A chemical peel is an in-office treatment involving the placement of a chemical on the skin surface to treat facial wrinkles, abnormal skin growths, or abnormal skin pigmentation. It’s a treatment available to people of all ages and it can begin as early as age 25 when the first effects of photo aging (damaging effects of sunlight on skin) begin to be visible on facial skin. The chemicals used are acids such as phenol, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids. It can reduce or eliminate fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, correct uneven skin pigmentation, remove pre-cancerous skin growths, and soften acne or treat the scars caused by acne. Old skin will be replaced during the healing process with a fresh, new skin surface. A chemical peel can restore a more youthful appearance to wrinkled, unevenly pigmented, sun-damaged, or blotchy skin.

Chemical peels are also used to treat melasma (a skin condition characterized by irregularly shaped patches of brown skin commonly found on the face and neck). Chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs – all areas where a more youthful appearance is desired. A Physician strength light chemical peel can be repeated as often as necessary to keep skin looking young. Results of chemical peels may also be enhanced by new laser/light-based rejuvenation techniques. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Ali is necessary before choosing which chemical peel would be best for your skin type and condition.

Q What can a chemical peel do? What is the procedure like and what should I expect?

A Chemical peeling is used to treat fine lines, especially under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging can be reduced or even eliminated with a chemical peel.

Mild scarring and certain types of acne may also be treated with chemical peels. Also, sunspots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, and blotchiness due to birth control pills may be improved by a chemical peel.

A chemical peel may be performed on the face, neck, hands, arms, chest or legs. Prior to treatment, you may have to stop using certain topical creams.

It usually takes an hour or less to perform the peel. You may experience some slight redness and tingling after the peel. In all cases, the patient is able to resume normal daily activities with some restrictions such as avoiding exposure to sunlight by wearing a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. We carry an excellent SPF 36.

Q What are the long-term benefits of superficial chemical peeling?

A A superficial chemical peel is excellent for rejuvenating skin that has early indications of photo aging – fine wrinkles, roughness, and early actinic keratoses. A superficial peel can be repeated as often as necessary to keep skin looking young.

Q Which chemical peel is right for me?

A There are many factors that are taken into consideration when determining the correct peel for your skin type and condition. The only way to know what peel would be beneficial for your situation is to arrange a private consultation for a complete skin evaluation with Dr. Ali.