Chemical Peels 101

We offer various chemical peels at Dr. Hetzler’s. Their name maybe isn’t the best thing, as “chemical peel” sounds like some medieval torture. But peels can be a great way to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing the dull, damaged outer layers. Chemical peels also can remove some fine lines, blemishes, help uneven pigmentation, and peel away sun damaged spots. The active ingredients in each chemical peel dictate how aggressive the peel is and how deeply it will penetrate the skin.

What issues can a chemical peel improve?

These are skin problems that can be addressed with chemical peels:

• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve skin texture
• Improve skin tone
• Lighten dark spots
• Reduce acne blemishes
• Reduce acne scars
• Clear clogged pores
• Improve skin radiance

Types of peels

Chemical peels are broken into the depth of penetration: light, medium, and deep. Different chemicals are used depending on the peel type.

• Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) produce light-depth peels. These acids are naturally occurring in fruit, sugar cane, and milk. Light peels simply revitalize the skin, unclogging pores, improving dry areas, and returning a healthy glow. AHA peels don’t require any recovery or downtime. There may be some slight flaking for a few days after your peel, but that’s it.
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for medium-depth peels. TCA is a modified synthetic chemical that originates in common vinegar. TCA peels can remove fine surface wrinkles and lines, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. They can peel off age spots from sun damage. Some recovery is necessary after a medium peel, particularly protection against sun exposure.
• Phenol peels are the strongest, deepest peels. Carbolic acid is the active ingredient in these peels, which penetrate through the outer epidermis down into the upper dermis layer of the skin. Phenol peels can strip away many layers of the skin, but their aggressiveness can also cause skin tone problems in people with darker skin tones. Phenol peels also require a fairly intensive recovery.

Interested in improving your skin? Call Dr. Hetzler’s at 732-219-0447 and ask about our chemical peels.