Ageing Skin Care - Does Chemical Peeling Slow The Aging?

It is possible that chemical peeling could slow the aging process and regular application may produce benefits.

Chemical Peels have been a popular beauty treatment for decades. They are used to promote skin cell regeneration, remove dead skin cells and improve the overall smoothness of the skin. It is also claimed that they have an anti-aging effect by working as a form of therapy against wrinkles and lines on the face. After having had a chemical peel, many patients notice that their facial contour lines become less noticeable or disappear altogether at first glance.

Many skin care products claim to work as chemical peels, but the term "chemical peel" refers specifically to a specific, high-strength acid that is used to remove superficial layers of skin. Its effectiveness is limited by the specific acid used and individual sensitivity.

Born from the observation made by Dr William Perkin, (1857 - 1931), of the chemical processes involved in preserving leather, acid peels are now available almost everywhere. These include triple peel or triple treatment treatments, also called triple resurfacing treatments. The three steps are small, medium and moderate peel and they all result in gradual fading of the skin's pigmentation from top to bottom.

The main difference between all three is that they vary in strength and duration. A double treatment system consists of two "medium" peels of 1 & one "small" peel of 2.

In recent years, an interest has been growing in the use of chemical peels to fight the effects of aging, particularly wrinkles, and to improve skin tone and texture. Chemical peels are available as a single treatment or in multi-step combinations used to achieve a consistent skin resurfacing effect over time. The consistency of chemical peeling products available on the market today is variable. Some products are designed to be used on a weekly basis while others are meant to be used annually or semiannually.

An acid peel may produce results but the results are not permanent. To supplement and further improve the benefits, skin care professionals usually recommend the use of isotonic solutions that contain hyaluronic acid to provide "superficial" moisturization. This procedure has become increasingly popular in Europe where it is termed "skin plasticisation." The term "acid peels" is sometimes used loosely to refer to any type of chemical peel, including glycolic, mandelic and phenol-based peels.

A chemical peel is a form of skin resurfacing that uses chemicals to remove the outer layers of skin (epidermis) to improve skin appearance. A chemical peel may be recommended if you have dry or damaged skin from acne, psoriasis or eczema, if you have age spots or uneven skin color, or if your face has fine lines and wrinkles. A chemical peel may also be a treatment for acne scars and other scars on the face.

Depending on the type of chemical used, peels can produce various degrees of peeling with deeper peels producing more pronounced results and deeper destruction of epidermal cells. The depth of a chemical peel is measured in millimeters (mm). Chemical peels are generally performed in an outpatient surgical setting by a dermatologist or physician.

Popular chemical peels include glycolic, Jessner and trichloracetic acid (TCA) peels.

Glycolic acid peels, also known as alpha hydroxy acid peels, are the most popular type of peel used in clinical practice. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is a naturally occurring ingredient found in all alkaline foods such as lemons and strawberries. Glycolic acid also has a role in our body's metabolism, so it is not considered to be any more harsh than other natural acids found in fruit, vegetables and meats. Glycolic acid peels have become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for the skin. Commonly referred to as “lifts” or “exfoliations,” glycolic acid peels are used to firm up dry skin, lessen pigment spots, smooth and tighten the skin, reduce facial wrinkles, lighten brown skin pigment and even remove sun damaged and patterned skin.

Jessner's solution is a mild acid peel that can be used on all types of skin including sensitive and problematic conditions such as acne. Jessner's solution is a popular peel for treating melasma (chloasma) as it safely exfoliates without scarring. Jessner's solution is also a pH balanced peel used on sensitive skin to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Trichloracetic acid (TCA) peels are used to remove the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), which is why they often result in a slightly scaly, peeling look. TCA peels are more aggressive than glycolic acid peels because they remove more epidermal skin cells, and can cause severe redness, dry flakes or irritation. TCA peels are more effective in treating pigmentation spots, acne scarring and pigmentary irregularities than glycolic acid.

The top layer of the skin contains cells called keratinocytes, which produce the protein keratin. In a healthy person, keratin and other waste products are carried out of the skin by tiny pores called excretory ducts. But with sun damage, these ducts become clogged with dead cells, resulting in a weakened epidermis that promotes wrinkles and vulnerable skin. Glycolic acid and other chemical peels help to dissolve some of these dead cells. As this happens, new skin grows in and excess skin is shed from the surface. This leaves the area smoother and tighter while reducing wrinkles or acne scars.

The chemical peels that are most effective at removing skin discoloration and revealing new, healthy skin belong to a group of treatments called photo-rejuvenation. These treatments, which include TCA peels and pulsed light therapy, use light energy to successfully treat sun-damaged skin.

There are two types of peels: superficial and deep. Superficial peels remove only the epidermis (surface layer) of the skin, while deep peeling involves removal of part or all of the epidermis and dermis as well. Chemical peels are classified as superficial because they do not penetrate far enough into the deeper layers of skin to cause damage or injury.

Conclusion: superficial chemical peels have a long and successful track record in treating different types of pigment changes in the skin. They can be used to treat melasma (chloasma) and other skin pigmentation problems.

Chemical peels are also effective at elasticizing the skin making it more supple, lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as softening fine scars (e.g., acne scars). Chemical peels also stimulate new epidermal growth, which leads to a more glowing appearance.