Superficial Chemical Peels

Facial rejuvenation through chemical peeling is a frequently requested skin rejuvenation treatment. Chemical peels are classified as superficial, medium, or deep, and their effect depends upon the depth of penetration and degree of injury to the skin. Superficial chemical peels are popular treatments commonly used to address rough skin texture, fine lines, melasma, and photodamage. Superficial chemical peels penetrate to the epidermis and dermal-epidermal junction and provide temporary improvement to skin texture and hyperpigmentation. These chemical peeling agents carry less risk of complications than the medium and deep chemical peeling agents. Medium and deep chemical peeling agents exert their effects beneath the epidermis and into the deeper layers of the skin. Medium-depth peels penetrate to or through the papillary dermis and result in longer healing times. Deep chemical peels penetrate to the reticular dermis and address deeper lines and wrinkles. Both medium and deep peels require longer healing times and carry an increased risk for complications such as hyperpigmentation and scarring.