How Does a Chemical Peel Work?

The appearance of your skin says a lot about you. In addition to being the first thing most people see when they look at you, your skin is also a good overall indicator of your general health. The fact is that, as we get older, we look older. Although there is no such thing as a fountain of youth, that does not stop people from trying to slow the aging process. Fortunately, there are a growing number of ways to do that. Many of them do not even involve surgery! If you are interested in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, you owe it to yourself to learn more information about how a chemical peel can benefit you.

What Is a Chemical Peel? A chemical peel is a skin treatment that removes the outer layer(s) of skin using a special solution. Although the name may sound frightening, this skin rejuvenation technique is actually quite safe and effective. Chemical peels can help you look younger by minimizing skin problems like acne scars, sunspots, wrinkles, and blemishes. Not everyone has the same type of skin. Over time, you will be subjected to different environmental conditions, depending on your lifestyle and where you live. Fortunately, differing chemical peels are available to suit your individual needs. Generally speaking, there are three main strengths of peels - light, medium, and deep. Common ingredients include glycolic acid and phenol.

Gycolic Acid Peel

Glycolic acid peels are some of the mildest peels available since glycolic acid is a very gentle, natural substance. This chemical peel ingredient is made from sugar cane and is in the alpha-hydroxy acid group of chemical peels. Since a glycolic acid peel is mild, it may take multiple treatments for you to receive the results you desire.

Phenol Peels

A phenol chemical peel is much stronger than a glycolic acid peel. It is used in deep peels and offers the most dramatic results. Although those results are long-lasting, they do require more downtime for healing. It is important to follow Dr. Katzen's instructions regarding healing after the treatment for optimal results.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, a chemical peel is a great way to achieve and maintain smooth, glowing skin. Rest assured that our team at the office of J. Timothy Katzen, MD, is here to help you decide which type of peel is right for you. We have an office in Beverly Hills. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for chemical peels!