We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Beauty

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Chemical Facial Peel?

Diane Goettel
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,014
Share

There are a number of types of chemical facial peels that vary in terms of the types of skin issues that they address as well as the severity of the recovery period and the intensity of the results. Many people think of a chemical facial peel as a facelift without the surgery. While the results of a chemical facial peel are not as drastic as a facelift, the peel can quite visibly reduce wrinkles. In addition to refining and reducing wrinkles, chemical peels can also help to fade age spots and treat acne. Because chemical peels can help to reduce variances in skin pigmentation, some people use them to fade scars, birthmarks, or freckles.

The process of a chemical facial peel is fairly simple. A topical product is applied to the face, avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth. The product helps to remove layers of skin, especially dead skin cells and layers of skin that have been damaged. The intensity of the chemical peel relates directly to the amount of skin that is shed, the amount of recovery time that is needed, and the cost of the procedure.

A chemical facial peel should only ever be applied by a doctor. This is especially true for the deeper peels that require anesthesia. A doctor must first screen a patient to make sure that he is a good candidate. Furthermore, a doctor must monitor a patient's process after the chemical facial peel while the skin is healing. Without this sort of care, the skin could become scarred, discolored, or infected.

There are four basic types of peels: light, medium, deep, and peels specifically for people with acne. A light chemical facial peel, which made with alphahydroxy acids, can be used to treat fine wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Although there are peels specifically for people with acne, this kind of facial peel can also help to clear up acne.

A medium chemical facial peel, which is usually formulated with trichloroacetic acid, targets the same issues as a light peel but with more noticeable results. A deep chemical facial peel, the strongest of all facial peels, which is formulated with phenol acid, can treat deep wrinkles, reverse sun damage, and even treat pre-cancerous growths on the face. The procedure for this peel usually takes one to two hours and the recovery time can be as long as several weeks.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Diane Goettel
By Diane Goettel
"Diane Goettel has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in English from Brooklyn College. Diane lives in Mount Vernon, New York with her husband, Noah. They are the proud parents of a Doberman Pinscher named Spoon. Specialties: book editing, book marketing, book publishing, freelance writing, magazine publishing, magazine writing, copywriting,"

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
"Diane Goettel has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in English from Brooklyn College. Diane lives in Mount...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-chemical-facial-peel.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.