Medium-Depth Chemical Peel Treatment Might be Magic for Your Skin
- Posted on: Feb 28 2019
Chemical peels have been a popular dermatologic treatment for many years. People often perceive a chemical peel as one of two things: either a pampering treatment you get in a spa or an aggressive treatment that leaves you red and peeling for weeks on end. While the two extremes do exist, there is also something right in the middle – and that may be where the magic happens for your skin.
A medium-depth chemical peel may also be referred to as a TCA peel. In standard fashion, this peel is conducted in the clinical setting. While the patient lies comfortably on the treatment table, a chemical exfoliant is applied to the skin. The medium peel may contain trichloroacetic acid, which is why it is called a TCA peel. There are also medium peels that contain a mixture of various other chemicals such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and rescorcinol.
When the chemical exfoliant sits on the skin, it causes controlled damage to the epidermis. This is a good thing, as you may know, because controlled damage brings on the regenerative changes that are needed to improve texture and tone. The degree of tissue penetration and intensity of the inflammatory response to a medium-depth peel is moderate. This technique is strong enough to diminish fine lines and improve the overall vitality of the skin but gentle enough to undergo a few times a year. In comparison, a deep chemical peel can only be performed once every 10 years.
Is a Medium-Grade Chemical Peel Right for You?
Most chemical peels take no more than an hour to complete. To optimize comfort, a local anesthetic or mild sedative may be administered before we begin the process. After cleansing the skin, the chemical solution is applied with a small applicator until the entire treatment area is covered. The chemical exfoliant usually remains on the skin for no more than 15 minutes. A slight burning or tingling sensation may be felt for 5 to 10 minutes before a neutralizing agent is applied. After the solution is removed, ointment may be applied to immediately promote the healing process.
After the peel, the most significant side effects revolve around appearance. The skin will appear red and will begin to flake and peel after a few days. Swelling may also occur. While comfort is typically not a problem, patients often schedule a week to 10 days off to allow skin to return to its normal tone and texture. As the chemical peel removes dead and damaged cells, it is crucial to follow post-treatment instructions pertaining to cleansing and moisturizing the skin. UV protection is also a must, which is why winter is a great time to schedule this treatment.
Why would you want to go through a medium-depth chemical peel? Because this protocol can refine your pores, brighten your skin, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Learn more about our chemical peel services at 212.391.8600.
Posted in: Skin Care
