What is a facial chemical peel?

A facial chemical peel is simple a chemical peel that is applied on to the face. Basically, it is an acid solution of some sort that is applied onto the skin and removes the damaged out most layers of the skin. It’s goal is to enhance the skin by making it smoother, remove fine lines, reduce deeper wrinkles, remove facial blemishes, and even out skin pigmentation.

There are three types of chemical peels that can be applied to the face. They are as follows:

• A Light Facial Chemical Peel
This type of facial chemical peel is used to treat fine lines, dry areas, uneven skin tone, and acne. The formulated solution uses one of any of the three types of alphahydroxy acids or AHA. These acids are glycolic, lactic, salycilic, or fruit acids. Light chemical peels are done relatively quickly, and there is no after recovery period, though the doctor will prescribe a maintenance regimen in order to keep the skin’s condition for longer.

• A Medium Facial Chemical Peel
Slightly more powerful than the light facial chemical peel, this facial chemical peel uses a more potent acid known as trichloroacetic acid or TCA. It is quite effective at treating surface wrinkles, blemishes, and evening out skin pigmentation. The process takes slightly longer than a light facial chemical peel, but its effects also last longer. There is a bit of recovery time for this type of chemical peel, and depending on your doctor, a stricter after care regimen.

• A Deep Facial Chemical Peel
Judging from its name, you may be able to guess that this type of facial chemical peel is the strongest type. In fact, it is specially reserved for the face. While other chemical peels can be applied on other areas of the body, a deep chemical peel is only applied onto the face because it can permanently lighten the skin. Using phenol acid, this type of facial chemical peel is good at treating coarse or deep wrinkles, pre-cancerous growths, and aging due to sun exposure. It takes around two hours to complete the procedure, and there is definitely a recovery period following the procedure.

Chemical peels cost anywhere between $150 (for the light peels or peels specially formulated for acne), and can go all the way up to $6000 for the deep chemical peels. The deep chemical peel itself does not cost $6000, but adding the costs of an anesthesiologist, use of a surgical facility, hospital stay for the recovery period, and other expenses can bring the cost all the way up.

It is best to consult your doctor to see which kind of chemical peel will work best for your current situation.