WHAT IS CHEMICAL PEEL?
Chemical peel is a common office procedure where in with the help of chemical we invoke controlled skin injury. This helps to remove the outer damaged layer, thus accelerating the normal process of exfoliation. The underlying new regenerated skin is smoother, shinier, even toned and less wrinkly.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The chemical applied to the skin penetrates in the layers of skin and stimulates the deeper layers of skin to produce new cells and provokes collagen remodelling.
TYPES OF PEELS
1. Very superficial peel
(limited to stratum corneum only)
2. Superficial peel
(limited to whole epidermis)
3. Medium depth peel
(limited to papillary dermis)
4. Deep peel
(limited to reticular dermis)
WHAT ARE PEELING AGENTS USED?
Salicylic acid 20-30%
Retinoic acid/ Tretinoin/ Yellow peel 1-5%
Glycolic acid 30-50%
Glycolic acid peel 50-70%
WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS?
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Riehl’s melanosis (post cosmetic use skin darkening)
Acne / Acne scars
Sun damaged skin
Wrinkles/ dull patchy skin
WHO CAN UNDERGO PEEL PROCEDURE?
Fair skinned with light haired patient are the best candidate for the chemical peel. In Darker patients careful selection of peel as well proper pre peel preparation and post peel care is necessary
If tretinoin acid or any other exfoliating cream is being used, should be discontinued 3 to 4 days prior to the application of chemical peel
Patch test of peel is to be done behind the ear or on fore arm to see if any allergy to the product or untoward side effect develops in patient, 1 week before peel procedure
HOW IS CHEMICAL PEEL DONE?
Treatment part (face, back, chest, hands, legs) is degreased with acetone (soap & water if acetone not available)
Pat drying of the degreased area with a napkin/cotton is done
With help of a cotton ear bud Vaseline jelly to the corners of eyes, corners of nose in nasolabial fold & corners of mouth is applied
With the help of brush the chemical peel is applied to the face and other treatment area in a systematic pattern
Time for which the chemical peel has to be applied is carefully calculated and depends on what is the condition for which peel is used, patients tolerability and type of peel used.
As soon as the required time for the peel to work is finished treatment area is cleansed.
With help of ice cubes or ice packs treated area is massaged for a minute to decrease if any burning or stinging sensation present
Any redness, scaling, crusting and swelling is observed.
Immediate application of the sunscreen on the treated area is done
If tretinoin acid or any other exfoliating cream is being used patient is asked to discontinue for 3 to 4 days post application of chemical peel
Smoking and direct sun exposure without sunscreen should be avoided
WHAT ARE AFTER EFFECTS OF PEEL?
Mild redness, mild burning for few minutes to hours
Mild scaling, temporary change in colour or mild darkening of skin for few days
New rejuvenated skin starts appearing.
IT IS A SAFE OFFICE PROCEDURE WHICH CAN BE DONE AT REGULAR INTERVALS TO KEEP SKIN YOUNG AND RADIANT!