Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a popular non-surgical treatment that can improve the appearance of a patient’s skin. Available for the face, neck, or hands, chemicals are applied directly to the treatment site, causing the skin to blister and peel off, revealing smoother, less wrinkled skin
Trusted Source
Skin Resurfacing Chemical Peels
Samargandy S, Raggio BS
Go to Source
underneath.
At her practice in Houston, Dr. Rukmini Rednam employs a number of types of chemical peels, each with specific benefits.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
Many patients choose to use chemical peels to:
- Improve the texture and tone of skin
- Treat certain types of acne
- Improve the appearance of scars
- Remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
Who Is a Candidate for Chemical Peels?
Traditionally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients have been the better candidates for chemical peels. However, Dr. Rednam offers the Cosmelan peel which can be safely used to treat all complexions with good results and minimal risks of side effects.
Traditionally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients have been the better candidates for chemical peels. However, Dr. Rednam offers the Cosmelan peel which can be safely used to treat all complexions with good results and minimal risks of side effects.
Additionally, more severe skin problems such as sagging or bulging, don’t respond well to chemical peels. These issues typically require other cosmetic surgical procedures such as a facelift or soft tissue fillers. Dr. Rednam can determine the best procedure for you based on your skin concerns and desired aesthetic goals.
Types of Chemical Peels
Glycolic Peels
Glycolic acid chemical peels penetrate deep into the skin and are ideal for exfoliation. Glycolic acid is a hydroxy acid compound made from fruit extracts, and it helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal smoother skin and clarify pores. Glycolic peels are ideal for achieving a brighter complexion with a healthy glow.
Salicylic Peels
Salicylic peels are made from a beta hydroxy acid, which is ideal for oil control and exfoliation. This type of peel can help decrease breakouts, clearing the pores of build-up, killing bacteria that causes acne, and reducing inflammation of breakouts.
TCA Peels
TCA, or trichloroacetic acid, is a medical-grade peel that penetrates to a deeper level than glycolic or salicylic acid peels. TCA peels can be used as a “spot treatment” on targeted areas, and they are also used on the face, neck, chest, hands, and legs. This type of
Trusted Source
Chemical peels: A review of current practice
O'Connor AA, Lowe PM, Shumack S, Lim AC
Go to Source
peel
can help improve the appearance of skin pigmentation and scarring, reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve acne, and reduce sun damage.
Cosmelan MD
Cosmelan MD is a highly effective skin depigmentation treatment. This two-step chemical peel can dramatically reduce dark spots, melasma, and other forms of skin discoloration quickly, and it reduces the likelihood of hyperpigmentation in the future.
Chemical Peels: What to Expect
Preparing for Your Chemical Peel
Before your chemical peel, you should not use retinol or retin-A products on your skin for at least 48 hours. Dr. Rednam may also recommend that you avoid shaving and using exfoliating scrubs on the area to be treated for a week before your chemical peel.
Make sure Dr. Rednam is aware of any medications you take, especially acne medications, as this could affect the outcome of your peel.
The Chemical Peel Procedure
A chemical peel is an in-office procedure. Dr. Rednam first cleans your treatment site skin. She then applies either one chemical solution, or a combination of chemicals to small areas of the skin. These can include glycol acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or carbolic acid. This process creates a controlled wound, and allows healed skin to take its place.
During the procedure, many patients feel a burning or stinging sensation that lasts anywhere from five to ten minutes. Cool compresses may alleviate this when placed on the treatment area, though some patients require pain medication.
Recovery After a Chemical Peel
After receiving a chemical peel, it is important to wear UVA and UVB protective sunscreen above SPF 30 daily. Time in the sun should also be limited for up to several months afterwards, in order to protect the new and fragile skin.
After the procedure, some patients react similarly as they do to a sunburn. This peeling and scaling of the skin typically ends three to seven days post-procedure. Deeper peels may also result in swelling and blisters.
Contact Dr. Rednam
If you live in the Houston area and are interested in undergoing a chemical peel to refresh and rejuvenate your skin, please contact Dr. Rednam to schedule a consultation at her practice in the Woodlands.
1 Samargandy S, Raggio BS. Skin Resurfacing Chemical Peels. [Updated 2021 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547752/. Accessed August 31, 2021.
2 O’Connor AA, Lowe PM, Shumack S, Lim AC. Chemical peels: A review of current practice. Australas J Dermatol. 2018 Aug;59(3):171-181. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12715. Epub 2017 Oct 24. PMID: 29064096. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29064096/. Accessed August 31, 2021.
Dr. Rukmini Rednam has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated: