“Chemical peels gently exfoliate and renew the skin, revealing a smoother, brighter, and more youthful complexion.”
There are different types of chemical peels, each with varying strengths designed to address different skin concerns. The three main types are superficial, medium, and deep peels, and they target different layers of the skin to achieve specific results.
Strength:
The mildest form of chemical peel.
How it works:
Uses mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) to exfoliate only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis).
Concerns Addressed:
Fine lines, mild acne, dry skin, and uneven skin tone.
Benefits:
Brightens skin, improves texture, and refreshes the complexion with minimal downtime.
Recovery:
Little to no downtime; mild redness and slight flaking may occur for a few days.
Strength:
Stronger than superficial peels
How it works:
Uses chemicals like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin
Concerns Addressed:
Deeper wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture
Benefits:
Stimulates collagen production and promotes greater skin cell turnover for smoother, more youthful skin
Recovery:
Redness, swelling, and flaking for 7 to 14 days; requires sun protection and proper aftercare
Strength:
The most intense type of chemical peel
How it works:
Uses strong acids like phenol to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin
Concerns Addressed:
Severe wrinkles, deep acne scars and significant sun damage
Benefits:
Provides dramatic, long-lasting results, smoothing out deep lines and significantly rejuvenating the skin
Recovery:
Extended downtime (up to several weeks); involves redness, peeling, and the need for careful aftercare. Not recommended for darker skin tones due to the risk of pigmentation changes.
Here’s an expanded explanation of each chemical peel ingredient, how they benefit the skin, and the types of issues they best address:
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It’s known for its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin deeply. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the surface by loosening dead skin cells, promoting new cell turnover, and providing moisture to the skin. It also stimulates collagen production, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid is ideal for treating fine lines, mild hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and uneven texture, making it suitable for those with aging or sun-damaged skin.
Kojic acid is a natural skin lightening agent derived from fungi. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, which reduces dark spots and pigmentation. It also has anti-microbial and anti-aging properties, helping to reduce the appearance of age spots, acne scars, and pigmentation caused by sun damage.
Kojic acid is effective for individuals with hyperpigmentation, melasma, or post-inflammatory pigmentation. It’s often used in lightening peels to brighten dull skin and reduce dark spots.
Lactic acid, another AHA, is derived from milk. It exfoliates the surface by breaking down dead skin cells and improving skin hydration. Lactic acid is milder than glycolic acid, making it a great option for sensitive skin. It encourages the growth of new, healthier skin cells while retaining moisture.
Lactic acid is perfect for sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, or individuals dealing with dryness, fine lines, or mild discoloration.
TCA is a strong peeling agent that penetrates deeply into the skin to treat more significant skin concerns. It exfoliates the outer layers of the skin and stimulates cell turnover. Over the days following the application, the top layers of skin peel away to reveal smoother, more youthful skin beneath.
TCA is most effective for treating deep wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. It’s often used in medium to deep peels for those needing more dramatic skin improvement.
Jessner’s solution is a combination peel containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol, providing both superficial and medium-depth peeling. It works by exfoliating the skin and promoting new cell growth while treating deeper layers for more noticeable skin renewal.
This solution is ideal for individuals with acne scars, moderate pigmentation issues, fine lines, and oily or acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that’s oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the pores. It effectively exfoliates the skin, reduces oil production, and unclogs pores. It’s known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a go-to for treating acne.
Salicylic acid is ideal for individuals with acne, oily skin, blackheads, or congested pores. It’s commonly used in superficial peels to target blemishes and reduce facial oil.
AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, promote gentle peeling by dissolving the glue-like substances that hold dead skin cells together. This improves skin texture, boosts hydration, and encourages collagen production.
AHAs are great for treating fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and sun damage. They are mild enough for sensitive skin types and work well for surface-level exfoliation.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dullness. It helps to protect the skin from free radicals, stimulates collagen production, and enhances skin radiance.
Vitamin C is effective for brightening the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, and improving skin tone. It is commonly included in peels for individuals looking to rejuvenate tired or sun-damaged skin.
Each of these acids and solutions works in different ways to target specific skin concerns, making chemical peels highly customizable based on your skincare goals and needs.
