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Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
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Facial Peels
   Facial peels are the most popular peels
   Stimulates collagen growth and improves skin texture
   Nothing actually ‘peels’ off

Chemical Peels Highly Popular

By far the most popular use of the chemical peel is for facial skin regeneration. They are used to stimulate inflammation in the skin which results in non-ablative skin remodeling. Chemical peels induce collagen growth, improve discoloration and age spotting, and provide for a general superficial resurfacing of the face. By destroying the surface layer of the facial skin, they allow a new layer to grow in its place which is smoother and has improved texture.

What Happens During Treatment

Nothing actually ‘peels off’ during a chemical peel. A chemical solution is applied to the face, and works by dissolving the upper layers of the skin. As the tissue is dissolved, a wound is created on the skin which stimulates the body's healing response, causing new tissue to emerge. The depth and strength of the ‘peel’ varies based upon the strength of the chemicals used and the length of time the solution is applied.

Aging of the Facial Skin

Skin ages as we expose it to more and more sun. The more sun our face receives, the more we see fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, age and brown spots, enlarged pores and spider veins. When skin is protected from the sun (think of your upper thighs or buttocks), the skin is relatively wrinkle-free and younger looking than your face. As the sun does more damage to our facial skin, the skin begins to look older and less healthy. Skin cancer is also a big risk with sun exposure.

The dry weight of skin is 80% collagen and 4% elastin fibers. Sun damage replaces these proteins with abnormal tissue made of elastic fibers which clump and lose their normal function.

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Last Modified: January 3, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chemical Peel? What is TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid)?
What can a Chemical Peel Treat? What are Phenol Peels?
Does a Chemical Peel Hurt? What is an Erbium Laser?
How much does a Chemical Peel Cost? What is a CO2 laser?
What are the Recovery Times? What is Hypopigmentation?
How long does it take? What is Hyperpigmentation?
Are there possible side effects? What is the Stratum Corneum?
What are Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels? What is the Epidermis?
What are Glycolic Acid Peels? What are Keratolytics?
The information contained in the above article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having any medical procedure performed.
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