| Chemical peeling is a cheap, safe and highly effective method of treating several cosmetic problems, including scars and blemishes. The principle of chemical peeling is to clinically peel different layers of skin, resulting in the formation of new rejuvenated skin.
There are three types of peel
1.Superficial peeling which only upper layers of skin( epidermis ) are peeled using chemicals such as retinoic acid, azelaic acid, glycollic acid(10-50%),Trichloracetic acid( 10-20%), Jesner's solution. This is used for ageing changes of skin, superficial scars and
melasma.
2.Medium depth peel in which epidermis and upper dermis are peeled by using glycollic acid( 50-70%) and Trichloracetic acid( 35-50%). These peels are useful for deeper scars.
3.Deep peel using phenol and Baker's solution- these peels are not suitable for Indian skin.
Prepeel preparation
Patients are advised to use sunblocks, hydroquinone4% 2-3 weeks before peeling.
Postpeel care
Some amount of burning sensation occurs in all peels.1-2 days later, there may be some redness, peeling and crusting of skin. Avoidance of sunlight, and irritants, strong soaps, using mild creams and sun blocks are important precautions in the after care of peels. Hydrocortisone creams and tab antihistamine may necessary in some cases. It takes 3-4 weeks for the full effects of the peel to be apparent. More than one peels, at intervals of 1-2 weeks may be necessary.
At our institute, superficial and medium depth peels are performed. We also perform a speali type of peel called weekend peel , which is particularly suitable for working women.
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