Chemical peels are the most popular cosmetic procedures after Botox and dermal fillers. They are anti-aging, skin resurfacing treatments that provide a range of benefits, including reduced wrinkles, brighter skin tone, improved skin texture, and diminished scars and blemishes.
This article breaks down the three main chemical peel types and provides information on the most common chemical peel acid solutions. Knowing how chemical peels work will help you determine which type is suitable for you.
What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels vary in strength depending on the combination and percentage of chemical acids used for the treatment. The patient’s medical provider creates a customized chemical peel plan based on skin type, skin concern, and aesthetic goals.
Light Chemical Peels (Superficial Chemical Peels)
Light chemical peels exfoliate the uppermost skin layers (epidermis) and speed up skin cell turnover to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and help with discoloration.
The treatment doesn’t require any recovery time because the acids are used in low concentrations. Patients may experience slight redness and swelling that disappear within seven days. A series of four to six treatments is typically required for effective results.
Light chemical peels usually contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and/or beta hydroxy acids (BHA).
Note: Check out how our AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser can benefit your skin.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) – Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel
Alpha-hydroxy acids are the mildest chemical peel solutions. They are suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. AHAs include lactic, citric, mandelic, tartaric, and glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is an excellent exfoliator because it consists of small molecules that deeply penetrate skin layers without causing irritation. The exfoliation stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in a smoother, younger-looking complexion with less visible imperfections.
Glycolic acid is the most commonly used solution for light peels, but skin experts also use it in higher concentrations for deeper peels.
Note: Check out our list of products for sensitive skin.
Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA) – Salicylic Acid Chemical Peel
Beta-hydroxy acids are oil soluble and penetrate deeper than AHAs because they attach to the skin’s natural oils. For this reason, they are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid is the most common BHA, with powerful antibacterial and pore-unclogging properties that help reduce acne. It also stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture, reducing mild acne scars, and promoting smoother, healthier skin.
Note: Find out what are the best skin care products for oily, acne-prone skin.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium chemical peels penetrate epidermal and dermal layers, exfoliate dead skin cells, oil buildup, and dirt, and stimulate collagen production. They treat age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, and mild to moderate acne scars.
Depending on the intensity of the peel and depth of penetration, medium peels cause redness, swelling, skin peeling, and require recovery of up to two weeks. For best results, patients need one to three treatments.
Medium chemical peels are usually made up of different concentrations of trichloracetic acid (TCA). They may also contain glycolic acid or some other combination of chemical solutions.
Note: There are various benefits of collagen for the skin. Find out how to maintain and increase its levels.
Trichloracetic Acid Chemical Peels (TCA)
TCA is used for medium and deep peels, depending on the concentration of acid. Peels with TCA help address moderate acne scars, deep wrinkles, and pigmentation. They are suitable for darker skin tones. They are also used for acne scar spot treatments.
Jessner’s Solution Chemical Peel
Jessner’s solution is a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. Depending on the acid concentration, it is used as a light or medium chemical peel. It effectively treats acne and mild acne scars, improves tone and texture, and controls sebum production. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Note: Find out what is the best chemical peel for acne scars and what to consider before getting one.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels usually use carbolic acid (phenol) to penetrate all skin layers and dramatically transform the skin.
Phenol peels treat severe atrophic scars and provide visible anti-aging effects. The results last for years with only one treatment. However, recovery time may extend to several months. Skin experts often recommend laser resurfacing instead due to the intensity of the deep peel treatment.
Phenol Chemical Peels
Phenol penetrates the deepest of all chemical peel solutions. It requires sedation and local anesthesia. Side effects include redness, swelling, peeling, and blistering. Aftercare often includes taking antiviral medications, wearing bandages, and applying ointment to the treated area.
However, the results of phenol peels are impressive. The skin appears younger, and all skin imperfections due to sun damage and aging are reduced or eliminated.
Which Type of Chemical Peel Should You Choose?
There is no universal best chemical peel. Each patient requires a different approach, depending on their skin type and concern.
For example, patients with darker skin tones should avoid phenol peels because they may permanently lighten their skin. These patients are more likely to benefit from medium peels with weaker TCA concentrations, medium peels with glycolic acid, or superficial peels with mandelic acid.
Patients with acne-prone skin are often treated with light BHA peels, while patients with deep acne scars may only need a spot treatment with TCA.
The best way to determine the right chemical peel for your skin is to consult an experienced skin professional with a medical degree. This will ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Vibrant Skin Bar skin experts offer professional light chemical peels to resurface a brighter, glowing complexion without downtime.
Our medium peels are designed for patients who want to see more dramatic anti-aging effects on thein their skin tone and texture.
Regardless of the type of peel you choose, it is essential to use sunscreen post-treatment to avoid damaging the sensitive, newly resurfaced skin.
Conclusion
Chemical peels are among the most versatile cosmetic treatments, providing a wide range of skin benefits – from a reduction in wrinkles and age spots to youthful, glowing skin.
To achieve your desired look, make sure you find a reputable, board-certified medical provider who will create a customized chemical peel for your particular skin concern.
