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Chemical Facial Peels
Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance
of the face by removing the damaged top layers
of skin. Most chemical peels are performed
for cosmetic reasons. They are especially
beneficial to those who wish to reduce blemishes,
smooth wrinkles, and even out skin pigmentation.
They can also be used to remove pre-cancerous
growths and to improve acne scars. Although most chemical peels are
performed in a doctor’s office, cosmetic
companies are now selling inexpensive home
kits that offer some of the benefits of professional
treatments.
If you are thinking of having
a chemical
facial peel, consider the following:
- The mildest form of peel comes from using
alphahydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic
or fruit acids. These peels will smooth the
skin, reduce damage from the sun, and help
control acne. They can be used with a bleaching
agent to reduce pigment problems. To be effective,
a series of these peels may be necessary.
- Trichloroacetic acid peels also smooth wrinkles,
remove blemishes, and help pigment problems.
These can be used on the neck or other body
areas besides the face. This type of peel
takes very little time, and recovery is quick
and easy. The peel depth can be adjusted.
More than one treatment may be needed to
achieve the best results. These peels are
usually the best choice for those with darker
skin tones.
- Phenol peels are the strongest. They will
smooth coarse wrinkles, and improve skin
affected by exposure to the sun, aging or
taking birth control pills. They can remove
pre-cancerous growths. The results from these
peels are often long lasting, but they take
more time to administer, and complete recovery
may take several months.
- At home chemical peel kits involve a process
of cleaning the face, applying the acid solution,
and then removing it after about 5 to 10
minutes. These kits are milder versions of
peels that are
professionally available, so the results
will not be as dramatic. Be sure to follow
all directions.
Finally, care should be taken
to use sunblocking
products after any type of facial
peel. |
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