Plenty of different skin rejuvenating treatments are available to renew and refresh the skin. But no skin treatment comes close to a chemical peel and its benefits. So, what is a chemical peel exactly, and how is it different from a laser? A chemical peel is an easy cosmetic treatment that relies on an exfoliating acid to reduce common signs of aging. The main chemical peel benefit is that the solution lifts away dead skin cells so healthy skin can emerge in its place, limiting wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne and acne scars, and uneven skin texture and tone. However, not all chemical peels are the same, and there are several factors to take into consideration, including your skin type and issues. Before diving into the benefits of chemical peels and all they can do to improve your skin, this is everything to know about the treatment.
Benefits Of Chemical Peels
Different chemical peels offer different benefits. The benefits of chemical peels are determined by the type of exfoliating acid used and the peel concentration. Lighter chemical peels have a more subtle effect on the uppermost layer of skin. They work well for fine wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne, mild sun damage and hyperpigmentation, and surface dryness. Medium chemical peels are more potent than light peels and can target deeper wrinkles, signs of aging, and more stubborn acne scars. On the far end of the spectrum are deep chemical peels, which use phenol to resurface the skin.
No matter the type of chemical peel you ultimately opt for, the most significant chemical peel benefits include:
Improvement in Acne Scars
As acne heals, it creates new collagen forms within the skin, which is part of the skin’s natural healing process to repair the inflammation that occurs within the skin. However, when deep cystic and nodular acne occurs, the new collagen can cause scars or depressions. Exfoliating the top layer of skin with the appropriate peel can help soften and smooth the skin to reduce the look of acne scars.
A Reduction in Acne
Chemical peels are often recommended as part of an all-encompassing anti-acne plan since the acids used in the treatment help break down clogged pores. Acid solutions can also decrease oil production, kill bacteria, and reduce inflammation, contributing to acne formation. Usually, light and medium chemical peels are best for acne, and some can even increase the absorption of topical treatments.
Helping to Alleviate Symptoms of Rosacea
Like acne, rosacea is also an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and bumps. A series of mild chemical peels can help relieve these symptoms, but repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the results.
Improving the Common Signs of Aging
One of the most important chemical peel benefits is the treatment’s ability to reduce common signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, discoloration, age and sun spots, uneven skin tone and texture, roughness, and dryness. Removing damaged skin with a chemical peel triggers the skin to produce new, fresh collagen and elastin. Reorganized collagen and elastin leave the skin looking and feeling stronger with fewer wrinkles. New skin that appears is also smoother, so dryness and roughness are alleviated.
A Brightening Effect on Hyperpigmentation
A series of chemical peels can have a brightening and skin tone evening effect to lighten age spots, sun spots, acne scars, and freckles and even improve hard-to-treat melasma.
