What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are one of the oldest forms of cosmetic improvement, having been used by the Ancient Egyptians to improve their appearance. Today the process known as chemexfoliation has advanced beyond bathing in sour milk or aged wine but the principle is the same.

What is Chemical Peeling?

Chemical peeling is the process where an acidic solution is applied to your skin in order to remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of healthy skin cells. Different solutions can be used to affect different levels of your skin. This makes chemical peeling a diverse treatment, which can be used to many effects.

What Can Chemical Peels Be Used to Treat?

Chemical peels can be used to treat several conditions related to the skin and the aging of it. These include:

  • Dry or rough skin
  • Oily skin and acne
  • Scarring and acne scarring
  • Wrinkles and lines
  • Blemishes caused by sun damage and aging
  • A dull, lifeless complexion

How do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels work in different ways. Mild chemical peels, which are known as superficial chemical peels, work by loosening the bond between dead skin cells removing them from the top layer of skin. This allows the new, healthy skin underneath to replace the dead cells. This can remove rough skin and improve your complexion making you appear more youthful.

Moderate chemical peels, which are known as medium depth chemical peels, penetrate deeper into the skin. These work not only by removing the dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, but by stimulated the growth of collagen which can fill lines, wrinkles and scarring.

The most aggressive form of chemical peels are known as deep chemical peels. By penetrating deep into the skin, they destroy the skins top layers. This causes the growth of new skin cells and also encourages the production of a thick band of collagen. This can provide long-lasting support for your skin permanently getting rid of lines and wrinkles.