When we ask beauty-conscious people about their best skin care ritual, they first suggest going chemical-free. And what they mean is to avoid applying any cream, solution, or face pack made of harsh chemicals.
This is evident enough that the term “chemical” is kept as far as possible when it is about taking care of the skin.
But surprisingly, there is a dermatologically proven skincare regime that is entirely based on the use of a chemical. Indeed, we are talking about chemical peeling, in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove damaged skin cells and correct scars, wrinkles, and discolorations.
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We know it might sound a little contradictory since going completely chemical-free for your skin end applying different types of chemicals for the betterment of your skin don’t seem to harmonize with each other. And that is where many misconceptions regarding chemical peels arise, making people completely paranoid about giving chemical peeling a try even when a dermatologist suggests it.
However, to burst the bubble formed around the concept of chemical peeling, we bring to you this article consists of all the necessary information regarding chemical peeling: what it is, how it is done, what is the cost of chemical peeling in India, and more.
Read this article until the end and make an informed decision about whether you would like to try chemical peeling.
What Is Chemical Peeling
Chemical peeling is a cosmetic treatment used to improve the skin’s texture. Facial skin is treated chiefly to improve scars, spots, wrinkles, and other skin conditions. Chemical peels intend to remove the outermost layer of the facial skin. This dermatologically proven treatment method uses different types of acid peels with wound-healing properties and the potential to regenerate new tissues.
After chemical peel treatment, the dead skin cells of the outermost layer eventually peel off, resulting in regenerated skin that is usually smoother, less wrinkled, and better than the old skin.
There are many market-grade chemical peels available that people can purchase and administer without any prescription. But it is always advised to seek professional help from a certified dermatologist or aesthetician to know the specific type of chemical peel that is suitable for you before performing the procedure.
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What Are Different Types Of Chemical Peels Used By Dermatologists?
You have got quite a few options when looking for market-grade chemical peels. Nowadays, Instagram influencers and YouTubers highly recommend certain chemical peels and promise to bring the best effects. However, you must research the different chemical peels available before trying one. Or better yet, consult an experienced dermatologist since applying anything on your face must not be taken lightly, so make sure you know as much as possible.
We will discuss the most common types of chemical peels used by dermatologists in different concentrations. Moreover, the chemical peels available in the market are also the same ones we will discuss in this article. But the only difference is that there are available in random concentrations, and not all of them are suggested by dermatologists.
Glycolic Acid Peel
The glycolic acid peel penetrates the best in your skin among all the chemical peels available. Glycolic acid peel has the potential to reach the deepest layer, so it is the best one for exfoliation.
The molecular structure of glycolic acid is such that it can easily penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, and it is the best for bringing a healthy glow back to aging skin. Glycolic acid is known for dissolving and allowing dead skin cells to slough off, which results in clear pores and a smoother skin surface.
Dermatologists use glycolic acid peel at different concentrations based on the patient’s requirement and the desired results. Different intensities of the glycolic acid peel bring other effects on the skin.
Lactic Acid Peel
People with sensitive skin might not be comfortable with glycolic acid peels and other available peels. However, a light chemical peel, such as a lactic peel, is suitable in such cases. As the name suggests, the lactic acid peel is derived from milk; therefore, it can gently and quickly bring desired results while moisturizing dry skin and not being harsh.
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Retinol Peel
Retinol is a different form of vitamin A used in skin care products to encourage the growth of skin cells once applied. The molecular structure of retinol is small; therefore, it can easily penetrate the deepest layer of the skin. Retinol triggers the live skin cells to grow and renew while peeling off the dead skin cells and helping the clogged pores to clear out.
It can also reduce acne breakouts and allows the cleansed skin to heal. The retinol peel is the ideal solution for you if you are looking for a hydrated, rejuvenated, and refreshed complexion alongside treating some skin conditions. Many people with acne and aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines could benefit from retinol.
Beta Peel
If you are dealing with acne and breakouts, we understand how embarrassing and annoying it is. A beta peel can help you if your breakout problem is prevalent. It is made of salicylic acid, which is excellent for exfoliation and oil control. Salicylic acid is also known for taking care of the bacteria associated with acne breakouts and relieving you.
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Vitalize Peel
If you are pretty new to a chemical peel, vitalize peel is an excellent place to start because there is not much peeling involved. A vitalize peel can be made of salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, or retinol and is used to lighten your skin color and improve the quality of your skin.
Pigment Balancing Peel
Pigment balancing peel works just like a vitalize peel, and a series of acids are used to lighten the pigmentation of the skin. Pigment balancing is also helpful in removing brown spots, but it might take a little more time than powerful peeling solutions like glycolic acid peel.
The only difference between a strong peel and a pigment-balancing peel is that you cannot expect your skin problems to go away in the first session of a pigment-balancing peel. It might need several sessions for the peel to take effect.
