Would you like to take your face off? Not literally though! A chemical peel is a way to remove the upper layer of the skin to reveal renewed skin underneath. The term chemical peel might sound a bit scary but the procedure is fairly simple and effective. There are less chances of chemical peels going wrong at the hand of a certified dermatologist. Considering the skin problems that you are keen on addressing, your doctor will decide if chemical peel is the right choice for you, and which kind of chemical peel will help you the most.

Why do I need chemical peel?

Chemical peels are used to address fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, sun tan and acne scars. It is a skin rejuvenation process. It gives you improved skin texture, smoother skin, lesser lines and sun damage. So, if you are looking for a refreshed skin, chemical peels are a good option for you. There are light, medium and deep chemical peels and your dermatologist will use one of these depending on your requirement and skin’s condition. 

Am I eligible for it?

Not if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of keloids or are on anti-acne medication. Your doctor will evaluate your eligibility, and suggest you discontinue certain medications to prep you for the treatment. Your family history, medical history and lifestyle details will be taken into account before the treatment. 

What are the side effects?

Chemical peels involve downtime. After the treatment, you will be required to take care of your skin as it will be more sensitive and irritated. You will notice redness and either hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. The skin recovers from these side effects as the new skin that emerges is smoother and brighter. In rare cases, infection or damage to certain organs can occur. It is important to talk to your doctor about this. 

What prep should I do?

Preps for chemical peels are customised. Here are a few generic indications:

• Physical examination

• Evaluate your expectations with your doctor

• Antiviral medication, upon doctor’s prescription

• Avoid abrasive treatments like hair removal and exfoliation

• Avoid sun damage

• Use a retinoid cream, as per doctor’s instructions

What kind of post treatment care should I take? 

• Don’t expose yourself to the sun unless absolutely necessary

• Avoid stepping out into pollution

• Avoid hair removal procedures

• Don’t pick on your skin 

• Don’t scratch or exfoliate

• Be patient and allow the new skin to emerge

• Don’t hurry the recovery process

What are the types of peels that I can choose from?

As mentioned above, there are light, medium and deep chemical peels. Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peel falls under the light peels category. It works on mild skin discolouration and bumpy skin texture. It can also be used on other parts of the body other than the face. Light peels work for most skin types, with little to no side effects as they are quite low in intensity. Multiple sessions might be required depending on your skin concern.

Medium peels include glycolic or trichloroacetic acid. This ingredient penetrates the two uppermost layers of the skin to remove damaged skin cells. Some of the issues that can be treated with medium peels include age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discolouration.

Deep peels include trichloroacetic acid or phenol, which penetrates the middle layer of skin. With this peel, you will be able to get rid of moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars.

Depending on the light, medium or deep chemical peel that you are doing, your doctor will advise you about post-care. The procedures also differ from each other, so the time and money involved is also different. The treated area will take up to two weeks to recover. Till then cosmetics are to be avoided and sunscreen has to be applied religiously. Chemical peels can be combined with other treatments for optimal benefits.