Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation are techniques to improve the appearance of the skin. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin also is temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

What Conditions Do a Chemical Peel Treat?
Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck or hands. They can be used to:
• Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
• Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors
• Improve the appearance of mild scarring
• Treat certain types of acne
• Reduce age spots, freckles and dark patches due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills (melasma)
• Improve the look and feel of skin that is dull in texture and color Areas of sun damage, which may contain pre-cancerous keratoses that appear as scaly spots, may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to appear.

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?
Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels. Darker skin types may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated.

How Are Chemical Peels Performed?
A chemical peel can be performed in a doctor's office
The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils and the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid are applied to small areas on the skin. These applications produce new, regenerated skin to appear.

Preparing for a Chemical Peel
Prior to the chemical peel, your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin with topical preconditioning medications such as Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid. After the chemical peel, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.

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