Chemical Peels: An In-Depth Look Into Their Benefits

Chemical Peels: An In-Depth Look Into Their Benefits

Chemical peels are a type of skin resurfacing procedure used to address scarring, pigmentary disorders, epidermal proliferation, inflammatory dermatoses, and photoaging.1

A chemical solution applied to the epidermis removes the outermost layers of skin during a chemical peel, causing the regenerated skin to be softer. You may need to undergo a light or medium peel more than once to get the desired outcome.2

Chemical peels are frequently used to address lines, scars, and discoloured facial skin. They may be performed separately or in conjunction with other aesthetic procedures. Additionally, they can be performed at a range of levels, from superficial to deep. The results of deeper chemical peels are more obvious, but the healing process takes longer.2

Benefits

Chemical peeling is a common, reasonably affordable, and typically safe method for treating certain skin conditions and renewing and revitalising skin.3

Here are some additional benefits of getting a chemical peel:

1. Reduces acne

Due to their complementary quick therapeutic properties and improvements in the appearance and texture of the skin, chemical peels are often used by doctors and patients as a supplement to medical treatment for acne.3

It primarily impacts comedones through a concurrent decline in inflammatory lesions. Peels may enhance the clearance of PIH and enable topical acne agents to penetrate the epidermis more effectively. Additionally, they can be helpful for people with dark skin who have pigmentary changes due to acne if applied properly.3

2. Removes acne scars

The skin produces new collagen strands as acne heals in an effort to heal lesions that the inflamed skin has caused. Atrophic scars, which cause depressions in your skin, and hypertrophic scars, which are bumpy and raised, can be caused by creating new collagen fibres. Chemical peels can fix this issue by removing extra collagen from the top layer of the skin. For treating acne scars, medium chemical peels are usually advised.4

3. Heals photodamaged skin

Prolonged UV light exposure is linked to photodamaged skin. The disintegration of the elastic fibre network causes the dermis to thin, and cellular atypia causes the epidermis to become roughened and scaly. The outcome can often include coarseness, wrinkling, loss of elasticity, the formation of solar lentigines and actinic keratoses, and uneven pigmentation. Histologically, peels aid in renewing the epidermis, resulting in columnar cells that exhibit a return to polarity, more uniform melanocyte distribution, and melanin granules.3

4. Slows down the ageing of skin

Chemical peels are known to be able to slow down signs of ageing. For example:

  • Fine lines
  • Age spots
  • Roughness
  • Wrinkles
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Liver spots

Collagen and elasticity are produced when the skin regenerates following a chemical peel. By strengthening and supplanting your skin, you can lessen the visibility of lines. The skin that regenerates is also softer, which lessens the appearance of coarse, textured skin. However, it is not advisable to use chemical peels to get rid of deep creases. It also won’t make loose skin tighter.2

Conclusion

A chemical peel is a potent tool for resurfacing skin, giving an ageing face a more rested and youthful look. It can also be used to treat other skin disorders, reduce textural unevenness and homogenise pigmentation. Ultimately, chemical peel skin resurfacing aims to improve a person’s self-esteem via appearance.

However, it’s important to remember that chemical peels are a medical procedure and should only be performed by a licensed and experienced professional. Additionally, not everyone is a good candidate for a chemical peel, as certain skin types and conditions may make the treatment unsafe or ineffective.

If you’re interested in trying a chemical peel, consult a dermatologist or aesthetician who can assess your skin and recommend the best treatment for your needs. Angeline Yong Dermatology is one such dermatology clinic in Singapore that is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the well-rounded dermatological care and treatment you deserve. With proper maintenance, a chemical peel can be an excellent way to achieve a smoother, more radiant complexion you’ll love showing off. 

References

O’Connor, A. A., Lowe, P. M., Shumack, S., & Lim, A. C. (2017). Chemical Peels: A review of current practice. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 59(3), 171–181. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12715

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 21). Chemical Peel. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473#:~:text=sunscreen%20every%20day.-,Results,skin%20will%20be%20noticeably%20smoother.

Rendon, M. I., Berson, D. S., Cohen, J. L., Roberts, W. E., Starker, I., & Wang, B. (2010). Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology3(7), 32–43.

Nunez, K. (2020, October 21). Chemical Peel Benefits for your skin. Healthline. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/chemical-peel-benefits#bottom-line