It improves and smoothen the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Although peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. The peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Peeling could be performed by a chemical agents such as Alphahydroxy acids, including glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids, Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and Phenol. This is called Chemical Peeling. Thermal Peeling by the Laser or Radiofrequency energy and Mechanical Peeling by Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion are the other types of Facial Peeling. It is very important that you find a physician who has adequate training and experience in skin resurfacing. The preferred type of facial peeling is mainly dependent on the type of facial skin. Thus, your facial plastic surgeon and cosmetician may offer you a choice of peel techniques or suggest a combination of peels to obtain the best result for you. The Fitzpatrick classification of skin types is as follows:
- Skin type I - Very white or freckled, always burns
- Skin type II - White, usually burns
- Skin type III - White to olive, sometimes burns
- Skin type IV - Brown, rarely burns
- Skin type V - Dark brown, very rarely burns
- Skin type VI - Black, never burns
In general, patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III tolerate resurfacing procedures with minimal risk of pigmentary complications. While resurfacing may be undertaken in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, the risk of pigmentary change is higher with the deeper wounding that can be achieved with dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser resurfacing.
After peeling, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.