What is a chemical peel?

 

A chemical peel is a procedure used to treat facial discoloration such as brown spots and pigment usually from the sun or the combination of sun and hormone treatment. They also help tighten the facial pores and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels can also improve whiteheads and blackheads that are seen with acne. There are different types of chemical peels. We usually think of them as superficial or light chemical peels versus medium depth chemical peels or deep chemical peels.

 

What are light chemical peels?

 

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, is use for light chemical peels. Glycolic acid has been found to loosen the upper most layers of dead skin so that new skin can develop more normally and it also seems to stimulate growth of collagen and elastin fibers in the deeper layers of the skin.