What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are a type of cosmetic treatment that uses specifically formulated chemical solutions to address common skin concerns, such as fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. They exfoliate the skin and improve its texture by stimulating cell turnover, which results in faster growth of new, healthier skin.
Because of people’s different skin types and preferences, chemical peels have been made into three different levels: light, medium, and deep. Each level targets different concerns and, therefore, produces different results.
Light Peel
Light peels use mild acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. They’re typically used for problems such as fine lines, minor discoloration, and dullness. A great benefit of these is their minimal downtime.
Medium Peel
Medium peels go further, piercing deeper into the skin to address more difficult concerns such as acne scars, moderate discoloration, and wrinkles. These peels often use trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which removes damaged skin’s outer and middle layers to reveal a smoother, more even complexion. Some downtime is required for this level of peel.