The expression "chemical peel" may sound complicated, but it is basically a simple and tightly controlled scientific process. If you have ever asked yourself, how does a chemical peel function to change lifeless, battered skin into a glowing one, here is that simple answer.
Essentially, a chemical peel refers to a regimen that employs an acidified solution to purposely damage the skin, albeit a controlled wound. This, in turn, incites a skin renewal process, which makes it a natural one.
The 3 Stages of Skin Renewal
The peel process can be broken down into three simple, impactful stages:
1. Controlled Exfoliation (The Application)
As the expert puts on the peel solution (it could be one of Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, or TCA acids), the acid starts to break the "glue" that is responsible for holding the dead, damaged skin cells together.
Light Peels: These only get rid of the very top layer of the skin (stratum corneum).
Medium/Deep Peels: These penetrate beyond the skin layers reaching the upper dermis.
It's the part where the tingling or a bit of warmth sensation could be felt, which indicates that the peel is actively working!
2. The Peeling Process (The Downtime)
The treated, dead skin cells separate and start to come off in flaking over the next few days or weeks, depending on the intensity of the peel. Besides, this take-off process serves two main functions:
Removing Damage: The procedure gets rid of the surface imperfections such as sunspots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines as well as clogged pores.
Giving Repair Signal: The skin identifies the controlled injury and thus, calls for a repair response immediately.
3. Collagen Regeneration (The Result)
At this point is the most important one as far as long-term outcomes are concerned. To fix the "damage," the skin boosts the production of collagen and elastin—the two proteins that are responsible for skin being firm and smooth.
The ramped-up collagen production is basically the one that does the filling work for texture issues like fine lines and shallow acne scars.
Basically, it is the fresh skin that comes out which is not only smoother, brighter, and clearer, but also does not have the old pigmented or damaged cells.
Key Factors Influencing the Mechanism
The exact way the peel works is determined by the specific acid used and its concentration:
|
Peel Ingredient
|
Primary Action
|
Best For
|
|
Glycolic/Lactic Acid
|
Hydrating exfoliation (AHA)
|
Dryness, dullness, mild lines
|
|
Salicylic Acid
|
Oil dissolution (BHA)
|
Acne, oily skin, congested pores
|
|
TCA Acid
|
Protein coagulation
|
Scars, deep wrinkles, significant sun damage
|
Quick FAQ
Is a peeling necessary for the peel to have an effect?
Not at all. Usually, light peels induce microscopic exfoliation that is barely perceptible, yet they still bring about good results through cell turnover stimulation.
What duration is the process?
The actual time for the work is around 15–30 minutes, however, the entire peeling and recovery duration can be from 3 days up to 2 weeks depending on the strength.