Removing the upper layer of the skin and showing the lower layer of skin using some chemical is called chemical peel. There are three different categories of chemical peels which are light, medium and deep. Light peels do not penetrate the skin too deeply and just remove the uppermost layer of the skin. After a light chemical peel there will be some pinkness on the face but the color usually normalizes within a day. Light chemical peels are considered to be quite safe and one can also try this from home as there are do it yourself light chemical peels available. One can expect the effect of a light chemical peel to last for approximately six months. However it is advised to get a chemical peel done by a qualified professional and do not experiment too much at home. The medium peel also works like the light peel the only difference is that it penetrates deeper then a light peel and the effect lasts up to a year or two. The deep chemical peel must be done by a qualified medical practitioner as it penetrates deep into the skin.
There are different types of chemical peels and the AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) peels are used to reduce fine wrinkles, smooth rough dry skin, treat skin dryness, help in controlling acne and reduce uneven pigmentation of the skin. Beta Hydroxy acid peels are becoming more popular then AHA peels because they have more penetration then AHA and control oil production, remove dead cells and reduce acne. TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels are used for medium peels which reach deeper into the skin and smoothes out fine wrinkles and corrects pigmentation problems. Phenol peels are the strongest peels and are used to correct skin blotches caused by sun exposure, remove deep and coarse wrinkles, and this type of peel is performed using anesthesia.
If one decides to get a chemical peel one must consult a doctor and get a qualified doctor to perform the treatment. Advanced chemical peels are not a simple procedure and all doctors are also not qualified or have the experience to administer them. It is dermatologists or plastic surgeons who are qualified to perform these treatments. All chemical skin peel treatments require removing a skin layer and this can be a tricky business and no one wants to mess around with their facial skin as chemical peels are used on the face. Most green chemical peel kits contain natural ingredients and can be used as an at home chemical peel but still one should consult the doctor or the manufacturers instructions before trying any green chemical peel or any other off the shelf chemical peel.
Chemical peel treatment for helping in scarring, acne and removal of wrinkles has become one of the choices and there is a debate over microdermabrasion and chemical peel and which is better.
A number of beauticians and spas also offer chemical peel treatment to remove wrinkles and to smooth the skin. Which chemical peel one needs to get will depend on the skin condition of the person and what category of chemical peel that would be required.