Chemical peels have been around for a long time because they can heal the skin woes, from acne scars and uneven skin tone to melasma and fine lines and wrinkles. What’s even more great about chemical peels is that they’re low tech and not intimidating when compared to lasers, and they address the same problems—skin discoloration, texture, and wrinkles. And the most interesting fact about chemical peels is that even Cleopatra used an alpha hydroxy acid which is among the most commonly used types of peels today.
Chemical peels can be Glycolic peels-done at home or Phenol peels that often require sedation or general anesthesia. All of these can correct acne, age spots, discoloration, tone, fine lines, freckles, melasma, sun damage, and more.
There are many types of chemical peels, from mild to deep exfoliating peels. While moderately deep peels can help various kinds of pigmentation issues, the deeper peels can be more effective at correcting wrinkles.
MILD PEELS
Mild chemical peels are weaker peels i.e. the AHA peels or fruit acid peels, most commonly Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, and Lactic Acid, and can help improve acne scars, skin tone, and texture, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the effects of sun damage. The skin will look brighter right away with gradual improvement in fine lines, texture, and pigmentation.
MEDIUM-STRENGTH PEELS
Medium-strength peels use some of the same acids in mild peels, just at a much higher level. Since these peels are deeper, the skin will be red and swollen after application, and blisters may form and break open. The aftercare instructions include applying a lotion or cream to the treated area and avoiding the sun until healing is complete.
DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS
Phenol peels are the strongest chemical peels because they target deep wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. They are helpful in treating vertical lines around the mouth, and they work best on lighter skin since there is less of a risk of hypopigmentation or bleaching. Phenol peels are used on the face only since the skin of the neck and hands tends to be thinner and more delicate.