A facial peel will often be referred to as a chemical peel. Depending on its strength, a facial peel can improve the appearance of wrinkles on sun damaged or aging skin, as well as lessen noticeable age spots, freckles, scarring and other blemishes.
A light cosmetic facial peel treatment can be purchased over the counter for home use. It usually contains Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHA) – a combination of glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or fruit acids – that simply remove the surface layer of damaged and dead skin cells (which can make skin look grey) leaving the skin fresher, smoother and more toned in appearance. Some more intense applications will incorporate a derma-abrasion type tool that works the solution into the skin – sloughing away skin cells in the process. Some people will experience reactions with a derma-abrasion type facial peel – so a patch test is necessary. Derma-abrasion is an aggressive surgical procedure carried out by certified physicians to improve the appearance of skin.
A medium facial peel applied by a physician or dermatologist – most often Tri-Chloroacetic Acid (TCA) – is effective for the treatment of fine wrinkles, light scarring, or pigmentation problems. Therefore a Tri-Chloroacetic Acid is often preferable for people with darker skins who require more than light peeling, as an intense peel can create uneven patches in skin tone. A TCA facial peel also needs far less recovery time.
An intense chemical facial peel is carried out by a physician. The chemicals used are much more powerful and remove far more layers of skin. A deep facial peel such as this is normally used to reduce scarring and other such skin blemishes – as well as deep wrinkles.
Light facial peels rarely cause any significant side effects. And usually the medium and intense facial peels will only bring some 'expected' discomfort which soon passes, although more intense facial peels will require more recovery time. Even so, while not commonplace, none are entirely without risk: Infection and swelling, scarring and uneven skin tone being the main problems that can occur. Being honest and thorough with the dermatologist or physician with regards to any medical conditions – including cold sores – can reduce the possibility of problems occurring.
A facial peel can be highly beneficial for the skin and deliver some noticeable and gratifying results – when guidelines are adhered to and professionals are used.
Click Facial Peel & Skin Facial & Facial Wrinkles for more info. Copyright 2010 Ron X King.
Source: Go Articles.
Vincent Chang