Pathology such as pigmentation and scarring aside, chemical peels are a great way to maintain the natural look of the skin and maintenance of a healthy complexion and texture. I tell my patients that chemical peels are similar to working out, but for the skin. With time, collagen synthesis and and skin turnover slows, but removing thedeal layer on top, the machinery in the basal layer is stimulated and newer skin is put down and gives a nice, smooth and clear texture for the skin. The dermis is also stimulated and with new collagen produced the skin develops a tautness to it.

Medium peels can be done once a year depending on the skin type, but very superficial peels can be done regularly at home on a daily basis. These include the use of cleansers with glycolic acid as an active ingredient and the simple use of a cream that contains retinoids, such Renova (tretinoin) or Avage (tazarotene).