearby. Chemical peels are often times applied to the facial area, neck or hands with a cotton ball. Based on the patient skin condition, it may be necessary to repeat the process several times within a range of weeks.
Resources:
O'Connor, Alicia A et al. “Chemical peels: A review of current practice.” The Australasian journal of dermatology vol. 59,3 (2018): 171-181. doi:10.1111/ajd.12715
Lee, Kachiu C et al. “Basic chemical peeling: Superficial and medium-depth peels.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology vol. 81,2 (2019): 313-324. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.10.079