What a Chemical Peel Can Do for You

A chemical peel can provide a number of important benefits. The aging process, scarring from acne and sun exposure can result in the skin tone appearing wrinkled, uneven, scarred or spotted.

If you would like your skin to appear younger and smoother, this non-surgical cosmetic treatment could be an ideal solution. A chemical peel utilizes a chemical solution in order to smooth out the texture of the skin. This is done by removing outer layers of the skin that may have become damaged over time.

Chemical peels are also sometimes referred to as a derma peeling or chemexfoliation. Compared to other procedures, this option is the least invasive method for improving the overall appearance of one's skin tone.

While this procedure is primarily used as a facial treatment, it can also be used for improving the appearance of the skin on your hands and neck. Skin problems that can be improved through a chemical peel include:

Age and liver spots
Acne scars
Wrinkles
Fine lines
Irregular skin pigmentation
Freckles
Scaly patches
Rough areas
Scars
Sun-damaged skin

While multiple treatments may be required to obtain optimal results, a good chemical peel can help to greatly improve your appearance.

Erasing Wrinkles

As they grow older many people find they are dissatisfied with their appearance due to the emergence of wrinkles. The chemicals used in a chemical peel solution can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles on the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology has stated that chemical peels can be particularly effective for reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the area around the eyes as well as the mouth.

Improving the Appearance of Acne Scarring

Chemical peels are also used for treating patients who suffer from acne scars. One of the most important benefits of a chemical peel in regards to acne scarring is that it can help to promote the growth of new skin.

Improving the Appearance of Skin Discoloration

These procedures can also be used for diminishing skin discoloration. This is a problem that can often occur as a result of the aging process. Such darkened or blotchy areas of the skin can actually be caused by a variety of different factors that can include the aging process as well as disease and genetics. A chemical peel can be beneficial in smoothing out your overall skin tone while also helping to remove these types of discolorations from sight.

Reversing Sun Damage

When your skin is exposed to UV rays it can become damaged, causing your skin to look older. This is known as photoaging. Chemical peels can be used for treating damage from sun exposure on large sections of the skin. In addition, it can also help to improve the appearance of small sections of discoloration. This type of facial treatment can help to reverse such damage and also assist in ensuring your skin remains young-looking.

It is important to understand that severe wrinkles, bulges and sags may not respond well to a chemical peel procedure. These types of problems may require the use of other types of cosmetic procedures. An experienced cosmetic surgeon can assist you in determining whether you are a good candidate for a chemical peel or whether another treatment would be more appropriate.

Individuals who are light-haired and fair-skinned are usually the best candidates for optimal results for a chemical peel.

Darker skin may also be able to achieve good results based on the specific type of problem that is being treated with the chemical peel procedure. When considering having a chemical peel performed it is important to keep in mind that you should avoid sun exposure following your procedure. The new skin that is revealed following this facial treatment is typically more susceptible and fragile for a period of time.

Follow-up care as prescribed by your doctor should be strictly followed in order to reduce any risks or complications.

More to Consider

Writing regularly in both print and online media on plastic surgery and aesthetic issues, Dr. Bruce A. Mast offers easy-to-understand, expert insight into various ways available for enhancing patients' outward appearance. Possessing decades of experience helping men and women accomplish their goals of a more vibrant and youthful look, Dr. Mast offers compassionate, personable care as chief of the Plastic Surgery unit at UF Florida Center for Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. Dr. Mast carefully listens to patient concerns and goals to provide the most effective treatment for your individual situation. In addition to addressing concerns about appearance, the Florida plastic surgeon also help those affected by disease and accidents regain their prior look.

Find the best treatment and care for addressing issues with your appearance – whether they're simple aesthetic concerns or stem from an accident or illness – by visiting the offices of Dr. Bruce A. Mast at U.F. Or browse around for more insights into how you can safely enhance your outward appearance through plastic surgery and non-surgical, aesthetic treatments. Besides offering the best hands-on care, Dr. Mast also helps the public at large better understand plastic and cosmetic treatments and what to expect.