Peel Treatments
Peel Treatments
10 Chemical Peel Benefits: Pros & Cons of Light, Medium and Deep Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the face to improve the skin’s appearance in a number of ways. They are available in varying strengths, using different types of acids, some of which are better suited for some skin types than others. However, all strengths provide chemical peel benefits.
Knowing the available options available can help you choose a chemical peel that will effectively address your skin concerns while minimizing the risk of unwanted side effects.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are categorized into three strengths: light, medium and deep. The ingredients in your peel together with the length of time it is on the skin determine its strength, how much downtime it requires and what kind of results you can expect.
Some acids are used for only one type of peel, while others can be used for multiple types depending on the concentration used.
Some of the most common acids and the strengths they are used for include:
- Mandelic acid – light
- Salicylic acid – light to medium
- Glycolic acid – light to medium
- Jessner’s solution – medium
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) – medium to deep
- Phenol – deep
Light Chemical Peel Benefits
A light chemical peel penetrates the topmost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, to improve the skin’s appearance on a superficial level. The ideal candidate is someone who wants to resolve minor issues with little to no recovery time required.
Reduces Blemishes
A light peel can reduce the appearance of small acne lesions in the skin. Salicylic acid in low concentrations is the best peel to treat this particular issue.
Brightens Skin
Just one light peel can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation such as dark spots or freckles. A few days after the peel, skin will appear clearer and smoother.
Controls Breakouts
If you choose a salicylic acid peel, your skin will gain the extra benefit of temporarily producing less sebum, the oil that contributes to acne formation.
Fast Recovery Time
After a light peel, you may experience a day of redness and light sensitivity. However, the side effects are mild enough that you should not have to take time off from your regular activities.
Medium Chemical Peel Benefits
Medium peels penetrate the papillary dermis, below the epidermis, to treat deeper skin concerns that can’t be resolved by light peels.
A good candidate for a medium peel is someone with skin issues such as acne scarring, melasma, hyperpigmentation or any of the various signs of aging.
Reduces Acne Scarring
A medium peel reduces small or shallow scars that develop due to acne lesions. It is most effective for rolling or boxcar scars and can significantly improve skin smoothness.
Medium peels cannot, however, treat deep ice pick scars or raised, keloid scars.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Sunspots, freckles, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation can be treated with a medium peel with greater results than a light peel can offer. A medium peel effectively reverses sun damage for a more youthful appearance.
Helps Reduce Wrinkles
Medium peels reduce wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. TCA or Jessner’s solution can each be administered separately for this purpose, but recent research has determined that they are most effective when used together.
For best results, the peel can be repeated after a few months, but a considerable change in appearance can be achieved after only one treatment.
Deep Chemical Peel Benefits
Deep peels penetrate the lower part of the dermis, known as the reticular dermis. The ideal candidate for this peel has skin issues such as deep scars or wrinkles that cannot be treated by milder peels or other skin resurfacing techniques.
Deep peels require sedation, have a long recovery time and carry risk of complications, but they offer dramatic results for issues related to scarring and sun damage.
Reverses Photodamage
Wrinkles, crow’s feet, marionette lines and age spots can all be reduced or eliminated by a deep peel. The peel penetrates deeply into the skin to remove accumulated damage.
Removes Precancerous Growths
Apart from its cosmetic uses, a deep chemical peel can be used to remove precancerous growths from the skin.
Reduces Deep Scars
While a deep peel can reduce deep scars caused by acne, it is not the most appropriate solution for this skin concern due to the permanent skin changes associated with the procedure.
Instead, other treatments are recommended such as laser therapy and microdermabrasion.
Which Chemical Peel Is Best for Your Skin?
The efficacy and safety of a chemical peel is determined by your Fitzpatrick skin type, a system that categorizes skin by its tendency to burn or tan.
As a rule, types I–III (lighter skin) react well to all peel levels. Types IV–VI have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or permanent skin lightening and should avoid deep peels.
Once you have established which peels are safe for your skin, you can choose one according to the benefits it offers.
DIY Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be performed at home; however, administering a peel without professional guidance is not without risk.
The safest at-home options are products found in pharmacies or beauty supply stores. Commonly found in the form of wipes, masks and serums, these products typically contain low concentrations of glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid.
Although results from at-home products are not as dramatic as those from a professional peel, these products are less expensive than an in-office treatment and can improve your skin’s appearance if consistently incorporated into your skin care routine.
Avoid products from untrustworthy online distributors labeled professional strength. These products have not been approved for safe at-home use and carry a high risk of chemically burning your skin.
On the other end of the spectrum, DIY recipes such as applying milk to your face for the lactic acid are essentially harmless, but may take months of consistent use to see results.
What is a Skin Peel?
The Skin Peel Defined
A skin peel, also known as a chemical peel, is a science-based treatment that, when properly administered, offers one of the most powerful non-surgical skin improvements available. It involves the application of highly specialized acid and enzyme solutions to remove damaged layers of cells from the skin’s outer surface-revealing more glowing youthful skin.
When you select Rhonda Allison for your skin peel, you’re choosing a research leader with more than 35 years of skin care success. Formulated using the science of chirality for optimum efficacy, Rhonda Allison skin peels feature only the purest, highest grade ingredients for maximum results that are naturally scientific.
Choosing A Peel
Specialized Treatment Courses
Rhonda Allison offers highly specialized skin care solutions – and skin peels are no exception. Your trained skin care practitioner will assess your needs to determine the most beneficial skin peel formulation, application technique, and post peel regimen. A variety of Rhonda Allison skin peels are available at three fundamental levels:
- Progressive
A progressive skin peel is the mildest course of treatment, removing only the outer layer of the stratum corneum with no visible peeling. Repeated treatments on a regular schedule, up to once a week, will cause mild exfoliation of the skin with cumulative effects. This is best described as a mild, yet refining, peel.
- Mid-Depth
A mid-depth skin peel targets the intra-epidermal layer, skin exfoliation occurs within two to three days of treatment. Light flaking may occur, similar to a sunburn peel. May be administered every four to six weeks as needed. A mid-depth peel can offer rejuvenative effects with minimal to no down time.
- Deep
A deep skin peel reaches the deepest intra-epidermal layers where skin peels in large segments. Skin becomes brown and crusted prior to considerable peeling, occurring three to four days after application. The typical recovery period lasts seven to ten days, with treatment allowed up to twice per year. A deep peel restores and renews skin with the most dramatic results.