Mandelic Peel
Mandelic acid is a goal to solution for people suffering from aging skin, and this ingredient is used worldwide for skin care. Mandelic acid is known for accelerating cell turnover since it has the potential to dissolve the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together. Plus, mandelic acid can remove dead skin from the skin’s surface, which deals with uneven complexions and fine lines.
Mandelic acid peel is also known for building collagen, the essential building block of your skin’s firmness and youthfulness. Moreover, mandelic acid peels off the outermost layer of the skin, resulting in lighter and better skin that looks supple and smooth. This peel comes under alpha hydroxy acids, known for softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin texture.
Vitamin C Peel
Vitamin c peel is one of the safest chemical peels available and therefore loved by dermatologists. Vitamin c works against free radicals such as sun rays, smoke, pollution, etc., that can cause your skin to lose its elasticity. All the factors that make our skin lose its ability to shed dead skin cells and cause uneven appearance can be controlled with vitamin c peel.
Vitamin c can utilize free radicals and antioxidants and prevent them from oxidizing on the skin. This peel is also beneficial for people suffering from acne since it can deeply cleanse the pores and provides antibacterial action. Vitamin c peel also works as a bleaching agent and restores imbalanced skin tone by fading blemishes.
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TCA Peel
Trichloroacetic acid peels are a type of chemical peel that involves the use of a solution containing trichloroacetic acid to remove the outermost layers of the skin. TCA peels are not available over the counter. A dermatologist only performs them in a clinic to treat many skin conditions, including sun damage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scars.
Depending on the desired results, dermatologists use TCA peels at different depths, from superficial to deep. The superficial TCA peels are also known as lunchtime peels since they can be performed in a short amount of time without much discomfort.
Alpha Jewel Peel
Alpha jewel peels are summer-safe peels with minimal downtime. People looking for chemical peels on the go can go for alpha jewel peels that intend to remove the outermost layer of the dead skin and are enriched with the bonus of precious gems. The unique elements of alpha jewel peels leave trace amounts of essential minerals that can neutralize stressed skin and create significant antioxidants.
Bio Revitalization Peel
Bio revitalization peel is a procedure that involves using a chemical to make the skin look younger. In this procedure, trichloroacetic acid is applied to the skin, left for a while, and removed. Trichloroacetic acid peels are mostly called light or superficial peels since they only affect the outermost layer of the skin. The bio revitalization peel is an improved version of trichloroacetic acid peels, which can treat sunburn, fine lines, and wrinkles.
VI Peel
These types of peels are medium-depth chemical peels that help correct the signs of aging on the skin. The use of VI peels is to reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne scars with minimal downtime that can be covered with makeup for three to five days.
VI peel is gentle and can be used on the face, back, and chest and is suitable for any skin type to treat conditions like hyperpigmentation and other problems at the surface level.
What Are The Skin Conditions Treated By Chemical Peels?
Several skin conditions can be treated using chemical peels. Chemical peels improve the appearance of this skin and improve the tone and texture too.
The most common areas where chemical peel treatment is performed are:
- Face
- Neck
- Hands
Chemical peels can reduce or improve:
- Fine lines on the face, especially around the eyes and mouth
- Wrinkles caused by sun, aging, or hereditary factors
- Acne
- Age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin tone, and sunspots
- Actinic keratosis
- Rough, dull, and patchy skin complexion
- Melasma caused by birth control pills or pregnancy
Before any chemical peel treatment, you must talk to your dermatologist and discuss the correct depth of your peel. The decision can vary depending on the skin condition you’re dealing with and the objectives of the treatment.
However, some skin conditions don’t respond well to chemical peels, such as deep scars, facial lines, and severe wrinkles. If these are the skin conditions you have recently faced, your doctor might suggest other skin treatments such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, fillers, etc. A dermatologist is always the person who can determine the best treatment option for your concerns.
How Is Chemical Peel Treatment Done?
A plastic surgeon or a dermatologist performs the chemical peel treatment in their office as an outpatient procedure. Before applying any chemical peel solution, the dermatologist thoroughly cleanses your face with an agent that removes the extra oil, dirt, and other impurities from your face. During the treatment, the dermatologist also protects your eyes and hair.
After taking all the required protective measures, a chemical solution is applied throughout your face, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, carbolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or lactic acid. We already discussed the benefits of all the chemical peel solutions above. The primary purpose of every chemical peel solution is to peel away the outermost layer of your skin to reveal a new skin layer.
Different chemical peel solution brings mixed results, and the choice of a chemical depends upon your desired goals. However, your dermatologist is the sole decider of which will work best for your skin condition. Though we have discussed the type of chemical peels commonly used by dermatologists, chemical peels are divided into three categories depending upon that depth.
A light chemical peel can subtly improve your skin over time and is often done in several sessions. This chemical peel removes the outermost layer and will be the best solution for you if you are dealing with wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, or dry and rough skin to bring out a healthy glow. There is no downtime associated with the light peel, and the patient can return to their everyday life within a few hours to a few days.
