A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure to exfoliate the weather-beaten and damaged external layer of skin to reveal the underlying newer, firmer and smoother skin. It is recommended for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes and age spots as well as irregular pigmentation on the face and neck.

Different types of chemical peels are available for use in different skin types. They vary in the degree of penetration and peeling. Stronger chemical peels penetrate very deep into the skin layers and give better results but cause more discomfort and delays recovery time. Strong chemical peels such as phenol peel need general anaesthetic during treatment and pain medications after the treatment. Patients can expect redness around peel that lasts for a longer duration. These traditional chemical peels also can cause infections, hyper-pigmentation marks and may leave permanent scars.

To achieve the best possible outcome and avoid untoward effects, please inform the aesthetician if you have any of these conditions:

1. Prone to cold sores
2. Keloid scars caused by previous cosmetic procedures
3. On medication for any illnesses

These factors are important and can affect the outcome of the peel treatment substantially. After any peel treatment, you should protect your skin from sun exposure and avoid smoking as these factors affect the healing process.