The skin is composed of the epidermis and the dermis. Within the dermis are two layers, both of which are constructed of collagen, long fibers that loosen and stretch with age and sun damage. If the deepest layer, the reticular layer, is damaged, scars result, while the upper layer of the dermis, the papillary layer, heals from injuries without scarring. In a chemical peel, the surgeon applies one of several chemicals to the skin. Glycolic acid is the mildest. TCA, trichloroacetic acid, can be used in varying strengths for longer-lasting smoothness. The deepest peel is done with phenol.

Before any peel, the face is first thoroughly cleansed with a solution to remove oil and to prepare the skin for deepest penetration. As the chemical is applied, the epidermis is removed, and the chemical penetrates into the first layer of the dermis.

There are many types of peels prescribed by Dr. Rathindra Nath Dutta, which can sometimes be used together to bring the best results:

1. GLYCOLIC PEEL (MILD PEEL)

Glycolic Acid is a natural substance derived from sugar cane that gently dissolves the glue like substance that holds dead skin cells onto the surface of the skin. Glycolic peels come in a variety of strengths from an at home 5% peel to a salon strength of 20 or 40% up to a medical strength of 70 – 90% that should only be performed by a doctor or nurse. You may feel a slight stinging or warming sensation during the procedure but any significant pain is unlikely and no anaesthetic is needed for a mild peel.

2. SALICYLIC PEELS
Salicylic Peels are usually at a strength of 20% or 30% and regular peels with salicylic acid will remove blackheads and whiteheads, diminish fine lines and wrinkles and improve acne resulting in smoother and more even toned skin.

Beta hydroxy acids work in a similar way to AHAs – allowing dead skin cells to be detached from the skin’s surface. The main benefit of salicylic acid is that as it has similar properties to aspirin, it helps prevent any post-treatment irritation or inflammation and helps to                                          prevent excess oil making it highly effective in the treatment of acne skin.

3. TCA PEEL

TCA stands for Trichloroacetic Acid, which is derived from the acid that gives vinegar its pungent smell and taste. It is a medium to deep peeling agent that is normally used in 10 to 35% concentrations.This can be a painful peel where the skin blanches (frosts and turns white), but works well for specific skin conditions. A topical anaesthetic or pain relief will be administered to help you stay comfortable during the treatment.

The peel works by causing trauma to the skin’s layers and the top layer of the epidermis may be removed, where stronger solutions are used the treatment may extend deeper into the dermis. The damaged layers of skin will peel away and the healing process encourages increased cell growth as well as collagen production and reorganization in the dermis that produces new, healthier skin layers, giving the face a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

4. MULTI MASK PEEL

A Multi Mask Peel uses a form of Kojic Acid that is found in Japanese Sake and shitake mushrooms, to re-new the surface of the skin in a way that eliminates pigmentation problems.

5. MODIFIED JESSNER PEEL
A fantastic skin peel for Acne and Acne Scarring and Pigmentation

How does a chemical peel work?

Chemical peels remove the top layer or layers of skin using a chemical preparation. As the new skin grows back, it is normally smoother than before and imperfections are reduced.

There are various types of chemical peel - superficial, medium and deep. They achieve different results depending on your needs and recovery times vary.

Superficial chemical peels are easy to apply and the time needed for healing is minimal, but they won't achieve long lasting or dramatic results. Superficial peels aim to smooth and brighten the skin. They are suitable for those who don’t have time to recover from a deeper peel or don’t want any visible peeling.

Medium chemical peels can achieve more noticeable and long lasting results for surface blemishes, fine lines and facial scarring, such as acne scarring.

A deep peel will help reduce more severe facial wrinkles, and is often used around the mouth and eyes.

One deep peel may be enough to achieve the desired result, while a course of superficial peels may be needed to achieve the desired results..

Chemical peels take between 30 minutes and an hour, and you will be able to return home straight away. Depending on the type of peel you have, your will begin to peel two to three days after the procedure, and the new smoother skin will emerge.

As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important that you review your expectations thoroughly before you decide to proceed. Your specialist will explain the results you can expect from each type of peel and will discuss the associated risks and alternatives before going ahead.