The human skin constantly renews itself. New skin grows from the basal layer, rising through the epidermal layers to the stratum cornea. As the new skin continues to rise, the old skin cells from the stratum cornea falls off. This process of renewal and exfoliation of cells is a natural cycle the skin goes through each and everyday.

Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to "blister" and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin also is temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

Chemical peels are a type of skin care treatment performed to accelerate the exfoliation of skin cells by using a chemical agent. It induces change in the skin through 3 mechanisms: First, chemical peels stimulate the epidermal growth by removing the stratum cornea. Second, it destroys targeted layers of damaged skin. By destroying the damaged layers, new skin cells are allowed to grow and it results to a better cosmetic appearance. Last, deep peels activate mediators of inflammation. This encourages the production of ground substance and new collagen.

Chemical peels are used to:
* Reduce fine lines, especially under the eyes and around the mouth.
* Treat mild scarring and certain types of acne.
* Diminish skin discoloration, such as sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, or blotchiness.
* Refresh skin texture and color.

Prior to treatment, you may be instructed to stop certain medications and prepare the skin with pre-conditioning creams, which you would apply at home for a period of time. A chemical peel is involving the following:
* Cleansing the skin with an agent that removes excess oils.
* Applying the peel to the designated location (face, neck, chest, hands, arms, or legs), using one or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol).
* Using the proper peeling agent based upon the type of skin damage present and your desired results.

There are three classifications of chemical peels:
1.Superficial Peel
A series of treatments are used to improve the following conditions:
* to improve the surface of sun-damaged skin
* To smooth out abrasive dehydrated skin
* Desire to balance skin quality
This type of chemical peel yields a prompt recovery allowing patients to resume normal daily activities immediately. Negligible flaking may occur. It is recommended that proper sun protection is used to help maintain the positive effects of this treatment.

2.Medium Peel
A stronger acid is applied to the epidermis and the upper dermis to obtain a more dramatic effect than with a superficial peel. This type of chemical peel yields a prompt recovery allowing patients to resume normal daily activities immediately. Negligible flaking may occur. It is recommended that proper sun protection is used to help maintain the positive effects of this treatment.

3.Deep Peel
A deep peel has the most striking outcome of all the peel procedures because it directed at the dermis. This procedure is used to treat wrinkles, scars, blemishes, and precancer lesions. Anesthia may be necessary for this type of peel due to the hot stinging sensation that this treatment can cause. The skin typically turns brown prior to any peeling and some crusting may occur. An ointment may by used to keep treated areas moist. It takes about 1-2 weeks before the peeling of many layers of skin becomes apparent. The deep peel will have the look and feel of a severe sunburn. Normal skin color will return progressively.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons, to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. With all chemical peel treatments it is very important to maintain good sun protection.

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