Chemical Peel, Part 1

What Is A Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is an anti aging treatment used to improve skin using a chemical solution. The solution brings on a controlled injury to the skin that causes the dead skin to peel off. By removing the top layers of skin, collagen production is induced thereby improving sun damaged skin and skin pigmentation problems, reducing wrinkles, and improves skin texture and overall appearance of the skin. The younger looking skin has fewer wrinkles than the old skin.

Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and applied without a medical license; however people are advised to seek professional advice on a specific type of chemical peel beforehand. The strength of the chemical solution will determine the depth of the peel. Deeper peels may have a greater number of complications and require a longer recovery period, but will also result in a greater improvement to the skin.

Chemical peels can be applied to several different parts of the body other than the face. For example, the procedure can be done on the chest and back for acne, or on the neck or decolletage to treat sun damage.

Types Of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels fall into several categories. Each type is suited to treat different skin ailments. Chemical peels also vary in solution strength and are classified as either 'superficial', 'medium' or 'deep', according to the level of skin to be treated.

Supercial chemical peels include;

• Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels - these contain glycolic and lactic acid.
• Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels - salicylic acid is the main ingredient in these peels.
• Retinoic acid peels - retinoic acid is the ingredient found in Retin-A and Stieva-A (tretinoin) skin care products, but in much less concentrations than the retinoic peels.
• Jessner's Peel - contains a combination of salicylic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid.
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel - typically contains 10 - 20% TCA.
• Deep sea peel - this is a natural organic, herb/plant-based peel.

Medium depth chemical peels include;

• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel - typically containing 35% TCA.

Deep chemical peels include;

• Baker-Gordon phenol peel.

Applying A Chemical Peel

It is recommended that the application of a chemical peel be performed by an experienced doctor or nurse.

The skin should be thoroughly cleansed. For facial peels, vaseline can be used to prevent the peel from entering the eyes. Your eyes should be closed during the procedure. As your skin is likely to get hot during the procedure, keep a fan handy to cool the area.

The chemical peel solution is applied to the skin for a set time before neutralizing the solution. However, if there is any unexpected skin reaction before the end of the allotted time, or if the pain is excessive, neutralization can be done early. Sodium bicarbonate is used for the neutralization stage.

At the end of the procedure, the peel is completed by placing sunscreen and a soothing balm on the skin.

Anti Aging Using A Dermal Roller

It's safe to use anywhere on the body, on all skin types and all skin colors. The results and healing are quick, and there's no requirement for time off work. It can treat sensitive skin that other procedures must avoid, such as under eye wrinkles, the neck and the back of the hands. And dramatic results can be seen within one week.

What is it?

It's known as "skin needling", where surgical stainless steel needles are gently rolled over the skin puncturing the dermis. This induces the release of growth factors that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

The procedure is a relatively new practice in cosmetic medicine. The skin micro needling is the modern equivalent to traditional Chinese acupuncture and is designed for home or clinic use. It is very cost effective as the skin or derma roller can be used dozens of times.

The roller tool goes by such names as derma roller, Dermal Roller, Dr Roller, Skin Roller and Skin Needling Roller.

Dermal rolling has been an area of discussion and rigorous research in Europe and the USA. The technique has proven beneficial in enhancing anti aging of the skin. Some of the main benefits include;

• wrinkle reduction - induces collagen, increasing production by up to 10 times in a single treatment.
• absorption of anti wrinkle products - it increases the absorption of anti wrinkle products by up to 10,000 times in a single use. This is called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT).

Unlike other methods such as acids or laser, it does not damage or peel the epidermis. It works beneath the surface to stimulate collagen growth, thus tightening and producing younger looking skin.

Dermal rolling can be used for treatment and reduction of sagging skin, loss of hair, reduction of stretch marks, acne scarring and the management of cellulite. When used for hyperpigmentation, these spots will often return to normal within a few treatments.

There are several different needle length available, depending on the specific results you may want;

0.2 mm - These are good for increasing microcirculation and helping with the absorption of skin products. The needles are not long enough, however, to induce collagen production.

0.5 mm - This needle size is highly recommended and is the best all round roller. It also helps absorption of skin products and is the smallest of the roller that induce collagen production. This is recommended for the face.

1.0 mm - This is the most useful for restoring hair loss. The longer needles are necessary to pass through the hair in the area. These needles are not recommended for the face.

1.5 mm - This is recommended only for scars, and on stretch marks and cellulite. Be sure to take care as the needles can cause localized pain.