Beauty Advice from Dermatologists

Featured Dermatologists

Nelson Lee Novick, M.D. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.

Edward Becker, M.D. Edward Becker, M.D.

Farhad Niroomand, M.D. Farhad Niroomand, M.D.

Learn about Chemical Peels from Lisa Benest, M.D. Lisa Benest, M.D.

Learn more about Chemical Peels from Riva Collins, M.D.

Learn about Freshening Peels from Gerald Goldberg, M.D. Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

Learn about Chemical Peels from Helen Torok, M.D. Helen Torok, M.D.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels: The Basic Concept

Chemical peeling, as its name suggests, is the application of a chemical agent to the skin with the intent to produce a controlled peeling or scaling of the skin (exfoliation). Nearly all peeling agents are acids. Physicians often refer to the scaling as desquamation. But whatever you call it, the skin response for "lunchtime peels" is similar to the kind of stinging, flaking and peeling that you would experience after a sunburn.

Chemical peels work not only at the surface of the skin, but also below it. Surface exfoliation is responsible for the skin smoothness, luster, tone and texture that typically result. Below the surface, the healthier-looking, rosy glow that often follows is the result of new blood vessel formation in the dermis. The lasting skin plumping and anti-wrinkling benefits of chemical peels are felt to result from the stimulation of dermis collagen synthesis and elastic fiber production, as well as to enhanced production of dermal matrix. Learn more about Chemical Peels from Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.

Facial Peels for Renewal and Rejuvenation

Chemical peels remove surface skin cells to stimulate skin renewal, improve the appearance of the skin, and create an immediate difference in skin texture. The procedures are fast and convenient, taking only about twenty minutes, with a short recovery time.

In addition to traditional glycolic acid peels, there is a new generation of peels that incorporate alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, resorcinol, and retinoic acid. These new peels are especially effective for acne scars and to correct sun-damaged, pigmented spots. Results of these peels are noticeable after only one treatment, and can be quite dramatic after several treatments. Here's an example of what can be achieved:

facial peel result

Learn more about Chemical Peels from Edward Becker, M.D., FAAD.

Uses of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be used effectively for a wide range of skin conditions including:

  • • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • • Uneven pigmentation
  • • Shallow acne scars
  • • Sun-damaged skin
  • • Age spots
  • • Freckling

Chemical peeling can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, or legs. It is most effective at changing the appearance on the surface of the skin. Effects of aging in deeper tissues, such as drooping eyelids and loose skin below the chin, must be treated with other procedures.

Chemical peels are categorized by how deeply the chemicals penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, or deep. Superficial peels use mild chemicals, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, which penetrate only the uppermost layer of the epidermis. Medium and deep peels use stronger agents.

Learn more about Chemical Peels from Farhad Niroomand, M.D. of Dallas, Texas.

Health Information

Highlights

Learn more about...