1) What is Chemical Peel?
It is a treatment where one or more peeling chemicals (such as glycolic acid) are applied to the skin to gently remove the outer superficial layer of the skin. This helps to rebuild collagen as well as lightens and brightens the skin.

2) Where can it be used?
It can be used to improve:

• Facial blemishes
• Wrinkles
• Uneven skin pigmentation
• Acne facial scars (to smoothen)
• Discolourations (eg freckles)

3) Who can have Chemical Peels?
Almost anyone can benefit from a chemical peel. Those with sun damaged skin or acne will see improvements in the health of their skin.

4) How long is the procedure?
30 – 45 minutes.

5) Are there any side effects?

• Some people experience a little redness and breakouts.
• Some peeling may result after the procedure.

6) How soon can I expect to see the effects?

• Depending on the type of peel. For superficial peels, the results are seen almost immediately.
• For deeper peels, the results can be seen in 7-10 days.

7) What happens if I did not continue treatment?
The results of a more youthful and supple skin will remain provided that a good and proper skin care regime is carried out.

8) Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?

The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider a chemical peel:

• You have sun-damaged skin
• You have significant facial wrinkling
• Your skin color is uneven with blotchiness, sunspots and brown spots
• You have scars that have made the surface of your skin uneven
• You have certain precancerous skin growths

Other characteristics of your skin, such as its thickness and texture, may influence whether you are a good candidate for chemical peels.
If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

9) What should be expected after treatment?

Depending upon the type of peel, a reaction similar to a sunburn occurs following a chemical peel. Superficial peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Medium-depth and deep peeling may result in swelling and the presence of water blisters that may break, crust, turn brown and peel off over a period of seven to 14 days. Some peels may require bandages to be placed on part or all of the skin that is treated. Bandages are usually removed in several days and may improve the effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to avoid overexposure to the sun after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. The dermatologic surgeon will prescribe the proper follow-up care to reduce the tendency to develop abnormal skin color after peeling.

10) When should chemical peels use?
The most common candidate for a chemical peel is a person with sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, and/or actinic keratoses. Sun damage results in fine wrinkling, skin thinning, sun spots (liver spots or solar lentigines), and very early percursor skin cancers called actinic keratoses. Skin peels may also be used to treat acne scarring.