Medical Peel is a dermatological procedure to treat skin problems like pigmentation & uneven skin tone, dull or dry skin, redness & rosacea, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven skin tones, acne and scarring, lines & wrinkles. It involves applying a solution on the skin which removes its upper layers and resurface the skin thus resulting in a softer, smoother, more youthful look. Medical peeling is generally done in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments or as a stand-alone procedure.
Almost everyone can see results from a chemical peel, but the ideal candidates for Medical Peels are females and males in good physical health.
At Radiance, Dr.Senthil Sivaprakasam suggests a range of Medical Peels depending on the skin concerns with satisfying and effective results. Medical Peels are usually made from Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids, known as AHAs and BHAs and include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Nowadays it is commonly used with fruit enzymes and acids from natural sources such as pumpkins, cranberries, and pineapples.
Superficial or light medical peels
Superficial or light medical peels are the gentlest type of aesthetic medical peel used. It only removes the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, which gives you an instantly brighter, smoother and youthful look.
Medium-depth medical peels
Medium-depth peels, derived from TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), penetrate deeper into the skin and can be used to treat sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines. This type of medical peel gives more effective results as compared to superficial peels.
Deep medical peels
Deep peels are the strongest type of chemical peel that uses carbolic acid (phenol peels) or high strength TCA which penetrate the deeper layers of the skin giving wonderful results for scarring, wrinkles, and sun damage. Also Cosmelan and Dermomelan are some of the advanced kits especially for skin fairness and even skin tone. These are USFDA approved kits from Spain. These kits can improve the skin tone, brightness and tone by up to 80% within a span of 2 months.
The Doctor reviews your medical history before deciding the treatment about any medications taken particularly that make your skin sensitive to the sun as well as any cosmetic procedures. Depending on the skin conditions he decides the intensity of chemical peel, from mild to deep. Usually thicker skin requires deep medical peels so that it can work more deeply into the dermal layers in order to obtain the more effective results while lighter peel is ideal for patients with sensitive and more fragile skin. The chemical solution (glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, lactic acid, azelic or salisilic acid) is applied to the skin. There might be slight tingling sensation or irritation during the procedure which can be soothed with cold gels, ice packs and special post peel soothing creams. This treatment is usually quick and easy as it takes as little as 10 minutes. Mild peels may be repeated at 2 week intervals while medium-depth peels in 2 to 4 weeks gap.
Usually, there are no risks associated with medical peels. Scratching or peeling skin should be avoided as this may lead your skin to bleed and leave with some scars post treatment. Yes, there might be slight soreness and swelling in the skin in case of Medium-depth Peel which can be minimised with moisturisers. Sunscreens usage is a 100% must after peeling treatment.
Authored By Dr.Senthil Sivaprakasam - Dermatology MBBS MD, Chennai
