Types of Skin Peels

Written By: Dr Kristie McNealy                                   Reviewed: 06 July 2010

 Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peel

Alpha Hydroxya cid peels use acids such as lactic, glycolic and various fruit acids to give your skin a smoother and more radiant appearance. They are among the lighter chemical peels and don’t require the use of anaesthetics. You can return to normal activity immediately following the peel.

When done in a series and used in conjunction with Retin-A, vitamin C and hydroquinone, these peels can greatly improve the appearance of the skin. Very few risk are associated with AHA peels but as hey only ‘peel’ superficial layers of skin they won’t combat more severe damage or problems, such as deeper wrinkles and severe pigment changes.

Jessner’s Peel

Jessner’s solution is a combination of lactic acid, salicyclic acid and resorcinol. The solution is used for light to medium depth peels and can be used to lighten areas that have dark pigment and to treat sun damaged skin. Jenser’s peel can be used on the face, neck and chest but should be used with caution when peeling skin off the face. You will peel and flake for about 7 days and then the new skin will appear. You can undergo a second peel in about four weeks if further improvement is required. As with all peels you should protect your skin with sunscreen and or clothing where possible.

Thrichloracetic acid peels

Thrichloracetic acid peels are the next most aggressive peel. The primary benefit is a more uniform appearance to the colour of your skin. You should also notice some reduction in fine lines and some restoration of skin elasticity. This peel can also remove some precancerous lesions.

Your doctor can perform TCA peels with or without anaesthesia.

• More on TCA Peels.

Croton Oil Peel

Croton oil peels are the most aggressive peels. Croton oil has always been a component of phenol peels. Recent research has suggested that croton oil is actually more effective.  Phenol peels worked very well in removing wrinkles but took most of the colour out of the skin. They also typically healed with severe crusting over the skin. Croton oil peels can achieve a deep peel with less bleaching.

Croton oil peels will require an anaesthetic. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic and antiviral medications that can be started the day before the peel and continue until you are healed. Healing usually occurs with 5-10 days.

You will need to follow a pre and post peel regime. This will help maximise the effectiveness of the peel as well as reduce the risk of and complications.

Related Treatments

• Laser Resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing uses a laser to remove the outer layers of skin.  As the wound created by the laser heals, the skin becomes smoother, firmer and less pigmented.

• Dermal Fillers. Dermal fillers typically replace levels of collagen or hyaluronic acid in order to plump up the skin, ad volume and restore a more youthful appearance.

• Collagen Injections: Collagen injections are used to remove crow’s feet, smile lines, nasolabial folds (under the nose) and frown lines.