Modern Skin Care: Chemical Peels And Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion are non-surgical, cost-effective techniques that reduce skin problems like sun damage, wrinkles and age spots.
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance of the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to peel away, revealing smoother, younger looking skin.
Chemical peels are usually performed on the face, neck, and hands. These treatments can be used to reduce lines around the eyes and mouth, treat acne scars, reduce age spots, freckles, lessen the look of wrinkles and improve skin’s texture. Depending upon your individual needs, chemical peels can be performed once, or at different times during your life.
Chemical peels are made up of solutions like glycolic acid, phenol (carbolic acid), salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid. Many of these solutions, especially glycolic acid and salicylic acid, are present in many over-the-counter skin treatments, but in smaller doses. The acids in chemical peels, however, are used in concentrated amounts.
Should I consider a chemical peel?
If age spots, adult acne, or rough skin are problems, may be a solution. In your consultation with a doctor trained to perform these types of procedures, discuss your concerns, and be sure to include information about your skin’s history. Patients with a history of keloids, cold sores, or facial scarring should tell their physician prior to the procedure.
Candidates with fair skin are generally the best patients for chemical peels. People with darker skin often receive little benefit, though certain problems may be treated effectively.
Chemical peels are a cost effective, non-surgical technique for facial, neck, and hand rejuvenation. They can be performed as an outpatient procedure in a doctor’s office. Newer, less complex, chemical peels that can be used at home have recently entered the market. Consult a physician to determine your needs and which process would be best for your skin.
The Process
After the areas around the eyes and hairline have been protected, the skin is cleansed of excess oils and dirt. An acidic solution is then applied to the areas of the skin that will be treated. After the application, the skin that received treatment will begin to peel away, allowing new skin to appear. During the peel, patients may experience a warm, or tingly sensation that lasts a few minutes.
After the peel, patients are generally prescribed antibiotics that ward off infection. Doctors will also advise patients to avoid direct sunlight and to apply sunscreen each day.
While healing, patients may experience redness and scaling. Healing time varies, but most patients heal within a week to fourteen days, depending upon the depth of the peel.
What about Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion has been around in various forms for centuries, and can be traced back as early as ancient Egypt. Modern Microdermabrasion techniques, however, were discovered in Italy in 1985. Microdermabrasion has been shown to be an effective procedure for skin of all types. For patients with sensitive skin, or allergic reactions to chemicals, Microdermabrasion is a great alternative. The process is a quick, effective outpatient procedure that does not require anesthesia and can be repeated at short intervals.
Like chemical peels, Microdermabrasion is helpful in diminishing acnes scars, crow’s feet, wrinkles, sun damage, and age spots. But the process used is a bit different.
The Procedure
Microdermabrasion does not require acids, chemicals, or lasers. The doctor uses an instrument to massage crystals onto the skin’s surface. The treatment polishes and suctions away problem skin areas and is also said to stimulate cell and collagen growth. The procedure usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. For maximum results, four to 12 treatments are recommended, at two week to once monthly intervals.
Like with chemical peels, patients may experience redness or a light tingling sensation. These effects should dissipate within 48 hours. The treating physician will advise aftercare, which generally includes keeping skin moisturized and wearing sunscreen.
If you are considering chemical peel techniques, or Microdermabrasion, use the Internet to research the procedures, find qualified physicians, and set up a consultation. Skin resurfacing and peels are wonderful ways to rejuvenate your appearance without costly, invasive surgeries or hospital stays. While researching these procedures, view before-and-after pictures, and if possible, talk to people who’ve had this type of work done. Armed with these facts, you could be on your way to a younger, fresher appearance.
Written by Stephanie Watkins – 2002 Pagewise
