Chemical Peel

Chemical Peel Information

Great advances have been made in the technology of the chemical peel over the years. There are mild chemical peels that can be bought from a beauty retailer to much more severe chemical peels that need to be done in the care of a licensed professional. The trade-off is that some of the milder peels take several applications and may not be as effective as the severe chemical peels, but they are safe for just about everyone. The phenol chemical peels are the heavy-duty peels that work great for fair-skinned people but darker complexioned people should avoid them as it may lighten their skin too much. Also, people with heart problems can have adverse reactions to a phenol chemical peel. But, there are so many options today to help you pick a great chemical peel that reducing wrinkles can be as easy as ordering a product online.

Alpha Hydroxy Peels

These peels include glycolic acid carboxylic acid peels. They are made from natural substances like sugar cane, sour milk, or tomato juice. They are gentle enough for everyone to use. They can treat light wrinkles; uneven pigmentation and can even improve acne. They smooth out the skin texture. Most people have to do more than one peel to see results and they can have some discomforting side effects like redness, a stinging sensation when applied, and some skin dryness afterwards. However, they are very economical, effective and safe for most consumers.

Retinoic Acid Peel

Retin-A was first marketed as an anti-acne cream. It soon became apparent that it works great for fighting the signs of aging too. The problem with this type of peel is that you need a prescription to get such a product. The reasons for this safeguard are the many side-effects that can occur, some very serious with the use of high dosages of vitamin A, as is present in Retinoic products. Women who are in childbearing years or are pregnant are the most vulnerable. Excessive dosages of vitamin A, whether taken internally or absorbed through the skin, are known to cause birth defects. So, to keep this segment of the population safe, a prescription is required. However, the treatment is very effective against wrinkles and aging.

Phenol Peels

One can’t really go over all the peels available on the market today. You can get a variation of the different ingredients at places that specialize in facials, like a spa. Some even create their own chemical peels using ingredients that they have found to work well. Regardless, you want to know the risks and benefits associated with any chemical peel before you agree to use it.

Phenol chemical peels are the strongest chemicals used to instigate a facial peel. This works so well that even deep wrinkles are smoothed out and it can also be used to remove precancerous growths. It permanently removes freckles too. The risks, as stated earlier, can be severe. It takes several months to heal and people with heart problems should avoid this peel. Dark-skinned people may not be able to use this peel due to the effectiveness of the lightening effect on the skin.