Chemical Peels for Medical Aesthetics

ALPHA-HYDROXY ACID PEELS One main advantage of using these peels for medical aesthetics is the safety level assured for everyone. Though lactic and glycolic acid peels are the alpha hydroxy kind, their individual reaction on the skin varies. Glycolic acid that is extracted from sugarcane tends to be corrosive and seeps through the acid mantle, travels via the inter-cellular matrix to the basal layer. The acid thus causes slow shedding of epithelial layers. The inflammatory response obtained creates a new turnover of epidermal cells and the old cells gradually get sloughed with daily cleansing. Basically, glycolic peels operate from the inside out. There tends to be very little peeling of the surface with glycolic peels. Glycolic acid is available in 20 to 70 percent strengths with a pH that ranges from 3.5 to 1.6 . The best kind comes as a balanced formula with aloe Vera carrier and a 3 to 2 pH factor

 LACTIC ACID PEEL This acid is popular for the Natural Moisturizing Factors it possesses. These peels slowly seep through the skin and soften the thickened keratin from the surface below. As a result, the stratum corneum gets plump and thus exfoliation is made easier. While glycolic peels are very ideal for fine lines, sagging skin and wrinkles, lactic acid peels are more suitable for hyper-pigmentation and dry, sun-damaged, alipidic and thickened skin

 SALICYLIC ACID PEEL Beta peels or salicylic acid peels actually are hydro-benzoic acid present in willow bark. These peels normally are available in 20 and 30 percent strengths and a 3 to 2 pH factor. These peels are perfect for oily skin, active acne of grades 3 & 4, retention keratosis. Salicylic acid peels have the tendency to chemically eat up the surface keratin and lipids, thus bringing about a more graphic stratum corneum sloughing when compared to AHA. A fast inflammatory response can be obtained and the person undergoing this treatment tends to feel heat that ranges from a warm flush to extreme temperature. It is for this reason that these peels are also known as "melt down peel". JESSNER'S PEEL This is basically a blend of three various acids in specific proportions namely 14% resorcinol, 14% lactic acid and 14% salicylic acid in an alcohol base that is made denatured. This peel is sensitive to light owing to the presence of resorcinol; hence it ought to be kept away from sunlight. It is relatively hard to overdo peeling with Jessner's because it tends to work mainly in the stratum corneum. A few people may be quite sensitive to resorcinol so it would be better to have a patch test done many days prior to the scheduled peeling for reasons of skin safety. Jessner's peel may create a large quantity of heat in response or skin vasodilation. The presence of resorcinol is likely to cause temporary pigmentation. Also excessive exfoliation may be caused. All these kind of symptoms are just temporary and tend to minimize within a span of fourteen days or so. If the stratum corneum is very compact in nature or has gone through some deeper peels, there may be little or no exfoliation.