|
Chemical Peel Offers Solutions to Treat Aging Skin
July 29, 2004 - If looking your age doesn’t sound
appealing to you, a chemical peel could be your secret weapon in erasing
the tell-tale signs that go hand in hand with growing older. Whether you
opt for a superficial chemical peel or a deep peel that penetrates
several layers of the skin, the introduction of newer peeling agents are
giving dermatologists more options than ever to treat fine lines, sun
damage, mild scarring, and even some forms of acne and pigmentation
disorders safely and effectively.
Speaking at ACADEMY ’04, the American Academy of
Dermatology’s summer scientific session in New York, dermatologist Neil
S. Sadick, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at the Weill
Medical College of Cornell University in New York, N.Y., addressed the
benefits of chemical peels in rejuvenating the skin.
A chemical peel is a treatment that consists of the
application of a chemical exfoliating solution to the skin, which causes
the aged or damaged skin to “peel off” and allows new skin to regenerate
in its place. Depending on the severity of the skin damage, the chemical
solutions are applied in varying concentrations to alter the
superficial, medium or deep layers of the skin.
“Superficial chemical peels, often referred to as
lunchtime peels, remain the cornerstone of any skin rejuvenation program
because they require virtually no downtime and produce good results for
early signs of aging,” said Dr. Sadick. “Patients in their 20s and 30s
with fine lines or some mild areas of uneven skin pigmentation caused by
sun damage are ideal candidates for this procedure.”
The newer generation of alpha hydroxyl acids used
as chemical peeling agents, including beta and polyhydroxy acids, have
been shown to help in the treatment of acne by reducing the amount of
sebum – or oil – trapped in the tiny hair follicles of the skin that
produce acne. While some darker-skinned individuals have experienced a
temporary loss of pigmentation after a superficial chemical peel, these
new chemical solutions appear to reduce the occurrence of this common
side effect.
If a patient has more noticeable wrinkles or
dispersed areas of irregular pigmentation, dermatologists may opt to use
an intermediate or medium depth peel to penetrate beyond the outermost
layer of the skin. A peeling agent with a higher concentration, such as
trichloroacetic acid or a combination of solutions, produces more
noticeable results. In addition to softening wrinkles and improving the
skin’s overall texture, Dr. Sadick noted that these peels can tighten
the skin, reduce pore size and also diminish mild acne scarring. Side
effects are temporary and include post-peel hypopigmentation (or loss of
skin pigment) and redness.
For more severe skin damage, deeper peeling agents
are used and applied either openly to the skin or sealed under surgical
bandages to further strengthen the effect. While deeper chemical peels
produce the most dramatic results, the procedure can be painful due to
the higher concentration of peeling agents used and require a longer
healing period than other peels – usually two to three weeks.
Occasionally, patients experience serious side effects, such as
persistent post-peel hypopigmentation.
Dr. Sadick emphasized that the new approaches to
chemical peeling using a combination of peeling solutions maximizes
results while minimizing side effects. In addition, chemical peeling
agents are currently being used to rejuvenate areas other than the face,
such as the neck, chest and hands with much success.
“Chemical peels are versatile skin rejuvenators
that can enhance the results of other cosmetic procedures,” explained
Dr. Sadick. “Currently, we are studying a combination approach to
treating melasma, otherwise known as the ‘mask of pregnancy,’ in which
darker patches of skin appear on the face during pregnancy and can be
difficult to treat. We are finding that using a series of
microdermabrasion treatments, in conjunction with beta salicylic acid
peels, evens skin pigmentation gently with minimal risk to the patient.”
Before considering any cosmetic procedure, the
American Academy of Dermatology advises patients to talk to their
dermatologist about his or her credentials and experience with the
procedure, ask to see before and after photos of previous patients, and
discuss the risks and expected results of the procedure.
“Dermatologists perform millions of chemical peels
safely and effectively every year,” said Dr. Sadick. “The key is to find
a dermatologist who understands your expectations and explains to you
the pros and cons of each type of chemical peel before undergoing the
procedure.”
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American
Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most
influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations.
With a membership of more than 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the
Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical
and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high
standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology;
and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier
skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at
1-888-462-DERM (3376) or
http://www.aad.org.
|
