You might think that your sun-kissed skin and fading tan lines are the only sign that you spent a lot of time outdoors this past summer, but you might also notice evidence of sun damage if you take a closer look at your complexion.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the main driver of premature skin aging, also known as “photoaging.” UV damage causes up to 90% of the early signs of aging you see on areas of sun-exposed skin, such as:
Luckily, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patrick Keehan and our expert team offer a full scope of corrective cosmetic solutions for sun-damaged skin at Keehan Dermatology in Fort Worth, Texas. Here’s how chemical exfoliation — also known as a chemical peel — works to correct the effects of photoaging and revitalize your complexion.
As your largest and most exposed organ, your skin works hard to protect your body and defend your health every second of the day. To maintain peak condition, your outermost epidermal layer is in a constant state of exfoliation and renewal, shedding about 40,000 dead cells each day — and producing a new layer of fresh tissue every month.
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment designed to take your skin’s natural exfoliation and renewal process to the next level, minimizing signs of damage along the way.
Essentially, a chemical peel imposes controlled damage to the skin surface through the careful application and timely removal of a chemical solution that gently lifts, or “peels” away, your outermost skin layer. As your skin regenerates and remodels itself in response, you’re left with a more uniform skin tone and a brighter, smoother complexion.
All chemical peels work to exfoliate dead skin cells, lift away damaged layers, and prompt the rapid regeneration of new, healthy epidermal tissues. But while lighter peels stop there, medium peels go a bit further to achieve more dramatic skin renewal results.
A chemical peel treatment is defined by its depth of action, or how many layers of skin it penetrates and exfoliates. A peel’s depth of action is determined by its ingredients, how it’s applied, and how long it remains on your skin before it’s neutralized.
Depending on the nature and degree of your sun damage, we may recommend:
Light chemical peeling — also known as a superficial, refreshing, or lunchtime peel — uses a mild acid solution to gently penetrate and exfoliate the outermost skin layer. Agents often include a combination of gentle alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
A single light chemical peel can correct mild discoloration as it smooths, tightens, and brightens your skin. This gentle, no-downtime treatment is an easy way to revitalize your complexion or improve the appearance of the skin on your neck, chest, or hands.
For more severe photoaging effects like hyperpigmentation and fine-line wrinkling, a medium chemical peel may be a better choice. A medium-depth peel contains a higher concentration of trichloroacetic acid, a potent chemical agent that diminishes pigmented spots, fine lines, and deeper wrinkles more effectively.
If you don’t like the idea of the week-long post-treatment downtime that comes with a medium peel, however, you may be able to get the same photodamage-diminishing results by having a series of light chemical peels every four to six weeks.
Whether you’re looking to correct pigmentation problems, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, even out your skin tone, brighten your complexion, or all the above, chances are a custom chemical peel can get the job done beautifully.
Ready to renew the skin you’re in? Our Keehan Dermatology team can help. Call or click online to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Worth, Texas, today.
