Chemical peels can help mitigate the cosmetic side effects of sun damage, including
fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots. Chemical peels speed up
cell replacement by exfoliating away old cells containing high levels of pigmentation and encourage new ones to form faster.
After treatment with different types of peels, you may experience redness, itching or
swelling as side effects. There is also the risk that cold sores could reactivate,
although this risk should be considered minimal.
1. Glycolic Acid and Chemical Peeling
Glycolic acid has long been considered an AHA and thus an indispensable part of
skincare regimes, and this popular AHA has long been considered an anti-ageing
essential. AHAs work by chemically exfoliating skin, stimulating cell turnover and
lightening dark spots. Furthermore, AHAs aid in penetration of other actives like
hydroquinone; making Glycolic Acid an indispensable addition to an anti-ageing
skincare regime.
GA can also help address hyperpigmentation issues, particularly melasma (dark
patches on the face caused by hormones and sun damage), thanks to its melanin
inhibiting properties that help treat dark spots, even out skin tone and brighten
overall appearance.
Glycolic acid can help address more serious dark spots through professional peels or
OTC products formulated for home use. When using stronger products or having a
peel at a spa, however, be sure to follow with mineral SPF in order to protect the
extra sensitive skin post-treatment from sunburns!
2. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and Chemical Peeling
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peels are an effective chemical peel option that can
exfoliate and renew skin at both superficial and deep layers, helping treat
hyperpigmentation, sun spots, uneven texture and other problems associated with
hyperpigmentation. TCA peels can also provide effective relief for hypertension
symptoms like headaches.
TCA peels work by breaking down keratin, the protein found in the topmost layers of
skin. As this happens, healthy cells become exposed, lightening existing sun spots
and freckles while improving skin tone overall. Lower strength peels only target the
top layers while higher-strength peels reach deeper into the papillary dermis to
produce more dramatic results.
TCA peels may leave your skin red and flaky for days or weeks after treatment,
making it important to use broad spectrum sunscreen and avoid picking at scabs or
peeling skin as this could cause scarring. Furthermore, it would be a wise idea to
implement a gentle skin-care routine until healing has taken place; your doctor can
suggest an individual plan tailored to meet your unique skin care goals.
3. Salicylic Acid
Chemical peels have long been used as an effective means to clear away sun spots
and soften fine lines on skin surfaces, with this particular acid peel being especially
helpful at eradicating darker discolorations such as age spots. A medium peel
typically requires seven-14 days for recovery time; when your dermatologist
prescribes it, you may also be advised to soak your face daily in ointment while
wearing sunscreen at all times; additionally ice packs and over-the-counter pain
relieving medicines may also be required – such as Ibuprofen (Advil Motrin IB or
Aleve).
Your dermatologist will begin by cleansing and prepping your skin with medical
degreasers before applying a chemical peel to small patches of your skin. While the
procedure can sting for a short while and cause some burning sensation, this can
usually be alleviated using cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers. Once
in place, this controlled wound creates new cells to grow back in and replace
damaged ones – creating new skin growth as a result!
4. Lactic Acid and Chemical Peeling
Chemical peels can help diminish brown spots and discolorations by stimulating new
skin growth, helping to reverse sun damage for a more even skin tone.
Light chemical peels with lactic acid can be an excellent way to treat sun damage on
darker skin types, in particular. Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that
helps exfoliate dead skin cells while brightening up complexions.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a condition caused by injury or irritation
such as pimples, insect bites or picking at scars can also be reduced with this type of
peel.
This type of peel can also help to minimize large pores that leave skin looking
lifeless and dull. Additionally, this solution can be combined with products like
retinoids that possess skin lightening abilities for maximum effectiveness.