To Peel or Not to Peel....
Sometime in the past 10 years, betweem injections, and the laser skincare, it became not only accepted that those who were fighting time would plot — and implement — what were sometimes pretty expensive anti-aging strategies well before the first sign of a line. Many consumer began to ask, much is too much?
Now, let me make this clear, there's nothing wrong with a little upkeep — most women today have moderate views on cosmetic surgery and cosmetic procedures. In 2006, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) revealed that 63 percent of women in this country approve of Surgery and Medical grade peels. Sadly though just 34 percent would consider it for themselves.
Hollywood, never known for its self-control, is riding a not so new wave of cosmetic procedures. Peels have had some perfectly attractive, rejuvenating effects on some stars, which has transferred over once again to the consumer through the likes of such vehicles as Cosmopolitan Magazine, info-mercials and at the suggestion of their dermatologists.
What's a Chemical Peel and Why Would a Skin Professional Use them? The use of chemical peels to soften and improve the appearance of the skin, dates back to the ancient Egyptians, most oftenly documented with Cleopatra. Little did she know that she was benefiting from the superficial skin peeling effects of hydroxy acids. These include lactic acid in the milk she was bathing in and tartaric acid in the grape skins she rubbed on her skin. Today, scientists have identified numerous forms of acid which can be used to induce beneficial changes for our skin, including salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenols. Chemical peeling (chemexfoliation) involves the application of a chemical solution to the surface of the skin to produce the controlled removal of its outer layers. The amount of skin removed will depend on the type of chemical used. Peels are categorized by the strength of the product (superficial, medium depth and deep) and how long it is left on the skin. They can be used on most areas of the body, but are commonly used on the face or the backs of the hands to improve rough skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, blemishes, scars or acne , as well as actinic keratosis (precancerous skin growth). Private costs for chemical peels depend upon the type of peel and problem being treated.
There are so many benefits to peels including wrinkle reduction, acne scars, and brown spots, increase smoothness, and for some people improve skin thickness and collagen production.
Are there side affects?
One of the most serious side effects of chemical peels is severe over-exfoliation. Too much skin is removed and the new skin is raw and burned. This skin may heal badly, with a rough texture and sometimes scars. There can be permanent discoloration, black streaks, and scabbing. It is normal to have some redness, irritation, slight inflammation and for skin to peel. Any irritation beyond this was unintended.
You can avoid problems in the first place by using chemical peels properly. Don’t ever start off using a strong peel. Use a product that contains a mild concentration of alpha hydroxy acids for a few weeks first, like a glycolic acid lotion. This will get your skin used to the acidity. For your first peel use something in the 15%-20% range. Use this level for a few times before moving up to a 35% peel and beyond. It will take time to get rid of wrinkles and acne scars, so don’t rush the process and damage your skin by using something too strong too fast.
In the End
Peels when used correctly are a great tool for many things. As your skincare professional should have a lot of questions for you prior to conducting a peel, so should you for him/her.
