{"id":16955,"date":"2020-09-22T11:27:44","date_gmt":"2020-09-22T18:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=16955"},"modified":"2023-10-12T13:10:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T20:10:23","slug":"differences-between-types-of-chemical-peels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/differences-between-types-of-chemical-peels","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between the Most Common In-Office Chemical Peels"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chemical peels<\/a> are incredible, and perhaps underrated, multitaskers. They improve acne and hyperpigmentation (including melasma), help soften wrinkles, and brighten dull skin. But all peels are not created equal, and they’re certainly not a one-size-fits-all treatment. For starters, there are different types, such as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which include salicylic acid; alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic and lactic; and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Dermatologists often use various combinations in order to get the best results in treating specific issues. “Because each has a different interaction with skin proteins, they have varying specializations,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “For example, TCA targets pigment, while retinoic and salicylic acids zone in on oil glands.” <\/p>

After your provider asks about your medical history, including Accutane or retinoid use, allergies to topical ingredients, and medications that you’re taking—all of which, Dr. Marmur says, can make your skin thinner or more vulnerable to the application of acids—“they will choose the appropriate kind of peel<\/a> and the concentration that will be safest and most effective for your particular skin type and condition.” <\/p>

Interested in chemical peel?<\/small><\/div>Find Doctors Near You<\/a><\/div>

The strength of the peel <\/strong><\/h2>

Peels are classified<\/a> as superficial, medium-depth, or deep. Superficial peels exfoliate dead cells from the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin, using AHAs or BHAs; medium peels target the epidermis as well as the upper middle layers of the dermis, typically with glycolic acid or TCA; and deep peels, which use phenol or TCA and often require sedation and pain medication, go even farther, to help with scarring and significant wrinkles.   <\/p>

“A higher concentration of acid will penetrate deeper into the skin, disintegrating cells as it moves through,” explains Dr. Marmur. “Many dermatologists combine a few different acids at milder concentrations, rather than doing one superintense deep peel, which can cause side effects or complications.” This strategy is especially important when treating skin of color. <\/p>

“For my patients with dark skin, I use a series of milder peels to avoid postinflammatory hyperpigmentation [PIH],” says Dr. Michelle Henry<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It’s much safer to do multiple treatments but at a lower strength. For someone with fair skin, I can use a more aggressive medium-depth peel without that risk.” She adds that it’s especially important for those with dark skin to “make sure that the person administering the peel, even a superficial one, has had a lot of experience doing peels on skin of color.”<\/p>

The best peels for acne<\/strong><\/h2>

Dr. Henry uses salicylic acid because it targets overactive sebaceous glands and dissolves the buildup of oil and keratinocytes that clog pores, plus <\/em>it has anti-inflammatory benefits. Dr. Marmur considers a series of salicylic peels to be a gold-standard treatment for acne: “I’ve found it can work wonders for patients who cannot tolerate a systemic medication like Accutane.”<\/p>

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