Beauty, Health and Wellness Article
Considering A
Chemical Peel? Read This First! by Contributing Writer
I
ntentionally harming already damaged skin might seem illogical, but that’s exactly what a chemical peel does. The intent is to inflict just enough harm to trigger the body’s regenerative healing process. As damaged epidermal cells slough off, healthier, smoother skin takes their place.
Which Skin Conditions Can a Chemical Peel Treat?
Chemical peels are most commonly used
PHENOL
exploit this process of epidermal turnover by causing intentional, localized damage
keratoses - scaly, precancerous spots
damage or aging. The chemically-treated
pigmentation, dark spots and actinic
to an area of skin affected by acne, sun
caused by sun exposure.
outer layers of skin are removed, and in
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and bears the brunt of exposure to the outside world. Friction,
ultraviolet radiation, wind, dry
air and pollution accelerate skin damage, while acne can leave unsightly scarring in its wake. Skin sheds constantly - in
6 | 35 WEST | March 2020
skin has renewed itself. Chemical peels
to treat sun damage, acne, uneven skin
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
TRICHLOROACETIC ACID
month, your body’s entire outer layer of
fact, approximately 1,000,000
epidermal cells slough off every
day, and in a bit more than one
their place, healthy new skin cells appear. Types of Chemical Peels The most commonly used substance is glycolic acid. Derived from sugarcane, it belongs to a class of acids called
“fruit acids.” Glycolic acid is a relatively mild substance, which targets the
superficial layers of the skin. Several
applications may be required to achieve the desired outcome, and this type of
peel may be insufficient for more severe dermatological problems.
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