Do chemical peels work better on some types of skin? I don’t just mean different ethnic types, but also skin on different parts of the body.
Answer:
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a solution is applied to the skin to cause the top layers to separate and peel off. Depending on the solution used, the depth of the peel can vary. Medium to deep chemical peels can only be performed on the face. The facial skin has a special ability to heal from injury induced by a chemical peel and regrow new healthy skin. Chemical peels on the facial skin can improve wrinkles, age spots, precancerous lesions and skin discoloration. Older patients with fair skin and light eyes are the ideal candidates for a deep chemical peel. Patients with darker skin may be able to undergo a medium chemical peel with proper pretreatment to reduce the postoperative risks. More superficial peels such as alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) are useful for improving overall skin texture, acne and mild discolorations, but will not significantly change the appearance of wrinkles. Superficial peels are safe in all skin types and can be used on different body areas, such as the chest and neck. Before undergoing any type of chemical peel, it is important that a qualified physician, such as a facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist or plastic surgeon evaluates your skin to minimize the risk of complications.
-Dr. Jessica Kulak
