The number of chemical peel procedures performed in the US is growing because of the great results, when done by a trained esthetician, and because of the relatively low price.
A friend just received a quote from a plastic surgeon for a deep chemical peel; it was nearly $5,000, she will need to return to the surgeon’s office every 2 – 3 days to have the skin peeled off her face for a couple of weeks and during that time she’ll not be very pretty. Then, for the next 6-months her skin will be pink and sensitive. Additionally, if the surgeon goes too deep the melanin could be removed leaving her with a very white face.
By comparison, a competent esthetician will charge between $100 and $300 for a light to medium depth peel. You will walk out of the office looking good and not in pain. You will flake after a couple of days but will still be presentable in public. You will be sensitive to the sun – but then you’re all wearing that SPF25 everyday no matter what so it doesn’t matter.
Either way, chemical peels are designed and formulated to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process. They can assist in improving damaged skin caused by the sun, aging, acne, excessive oil and other problems.
In ancient Egypt MEN were the ones getting the peels for a more youthful appearance (remember, they were the ones to first wear high heel also!). From the beginning, peeling agents included animal oils, sour milk, salt, fruit acids.
The Greeks and Romans added mustard seeds, sulfur, sublimate of limestone and tree resins. The Turks started using fire to singe the skin (ouch). Several cultures used pumice for exfoliation. The Gypsies had their own secret peeling potions.
Along with the science of dermatology, skin peeling protocols began. Peels now incorporated sulfuric, acetic, hydrochloric and nitric acids. These peels were not at all glamorous. The skin blistered, the blisters would be pierced, covered with starch and then followed by the removal of skin crusting to hopefully leave a smoother, lightened skin. Phenol came into fashion in the late 19th century followed by salicylic acid, resorcinol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
You can imagine the disasters with these peels including bacterial and viral infections, post-inflammatory scarring and uneven and disfiguring results. Downtime was significant. Ancient Egyptian records said that men should plan on going into hiding for several weeks after undergoing a peel (sort of like my friend and the deep peel).
Here we are in the 21st century and you’re probably wondering or hoping have peels improved and what can you expect now.
All chemical peels remove upper layers of the epidermis and allowing for rejuvenation of surface skin through wounding, this in turn stimulates the growth of new skin cells. The deeper the peel, the more risks and some would say better results. I believe that a series of less invasive, lighter peels can achieve impressive results without the risks of deeper peeling agents and you will be able to greet your public without distress.
