Chemical peels or chemexfoliation are a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution as: phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), retinoic acid (RA), Jessner solution and others. The formulation used may be adjusted to each patient’s needs.

Glycolic acid, retinoic acid and Jessner’s peels result in superficial skin injury and are well tolerated. They remove thin lesions on the skin surface, reducing pigment.

Trichloracetic acid (TCA) concentration usually is 20 to 35%. The treatment is painful and treated areas are swollen, red and crusted for the next week or so. It can lead to an impressive improvement in skin texture with a reduction in blotchy pigmentation, freckling and keratoses.

Phenol results in deep skin injury. It is not often used nowadays because of the risk of scarring and because of its toxicity.

All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced dermatologist. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.

Fine wrinkling can be reduced, brown marks, freckles and pigmentation can be removed or lessened.

Antibiotics and oral antiviral agents may be recommended after deeper peels. Superficial peels result in mild facial redness and occasional swelling which usually resolve within 48 hours. The peeling is similar to sunburn. Most people can continue their normal activities. Make-up can be applied a few hours after the procedure. Moderate depth peels result in intense inflammation and swelling, which resolve within a week. The peeling is more marked. Mild redness can persist for several weeks. Most people take a week off from work after a moderate depth peel.

Best wishes from Brazil!

Dr. Érica Monteiro - Cosmetic Dermatologist
www.dermatologia.com.br