Face Peels: The Key To Renewing Your Skin

From a simple radiance boost for your complexion to a real anti aging treatment, face peels aim to reveal a "new skin" without resorting to surgery. This technique consists of a natural exfoliation of the epidermis and dermis by applying a chemical substance (normally an acid) to the skin, in order to induce a limited, controlled destruction of the epidermis and possibly even the upper layers of the dermis. The aim of this elimination is to regenerate the destroyed layers and stimulate the production of elastic and collagen fibres in order to plump up the skin. The result: a visibly clearer, rejuvenated face.

By eliminating damaged layers of skin, skin peels can treat various skin imperfections:
- dull complexion
- dark circles under the eyes
- oily skin
- acne scars
- dark spots
- wrinkles and lines
- loss of firmness

Superficial peels – or light peels – usually use fruit acids (such as glycolic acid) and make the skin clearer, tighten pores and eliminate small surface imperfections. Medium chemical peels, carried out with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), act deeper down in the skin to get rid of dark spots and smooth out your first wrinkles. This kind of peel is more abrasive, so sensitive skin might feel a hot or even burning sensation. Deep peels aim to reduce more marked wrinkles and act on collagen production deep in the skin to ensure intense cell renewal. These deep face peels sometimes require a general anaesthetic and hospitalisation. Don't forget that skin peels are an aggressive process on the skin, so UV protection and intense moisturising is crucial.

Article supplied & written by Marie Claire, part of Hearst Communications, Inc.