Chemical peels are frequently used by dermatologists to treat wide range of cutaneous conditions such as acne vulgaris, actinic or solar keratoses, melasma and scarring. It is also commonly used rejuvenate the skin of the – face, neck, chest, back, hand, and etc.
The chemical solution is applied onto skin to accelerate exfoliation of old and damaged skin so that the body will regenerate fresh new layer of skin, which is smoother, younger, and healthier. Chemical peels can be used alone or in combination with other aesthetic procedures for better enhancement.
To know other treatments available for skin rejuvenation, visit here.
Classification of Chemical Peels
The peeling agents may be classified according to the depth of penetration: superficial, moderate / medium-depth, and deep.
- Superficial peel – It only remove epidermal layer
- Moderate peel – Remove epidermal + papilary dermis layer
- Deep peel – Remove epidermal + papilary dermis + reticular layer
The chemical peels that are offered in aesthetic clinic are in the range of superficial and moderate / medium-depth chemical peels. Which they are able to exfoliate the skin from stratum corneum till papillary dermis, at depth of 60μm. This peel helps to decrease corneocyte adhesion, epidermolysis and stimulate dermal collagen deposition. It results in stratum cornem thinning, increase thickness of the epidermal layer and promote a more even melanin distribution.
Chemical peel is one of the popular treatment choice as it is safe, and suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types. It may be used on extra-facial areas, such as – the limbs, neck, chest and back. Serial application of chemical peel is often required, depending on individual skin condition to achieve optimal result. Most commonly used superficial peeling agents include: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, Jessner solution, and trichloroacetic acid.
What is chemical peel used for?
Chemical peels are commonly used to treat problems such as:
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull skin
- Pigmentation (i.e. melasma, freckles, lentigines, etc)
- Acne (i.e. face, chest, back, etc)
- Acne scar
- Fine lines / wrinkles
- Large pores
As there are various type of chemical peels available, hence, different chemical peel treatment will be suggested according to different skin conditions upon consultation with doctor.
To know other pores or fine line treatments available, visit here.
3 most commonly used Chemical Peeling Agents
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have been widely used in skin rejuvenation for many years. There are many types of AHA, they can be derived from fruits; apples (malic acid), grapes (tartaric acid), lemons and oranges (citric acid), sugar cane (glycolic acid), milk (lactic acid) and almond (mandalic acid).
AHAs is ideal to use for smoothen rough and dry skin, improve texture from sun-damaged skin and when combine with other agent, it can help to lighten pigmentation skin. When lower concentrations are used, it reduces corneocyte adhesion. At higher concentration, it induces epidermolysis. The most used AHA peeling agent in aesthetic practice is Glycolic acid.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) – Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is derived from the sweet birch, wintergreen leaves and willow tree bark. This is one of the safest superficial chemical peels. Being lipophylic with comedolytic effect, making it ideal as adjuvant treatment for acne. It is effective for treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne on the face, back or chest.
Salicylic acid is a potent keratolytic able to penetrate into the milieu of the pore, but it self-neutralizes by crystallizing on the skin surface. Thus, it provides a nice contrast to glycolic acid in its therapeutic effects. It can be used as a peel for patients with acne, due to its ability to loosen comedones, and for patients with sensitive skin, due to its anti-inflammatory and self-neutralizing qualities.
Modified Jessner solution
Modified Jessner chemical peel is safe and effective way to maintain the skin of the face and body parts. Patient may feel burning, but bearable sensation after a few layers are applied. It is ideal for patient with acne and melasma, as it focus is exfoliate and digestion of debris.
Modified Jessner solution contains salicylic acid, resorcinol, lactic acid and ethanol. Generally, it is applied in 2 to 3 coats before erythema and mild frosting appears. Generally, the keratolytic nature of salicylic acid helps to dissolve hardened skin cells of corneal layer, while lactic acid simultaneously adds hydration and resorcinol has antiseptic and antibacterial property.
Are there any downtime or side effect for chemical peel?
Chemical peel treatments are:
- Safe
- Easy
- Quick
- Minimal downtime
Patient may get back to their daily activities right after their chemical peel treatment. Hence, it is also widely known as Lunch Time peel.
But some patients will encounter some side effects as below:
- Burning sensation
- Redness
- Itchy
- Skin peeling
The side effect may last up to 7 days. These happen when the skin is exfoliated and are regenerating new layer of skin.
What should we take note after Chemical Peel treatment?
After chemical peel treatment, skin on the treatment area may appear more dry than usual. Patients are advice to:
- Apply moisturizer on treatment area
- Apply sunblock on treatment area
- Avoid picking peeling skin
- Avoid direct sun exposure
Why choose Ozhean Clinic?
- We have detailed skin consultation with doctor before treatment –
Our doctor will do a detail consultation and assessment on your skin condition thoroughly before advising the most suitable treatment. - We provide different treatment packages that suits each individual skin condition –
In Ozhean Clinic, we believe that not all skin conditions are the same. Different combinations of treatments are needed to FIT different skin conditions. - We uses Korea’s latest, popular and proven treatments –
With years of experience in Korea’s aesthetic industry, we adapted the latest and most effective chemical peel treatment methods to our Malaysia’s clinic. - We have well trained doctors and staff –
All doctors are well experienced in performing the procedures, while our staff have gone through multiple training and are able assist our doctor well. - We have strategic locations –
We are in Bukit Jalil and Bangsar! Our Bukit Jalil clinic is located just next to Pavillion 2, while our Bangsar branch is located near Bangsar Shopping Centre.
To know more about our doctor, please visit here.
