Health & Fitness

Who Should Get A Chemical Peel And Why?

Chemical peels are THE big thing in the cosmetic industry.

Although they are said to have various benefits, it’s important to know the exact skin conditions when these peels can be of real help. So, dive in to learn more!

Chemical Peel

Types Of Chemical Peels And Who Should Get Them

Chemical peels can be broadly divided into 3 types- light, medium, and deep. Each type uses different types of ingredients and has specific use cases. However, some ingredients may be common across all three types.

1. Light Chemical Peel

A light or superficial chemical peel targets the stratum corneum of the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin and can be ideal for first-timers. It generally helps improve the appearance of your skin and resolve minor issues without much downtime. 

People with the following issues can consider getting a light chemical peel:

A. Blemishes And Acne

A light chemical peel using low concentrations of salicylic acid can effectively reduce the intensity of blemishes and acne lesions. Besides, salicylic acid may have a temporary sebum-controlling effect, benefitting people suffering from acne. However, you must continue with it so that the problem subsides completely. 

B. Dull Skin

If your skin looks dull or you want to reduce the appearance of freckles and eliminate hyperpigmentation, then a light peel can get the job done. In fact, your skin will look radiant and clear just within a few days of getting the first peel.

2. Medium Peel

A medium peel penetrates the epidermis and acts on the papillary dermis to resolve stubborn acne scarring and reduce the visual signs of skin aging. You can opt to get it if you have:

A. Acne Scars

Acne pits can often cause deep or shallow scars, which can be too intense to treat with light chemical peels. And a medium chemical peel can gradually lighten such scars. These can be particularly effective in eliminating oval depressions called boxcar scars or rolling scars that have a wave-like, rippled texture.

Keep in mind that medium chemical peels may show little to no effects for treating raised, keloid, or deep pink scares.

B. Hyperpigmentation

Compared to light chemical peels, medium chemical peels can treat various hyperpigmentation issues, including melasma, freckles, and sun spots. 

C. Signs Of Aging

TCA or Jessner’s solution-based medium chemical peels can be extremely effective for reducing wrinkles, especially near the eyes (crow’s feet) and mouth.

3. Deep Chemical Peels

The strongest of all, deep chemical peels directly work on the lower (or deepest) layer of the skin, known as the reticular dermis. As such, these peels can be effective for people suffering from intensive signs of aging, such as wrinkles and photodamage. 

Since deep chemical peels change the structure of your skin permanently, these can be a better solution for eliminating deep acne scars. This is especially true if light and medium chemical peels don’t give you the desired results. Besides, deep chemical peels can remove precancerous lumps from the skin. 

Final Words

No matter which chemical peel you opt for, you will need to prepare for it. This may include using certain medications or stopping some for a significant period before getting the peel. 

Moreover, some people (like pregnant women) may not be eligible to get the process done. So, get in touch with a qualified aesthetician to understand if you should be getting a chemical peel and how to prepare for it.