American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Chemical Peel

Minimally Invasive Procedure

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers.

What is a light chemical peel?

A light chemical peel might be the right choice if you have uneven pigmentation, dryness, acne or fine wrinkling.

This kind of peel removes just the outer layer of skin (epidermis) in a light exfoliation and can result in a healthier glow.

Common agents used in light peels may include combinations of alphahydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and maleic acid. All of these chemicals are the milder choices than those used for deeper peels. You can repeat these treatments at regular intervals to achieve your desired results.

Light chemical peel procedure steps

  • Your face will be cleansed.
  • The chemical solution is brushed onto your skin and left on for a few minutes. You may feel some mild stinging.
  • The chemical peel is then washed off and neutralized.

Light chemical peel risks and recovery

You are likely to experience some redness, stinging, skin flaking and irritation from a light chemical peel.

After repeated treatments, these side effects will likely subside.

Other light chemical peel risks include:

  • Hyperpigmentation (when too much pigment occurs, causing brown blotches). Avoid this by always using a high-factor sunscreen.
  • Infection.


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