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Dr. Prashant Murugkar

Uncover the Youthfulness with Chemical Peel Treatment

It is said that people who look younger are much happier than the rest. A spotless and beautiful skin can make one look younger. However, our fast-paced lifestyle and day to day exposure to pollution contribute to fast aging of the skin. Often our skin looks dull and tired, gets wrinkled, taking away the youthful glowing look from us. But there is an easy solution to these problems, thanks to the advancements in cosmetic treatments. With the help of chemical peel treatment, one can now retain the young skin of teenage, helping one feel better and look younger.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a technique used to retain the smoothness of the skin and to improve the texture of the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which causes controlled exfoliation of the dead skin layer of the skin. After the peel, new skin is regenerated which is smoother, even toned, less pigmented and less wrinkled than the previous skin. A chemical peel can be applied to face, neck and hands. There are also different types of chemical peels that are classified on the basis of depth of exfoliation they cause

Superficial or lunchtime peel - The Peel only exfoliates the outer layer of the skin. Alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) are widely used to peel off the outer layer of the skin.

Medium Peel- The medium peel removes the outer and the middle layer of the damaged skin. Glycolic acid is mainly used. The treatment improves wrinkles, age spots, face lines, and skin discoloration.

Deep Peel - The deep peels fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove the dead skin layer and also the damaged deeper layers of the skin. It is usually done on the face and helps to transform the skin texture by removing age spots, freckles, and scars.

How long does the chemical peel last?

The results may vary for every chemical peel treatment. Superficial or lunchtime peel lasts for about five weeks and one might have the treatment as often as every two to five week to get the desired results.

Similarly, in medium peel treatment, it lasts for about three months and one can repeat the treatment after three months to nine months. And in case of the deep chemical peel, it can be done only once.

Who is an ideal candidate for the chemical peel treatment?

Normally, fair-skinned people are more apt for the treatment. Individuals with dark complexion have to be careful while opting for this treatment. This is because unless done by an expert there is a risk of having pigmentary problems, post peel.

People who have uneven skin tone, facial wrinkles, sun spots, and precancerous skin growth can opt for a chemical peel.

What are the side effects?

The side effects or complications of chemical peels are as follows:

• After the treatment, there may be redness, swelling and may feel stinging for a few days
• There are chances of reactivating herpes
• A temporary darkening of the treated area.

Care after the chemical peel

You will be given after care advice following your peel, the general guidelines are

• Avoid rubbing the skin with fingers and do not wipe forcefully when the skin is wet
• Use sunscreens
• Use gentle and soap free cleansers
• Use moisturizers
• Avoid exposing to sunlight. Limit outdoor activities

Authored by Dr. Prashant Murugkar