Chemical peel

Removal of the outermost layers of the skin A chemical peel is a treatment used to smooth the texture of the skin. The skin on the face is most commonly treated, but peels can also be performed on the body. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin. To accomplish this task, the chosen peel solution induces a controlled injury to the skin, which causes the skin to peel. This process can reduce fine lines, acne scars, and pigment. Medium depth peels must be performed by a medical provider (MD, NP, RN, or AP Esthetician in certain states). There are several types of chemical peels. History Resurfacing and restoring skin with chemical peel was introduced in the second half of the 19th century by the Austrian dermatologist Ferdinand Ritter von Hebra (1816–1880), founder of the Vienna School of Dermatology. He used exfoliative agents, like phenol, croton oil, nitric acid in various caustic combinations for treating freckles and skin irregularities. Types of peels α-hydroxy acid peels Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice, and lactic acid, found in sour milk and t