What are chemical peels?

It is a process where a chemical agent in a known concentration is applied to the skin. It causes controlled exfoliation, which leads to a controlled injury to the skin and this stimulates collagen and hence repairs the skin. 

 

What are different types of peels?

Chemical peels are available in 3 strengths - light , medium and deep .

• Light strength affects the superficial layer of skin known as epidermis- leading to milder exfoliation. It is indicated for sensitive skin, non experienced patients, patients needing milder effects with little or no downtime.  It solves problems like mild scarring, fine lines, oil production, acne , and mild hyperpigmentation. Best results are seen when it is repeated every 2-4 weeks for 6-8 sessions.  Examples include 10% Salicylic acid , 20% glycolic acid, 10 % TCA, 20% Lactic acid, 10% vit c acid. 

• Medium strength  affects the papillary parts of dermis beyond the epidermis leading to more peeling and hence more pronounced effect. It is indicated in non sensitive skin, experienced patients, patients who have pronounced scars, open pores, hyper-pigmentation. As deeper layers are affected, it has more downtime and mild to moderate peeling might be seen after a few days. This helps in repair of sun damage , open pores, acne scars, wrinkles, freckles.For best results this should be applied 2-4 weeks for at least 5-6 sessions. Examples include 20 % salicylic acid, 50% glycolic acid,20% TCA, 50% Vit c peel, Jessner’s peel.

• Deep strength affect the deeper part of dermis, the reticular dermis which causes collagen regeneration. This leads to visible peeling in 8-10 days . Thus it causes more downtime, but more dramatic results. Helps in treatment of deeper scars, hyper-pigmentation caused by sun damage, acne marks. For Indian skin tone, it is better to start with light and medium strength and then come to deep gradually. Examples include 70 % Glycolic acid, 30% salicylic acid, 50 % lactic acid, 50% TCA.

 

Such high concentrated peels should only be done by the doctors . Visit the clinic to know which peel suits your concern .

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of chemical peels?

Benefits

• Reduce open pores

• Reduce pigmentation

• Reduce fine lines, and wrinkles on the skin.

• Increases hydration, elasticity.

• Rejuvenates the skin. 

• A light chemical peel improves skin texture and tone and lessens the appearance of fine wrinkles. The results are subtle but increase with repeated treatments.

• If you have a medium chemical peel, treated skin will be noticeably smoother. 

Disadvantages

• Depend on the strength of the peel ,  a higher concentration can cause increased peeling and hence increased downtime.  During this time it is very important to protect the skin from sun otherwise increased sun damage can happen. 

• Complication of the peel ranges from mild burning, erythema.

• Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

 

Results may not be permanent. Over time, age and new sun damage can lead to new lines and skin colour changes.

 

Can chemical peel be done for acne ?

Salicylic acid is a lipophilic agent . It penetrates the lipid in the skin and also causes a keratolytic effect. 

It reduces sebum, is  antibacterial which reduces the bacterial colonization present in acne and hence reduces the progress of acne.

It also has an anti-inflammatory effect which helps to control the inflammation surrounding the acne. 

Other agents like Mandelic acid ,glycolic acid, phenol peels are also used in combination with salicylic acid . 

Chemical peel is a very good adjunct treatment along with topical application of gels, oral antibiotics to control the acne. 

 

Does chemical peel help acne scars?

Acne heals by causing either scars or hyperpigmented spots. Acne scars are of different depths. 70-100% TCA can be used on ice-pick scars .  Boxcar scars can also be improved with chemical peels when combined with microneedling. After careful examination of the scars- a combination of microneedling , chemical peels ,subcision is advised to the patients.

 

How does chemical peel help in hyperpigmentation?

Chemical peels help in hyperpigmentation,melasma caused by sun damage, hormonal imbalance, genetics .

The basic mechanism of the action of chemical peels in melasma is the removal of unwanted melanin by causing a controlled chemical burn to the skin. Agents like TCA, jessners, Glycolic acid, salicylic acid ,Azelaic acid , kojic acid, Arbutin  , TCA peels help to reduce pigments.These are indicated to treat only superficial hyperpigmentation.

 

Can dark circles be treated with chemical peels ?

Under Eye dark circles can be treated with chemical peels like glycolic acid,15 %lactic acid  3-4 % TCA.

It can also be improved with mesotherapy like vit c and by fillers if there is volume loss which is causing the shadows.

Fillers can be both Prp or hyaluronic acid.

 

Are chemical peels used for dark lips?

The skin of lips is extremely sensitive and 25%thinner than the face . 

The peels used on lips need to be like lactic acid or mandelic acid which have bigger molecules and hence the penetration is limited. 

Lactic acid blocks the tyrosinase enzyme and reduces pigmentation.It  also pulls moisture and helps make the lip look fuller and hydrated. Glycolic acid and TCA can also be used but only in the subsequent sittings once the priming of the lip is done. 

 

What are the side effects of chemical peels ?

Things can go worse with chemical peels. 

•  Persistent erythema which might extend beyond 24 hours.

• There could be burns or blisters developing on parts of face.

• It could also cause PIH Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scar.

 

This would require additional management by topical steroids, antihistamine, oral antibiotics, sunscreen.

 

Can chemical peels be done at home?

Yes, these agents can be used at home , but in milder concentration . They are advised before the first peel to prepare or for the priming of the skin.  The lower concentration causes a milder effect and also takes many months to be effective. Unlike these, ones used in the clinic are of higher concentration.  Many of these peels are time dependent peels and need to be neutralised in a particular time .  If not done then they penetrate the deeper layers and cause complications like prolonged inflammation, blisters, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scar. Hence these should be always done in doctor’s guidance and use the lower concentration at home which is advised by the doctor.

 

What is the process of chemical peels ? What to expect before and after chemical peel ?

Chemical peel is done as an outpatient treatment.

• Your skin is cleansed of make-up, dirt, sunscreen. 

• It is a painless method and for superficial and medium depth peels no numbing cream is needed.

• The peel is applied and left for 3-5 mins and is then neutralised and the skin is then cleaned with water.

• A cool pack is applied to soothe the skin. Mild erythema is expected. 

• Skin is protected with moisturiser and sunscreen before you step out. 

 

You can wear makeup from the next day in mild and medium peels.

 

What is the cost of chemical peels in Bangalore?

Chemical peels show best results when done for at least 4-5 sessions. 

Some skin concerns need  combination with other treatment modalities like microneedling, microdermabrasion and Hydrafacial. 

We give complete packages for after looking at your skin condition. 

Individual sessions of chemical peels cost Rs. 1500-2000.