3 Types of Chemical Peels to Brighten Skin Tone

Chemical Peel is a cosmetic treatment for sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, and actinic keratosis. It can also be used to treat scarring as a result of acne wrinkles and fine lines due to sun exposure. Chemical peels can be categorized into superficial, medium, and deep depending on the depth of damage in the skin that they cause.

1. Superficial Peels:

This kind of chemical peel does not damage the skin beneath the epidermis which is the most superficial layer of the skin. This is the mildest type of chemical peel and can be done on any skin type. Glycolic acid is most often used in this chemical peel. Different strengths of glycolic acid are used in this peel depending on the result you are looking for. This kind of peel infiltrates the deepest as it has the smallest molecules. It is great for reviving and brightening mature skin.

Dr. Sheth’s Extra Gentle Peel with 10% AHA Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid is the perfect superficial peel. This peel evens skin tone, gives you glowing skin, and deeply exfoliates your superficial skin layer.

2. Medium Peels:

These peels may reach the superficial layer of the dermis which is deeper than the epidermis. They are also known as TCA – Trichloroacetic Acid. They provide better results than superficial chemical peels but also do not require heavy downtime as compared to deep peels. TCA breaks down the protein keratin found in the skin. As the keratin breaks down, it stops functioning properly and eventually peels off from the skin. Gradually, a new layer of skin is revealed that is healthier, brighter, and younger looking.

3. Deep Peels:

This kind reaches the deeper layer of the dermis. Phenol is added to this peel. It is used for treating severely damaged skin. This one is a classic deep peel that smoothens skin tone and texture and reduces visible signs of aging.

The concentration of the chemical in the peeling solution decides the amount of damage it is capable of doing to the skin. It also depends on the amount of time the solution is allowed to interact with the skin. There are 5 main types of chemicals added to the peeling solutions. Chemical Peels restore a vibrant and youthful look to dull, aging, wrinkled, and sun-damaged skin. The chemical applied to the skin makes it peel off. The new emerging skin is smoother and younger looking. The popular chemicals added in chemical peels are listed below:

Retinoid chemical peel: In this solution, tretinoin dissolved in propylene glycol is added
Alpha-hydroxy acid peel: In this solution, lactic acid and glycolic acid are added
Beta-hydroxy acids: salicylic acid
Trichloroacetic acid
Phenol: carbolic acid

So, if you feel that your skin is damaged, looking dull, or has some ugly scars, you can consult your dermatologist for the right kind of chemical peel for you. Remember that chemical peeling treatment should be done by a certified professional, or else you may have to face severe repercussions. There have been cases of chemical peeling gone wrong and the skin is severely damaged when stronger chemicals are used on more sensitive skin.