A medium chemical peel gives the skin a smooth and fresh look instantly. Alongside the outermost layer of the skin, the upper part of the middle skin layer is also removed, and the choice of peel again depends upon the dermatologist. A medium chemical peel is best for you if you have moderate to severe discoloration, acne scars, or wrinkles. It might take a week or more for the patient to recover from the effects of a medium chemical peel.
A deep chemical peel brings the most dramatic results to the patients since the chemical can penetrate the lower middle layer of the skin and fix the problems from their roots. The recovery time of deep chemical peels is longer than the other two types of peels. A deep chemical peel is the best solution if you have moderate fine lines, wrinkles, excessive sun-damaged skin, acne scars, precancerous growths, etc. It might take up to 8 weeks for the effects of deep chemical peel to settle down. However, you must abide by your doctor’s instructions after the treatment. A deep chemical peel is a one-time treatment since it has significant downtime.
How To Prepare For A Chemical Peel Treatment?
Before going for a chemical peel treatment, your doctor might provide you with specific instructions that you need to abide by, such as:
- Avoid direct sun exposure at least two weeks before the treatment
- Apply some topical products that include hydroquinone a few days before the treatment to prepare your skin
- Not use any product that contains retinol at least two weeks before the treatment unless your dermatologist suggests so
- If your dermatologist recommends any antibiotics, you must take them at least 24 hours before the treatment.
Your dermatologist might also provide specific instructions to follow on the day of the peel and after the treatment.
What To Expect From A Chemical Peel Treatment?
The first expectation from a chemical peel treatment must always be to eliminate the skin problems you face. However, there are some specific experiences all patients of chemical peel treatment go through, such as:
- Sunburn-like reactions that occur after the peel
- Redness on the face that lasts for three to seven days
You need to apply lotions and creams as directed by your dermatologist after the chemical peel treatment. Applying sunscreen daily is mandatory, and you cannot wear makeup immediately after the treatment for a few days.
What Is The Cost Of Chemical Peel Treatment In India?
Compared to other cosmetic treatments, chemical peel treatment is inexpensive, and each session of chemical peel treatment costs somewhere between ₹2500 to ₹4000. Chemical peel treatments are not covered by insurance since it is considered a cosmetic treatment. The patient is the one who must spend the entire cost of the treatment from their pocket.
Some FAQs Regarding Chemical Peel Treatment
Can Chemical Peel Treatment Be Done At Home?
Many market-grade chemical peel solutions available can help someone get a chemical peel treatment done at home. However, dermatologists recommend that every individual goes for a one-to-one consultation before trying any chemical peel solution on the face at home. The market-grade chemical peel solutions have severe side effects if anything goes wrong, and not every chemical peel solution available over the counter is safe for every skin type.
Is Market-Grade Chemical Peel Solutions As Effective As Chemical Peels Suggested By Dermatologists?
Though in most cases, the chemical peels available over the counter contain the same type of acids dermatologists use in chemical peel treatment, the concentration of acids in both treatments varies. Market-grade chemical peel solutions are made on a one-size-fits-all approach; therefore, they cannot produce desired results. On the other hand, when you get a chemical peel treatment done at a dermatologist’s office, the peel’s concentration and the peel’s type are decided depending on your skin condition. Therefore, you are more likely to get better results from a chemical peel treatment when done by a certified dermatologist.
Is Chemical Peel Good For Skin?
Chemical peel treatment is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment done by certified dermatologists; therefore, there is no severe risk associated with a chemical peel. However, you must ensure that you get a chemical peel treatment done by a board-certified dermatologist to avoid all possible side effects. A light chemical peel improves the tone and texture of your skin while lessening the appearance of fine wrinkles. And the risk of side effects from any chemical peel treatment rises along with the concentration of the field. However, when done by a dermatologist, the side effects are less likely to occur.
What Are The Benefits Of Chemical Peeling?
Chemical peel treatment is a cosmetic procedure that targets removing the skin’s upper, middle, and top layers depending on your skin condition. Chemical peel treatments generally minimize hyperpigmentation, scarring, dullness, and wrinkles. It may also help patients with other skin disorders, such as acne and rosacea.
Can I See The Results After One Chemical Peel Session?
Yes, in many cases, people can see a significant improvement in the appearance of their skin after one session of chemical peel treatment. This mostly happens when a deep chemical peel is used. This is because deep chemical peel solutions are strong enough and at the best experience that reaches the deepest layer of the skin and drastically improve the superficial quality of the skin.
Conclusion
Chemical peel treatment is the most cost-effective yet one of the most efficient cosmetic procedures performed by dermatologists in India. If you have not given chemical peel treatment a try still, this is high time you can do that. I hope this article helped you gather enough information about chemical peeling. Keep following us for many such articles.
