The Wonders of Chemical Peels | by Dr . Tahl Humes
As more peel solution is applied , there is a cumulative response with multiple passes resulting in a deeper depth of peel . 3
Deep peels , such as phenol peels , are rarely seen in practices due to the risks associated with them . These peels penetrate the reticular dermis and , if not administered properly , can lead to scarring . As they are also quite painful , they are generally administered by physicians under anesthesia .
Medium depth peels have a safer treatment profile and are more commonly used than deep peels .
Medium depth peels have a safer treatment profile and are more commonly used than deep peels . They treat the entire epidermis and can also penetrate into the dermis but stay within the papillary dermis . These are often referred to as “ deeper ” peels when discussed with patients . Due to the excellent results seen with medium depth peels , and the terminology of calling it a deeper peel , these medium depth peels can be mistaken for deep peels by patients . This needs to be considered when discussing peels in the clinic or when a patient presents asking for a deep peel .
Superficial peels stay within the epidermis . These peels are often thought to be less effective than medium depth peels ; however , this is not actually the case . With superficial peels , you can still achieve excellent results . It may , however , take more treatment sessions with the superficial peels .
Often , pH is considered the determining factor in the strength of a chemical peel . While pH plays an important role in the formulation of chemical peels , it is the depth of penetration rather than pH that determines strength .
Benefits of Chemical Peels .
Exfoliation and shedding of the treated skin signal for healthy skin cells to regenerate and migrate superficially . Collagen production is boosted as well as the natural production of hyaluronic acid in the skin . In addition , ingredients in the peels target the bacteria that causes acne .
The texture of skin drastically improves , and , with a relatively short recovery time , the treatment provides long-lasting results . Chemical peels can be done on most areas of the body . They are often a preferred treatment for pigment because of their versatility and safety profile , as they are safe on difficult pigment and can be used to treat all skin types .
Because chemical peels can treat the entire surface of the skin and can penetrate the skin at various depths , they can treat a wide range of conditions and offer many improvements which include the following :
• A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles .
• Improvements in skin texture and tone .
64 iS Skin Source