Light Chemical Peel
A light chemical peel is suitable if you have uneven pigment, dryness, fine wrinkling or acne.
This peel removes the outer skin layer (epidermis) with light exfoliation, resulting in a skin with a healthier glow. Light peels may include alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and maleic acid. These are milder peels than those used for deeper peels. These treatments can be repeated regularly to achieve your desired results.
You will probably experience some redness, stinging, skin flaking and irritation from a light chemical peel.
After repeated treatments, these side effects will likely subside.
Medium Chemical Peel
Acne scars, deeper wrinkles, and uneven skin colour can be treated with a medium-depth chemical peel.
The chemicals used for this peel will remove skin cells from the outer skin layer (epidermis) and upper part of the middle skin layer (dermis). Chemical agents often used for medium-depth chemical peel include TCA (trichloroacetic acid), Jessner’s solution and glycolic acid.
When trichloroacetic acid(TCA) is used in a medium chemical peel, you may have some skin stinging, redness and flaking. Similar to symptoms seen with a deep sunburn.
These chemicals won’t bleach your skin, but colour changes may be seen. The fresh new layer of skin needs to be protected, and sun avoidance and sunblock are mandatory for the next few months.
Deep Chemical Peel
Dr Ching will assess if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Deeper facial wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, scars, areas that appear discoloured, or even pre-cancerous growths need a deep facial chemical peel.
The most potent chemical peel is Phenol, which penetrates the lower dermal skin layer. For this peel type, you will need a local anaesthetic and a sedative to manage pain. There is constant monitoring, and only small areas can be done at each sitting due to cardiac toxicity risk.
A deep chemical peel will involve pre-treatment for up to eight weeks to avoid hyperpigmentation of your skin and quicken the healing process.
Pre-treatment may include using a retinoic acid cream or gel – a prescription medication derived from vitamin A. This works to thin out the skin’s surface layer, allowing the chemical solution to penetrate more evenly and deeply.
Phenol is used in a deep chemical peel and can lighten the treated skin. With this peel, your new skin often loses its ability to tan normally. The treated area must be protected from the sun.
Patients usually can return to work and some regular activities two weeks after treatment.
Deep chemical facial peels will result in severe peeling, skin redness, crusting, and discomfort for many days to weeks. Painkillers are prescribed to keep you comfortable. The skin may remain red for up to three months despite the initial swelling settling after 2 weeks.
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