The speed at which our skin renews itself is one of the chief factors that influences its health. This process is impeded by our aging process and the elasticity and glow of our skin that vanishes with age. However, this situation can be delayed or averted by stimulating youthful skin to regenerate. This can be done by going in for chemical peels.
This skin rejuvenation method is open to men and women. Men opting for it should not shave their faces on the day of the treatment and women should exfoliate facial skin or use a topical cream recommended by their doctor for at least 72 hours before undergoing this treatment. The skin becomes more sensitive to natural sunlight after the peel, so staying away from direct sunlight is recommended.
Kinds of chemical peels: These days, there are several kinds of chemical peels, ranging from light acid to deeper ones that get rid of fine lines, scars, acne and sun damage. Here are the chief among them:
Glycolic Acid Peel: This peel treatment is a member of the alpha hydroxyl family. It is a derivative of sugar cane and is seen as a natural product. It helps exfoliate the skin and give a smooth and glowing complexion. This chemical peel helps to fade any sun damage to the skin, fine lines, hyper-pigmentation, scarring, dull skin and melasma.
Salicylic Acid Peel: Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxyl family and, like glycolic acid peels, is also seen as a natural product. It helps prevent and treat acne.
Vi Peel: A Vi Peel is specifically undergone when one wants to improve one’s skin tone, get rid of fine lines and fade blemishes and pigmentation. It is considered to be far stronger than the glycolic and salicylic peels. A Vi peel contains a harmonious blend of strong and effective ingredients that are just right for all complexion types. An after-effect of this treatment is several days of skin peeling and noticeable changes in the skin within a few days. It is advisable to undergo this treatment about four times a year to prevent signs of aging.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): Yet another popular chemical peel, this one is used by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons to eliminate wrinkles and acne scarring for smooth and glowing skin. This form of chemical peel treatment attacks the lower layers of the skin, thus offering really good results with fresh skin appearing within a few weeks of taking the treatment.
Always consult with a doctor about which chemical peel is right for your skin type and the skin issues you are trying to resolve.