A CHEMICAL PEEL uses a specialized chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and boost new cell growth. They come with a variety of benefits, including addressing skin discoloration, scars, and wrinkles. Although many patients can benefit from a single chemical peel, they work best as a package of treatments for ongoing benefits. Here’s what to know about the right chemical peel type for you.
Chemical Peel Cosmetic Treatment Depths
The right chemical peel for you is dependent on the skin concerns you’re looking to address, as well as your skin texture and overall goals for skin appearance. These treatments are usually classified by their depth and tailored to address different skin conditions using specific peeling agents.
Light Chemical Peel
A light peel or superficial chemical peel addresses the superficial layer of the skin to treat minor skin concerns such as acne, fine wrinkles, dryness, and uneven skin tone. These superficial peels often use alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid formulations to gently exfoliate the treated skin, resulting in a smoother texture with minimal downtime. A superficial peel is an appropriate chemical peel for patients with mild concerns or thicker skin that can tolerate frequent exfoliation. Avoid sun exposure after treatment to protect your results.
Medium Depth Peel
A medium chemical peel penetrates the upper layer of the skin (the epidermis) and parts of the middle layer (the dermis). Medium-depth chemical peels can target deep scars, acne, and pigmentation more effectively. Because medium peels come with more significant downtime and peeling afterward, you can repeat treatments every few months to maintain healthy results.
Deep Peel
A deep chemical peel is the most intensive level of exfoliation, ideal for those with deep wrinkles, extensive scars, or precancerous growths. It removes the outer layer of the skin and deep layers of the dermis using stronger peeling agents for maximum rejuvenation. This treatment requires preparation in advance and should be performed by a trained provider to ensure the treated skin heals properly and maintains optimal skin appearance over time.
Types of Chemical Peels
Along with depth, chemical peels can be customized based on the type of solution used. These are usually chosen based on your skin type and concerns. Common chemical peels include:
• Lactic Acid Peel – This is an acid derived from dairy. It’s ideal for those with dry and sensitive skin. If your skin doesn’t respond well to retinol, the lactic peel produces gentle exfoliation to remove fine wrinkles, correct sunburn, and remove small dark spots.
• Glycolic Acid Peel – The peel uses glycolic acid as the active ingredient. Besides exfoliation, this peel promotes the growth of collagen for healthier skin. Glycolic acid features small molecules that penetrate your skin the deepest. However, the peel can appear in different strengths for different peel depths.
• TCA Peel – Trichloroacetic acid removes the superficial layer of the skin to reveal younger, smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin. This peel corrects skin problems such as fine lines, dark spots, blotchiness, melasma, and fine wrinkles. The formula appears in the light and medium strengths for darker and sensitive skins.
• Beta Hydroxyl Peel – This chemical peel uses salicylic acid to correct acne and acne scars, blotchiness, and uneven skin tones. The treatment is ideal for people with combination, acne-prone, and oily skin. It helps address post-acne inflammatory issues.
Which Peel is Right For You?
Your skin type and skincare goals will determine the chemical peel that works best for you. The best way to learn more is to meet with our expert team to create a customized chemical peel treatment package. You can schedule a consultation with Drs. Papel, Kontis, and Brown at the Aesthetic Center at Woodholme in Baltimore, Maryland. To get started, we invite you to contact us by calling or filling out our online form.
Dr. Ira D. Papel is certified in Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Papel earned his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and his M.D. from Boston University of Medicine. He completed a residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Papel is considered an international expert in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial aesthetic surgery.