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All about-Chemical Peels

When it comes to chemical peels, there’s a lot to talk about. Depending on the results desired, there are many different types of peels that can be used – with varying degrees of depth, recovery time and beautiful results. Here is a look at the three main types of peels, what they are used

by Staff
September 28, 2012
2 min to read


When it comes to chemical peels, there’s a lot to talk about. Depending on the results desired, there are many different types of peels that can be used – with varying degrees of depth, recovery time and beautiful results. Here is a look at the three main types of peels, what they are used for and considerations for both patient and practitioner to take into account.


Mildest

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Alphahydroxy acids (AHA), like glycolic, lactic and fruit acids

Uses:

- Smoothes rough, dry skin

- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin

- Aids in control of acne

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- Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems

- Can be used as TCA pre-treatment

Considerations:

- A series of peels may be needed

- Sunblock use is recommended

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- May cause stinging, redness or irritation that subsides with frequent use


Stronger

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

Uses:

- Smoothes out fine surface wrinkles

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- Removes superficial blemishes

- Corrects pigment problems

Considerations:

- Can be used on neck or other body areas

- May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams

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- Treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes

- Preferred treatment for darker-skinned patients

- Peel depth can be adjusted

- Repeat treatments may be needed to maintain results

- Sunblock must be used for several months

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- Healing is usually much quicker than a phenol peel


Strongest

Phenol

Uses:

- Corrects blotches caused by sun exposure, birth-control pills and aging

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- Smoothes out coarse wrinkles

- Removes pre-cancerous growths

Considerations:

- Used on the face only

- Not recommended for dark-skinned clients

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- Procedure may pose risk for patients with heart problems

- Full-face treatment may take an hour or more

- Recovery may be slow, with complete healing taking several months

- May permanently remove facial freckles

- Sun protection, including sunblock, must always be used

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- Results are dramatic and long-lasting

-Permanent skin lightening and lines of demarcation may occur


Information courtesy of American Society of Plastic Surgeons. For more information, visit www.plasticsurgery.org.

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