
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles. and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. AHAs, such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. They smooth rough, dry skin, improve texture of sun-damage skin and aid in the control of acne. TCA can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. It smoothes out fine surface wrinkles, removes superficial blemishes and corrects pigment problems. Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It corrects blotches caused by sun exposure, birth-control pills, and aging; smoothes out coarse wrinkles, and removes pre-cancerous growths.