Chemical Peel

Skin Peel

A chemical peel is the application of an acid to the skin to achieve a controlled burn to the top layers of skin. Skin peels are used to remove fine lines, especially around the mouth, small scars, discolorations such as freckles or liver spots, areas of sun damaged skin, and spots of precancerous keratoses.

Skin Peel Application

Peels can be applied to the whole face or to an isolated area, such as the upper lip. A full-face peel is usually done as a separate procedure before or after a face lift or eyelid surgery. However, if only a small area is being treated, the peel may be done at the same time as the surgical procedure. Chemical peels cannot be done around the eyes.

Types of Chemical Peels

The type and concentration of acid controls the depth of the burn used to achieve (1) superficial peels, (2) medium peels, and (3) deep peels.

Superficial peels are produced using alphahydroxy acids (AHA) (glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids). AHA peels are used to treat rough, dry skin and improve texture. These acids can be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct uneven pigmentation.
Medium peels are most often done using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). TCA peels are used to treat fine wrinkles and superficial blemishes.
Deep skin peels are produced using carbolic acid (phenol). It is used to treat coarse wrinkles, blotches caused by sun, birth-control pills, or aging, and precancerous growths. Phenol is almost always used only on the face. It may cause scarring on the neck or other areas of the body.