The AHA chemical peel (also known as glycolic peel) is the mildest form of peeling. The treatment affects the top layer of the skin and has very few side effects. The result is a smoother and fresher-looking skin.
About aHA Chemical Peel (Glycolic Peel) against Wrinkles and Acne Scars
The AHA chemical peel is also known as the glycolic, lactic, or fruit acid peel. AHA stands for "AlphaHydroxy Acids", which is an acid group that is found in low concentration in many different fruits, as well as in milk, sugar canes, and similar products.
AHA is the mildest form of acid used for peeling. With an AHA peel, only the top layer of the skin is cauterised, but if the acid is used in a highly concentrated form, or is left on the skin for a long duration, it can penetrate deeper down to the underlying skin layer (the dermis).
An AHA peel is quickly over with, and because the skin is also rapidly recreated after the treatment, an AHA chemical peel can be repeated after about 1 week.
An AHA peel is not strong enough to effectively treat actual wrinkles, scars, or pigmentation, but after repeated treatments, it can make the skin smoother and tighter, thereby giving it a younger look.
AHA acid is in fact found in low concentrations in many off-the-shelf skin care products.
Generally on chemical Peel (Cauterisation of the Skin)
The purpose of a peel is to remove old and wrinkly, pigmented, or sun damaged skin and to stimulate the production of new and fresh skin cells.
A peel can reduce the fine lines underneath the eyes and around the mouth, wrinkles caused by sun damage, sign of ageing, and hereditary factors, as well as liver spots, freckles, and pigmentation changes. A peel is also able to improve the appearance of shallow scars, and can treat some forms of acne (pimples).
There are various acids available for chemical peel - some more powerful than others.
The stronger and more concentrated the acid is, the greater the effect. Unfortunately, a stronger acid also increases the risk of complications.
The different acids used are:
- AHA (Fruit, milk, or glycolic acid)
- TCA (Tri-chloroacetic acid)
- Phenol
AHA is normally used for a shallow peels, which only affects the top layer of skin. With a mild peel like this.
TCA is mostly used for shallow or medium deep peels, and is the most commonly used acid for chemical peel.
Phenol is the strongest of the three, and is used for medium deep and deep wrinkles, as well as for pigmentation changes.
Suitability
The treatment is best suited for people with a fair complexion.
Persons over 18 with unwanted skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation changes, or similar, can benefit from this treatment.
Persons with a tendency to form of keloid (excess scar tissue) or other forms of irregular scar formation are not suited candidates.
The procedure
The treatment takes 10-20 minutes.
Usually, the patient will be asked to apply special medicaments on the skin for a period of time before the treatment. These medicaments contain active agents, which help prepare the skin for the peel, and which will improve its ability to form new skin cells afterwards.
The patient will often receive some antibiotics, which are to be taken before the treatment. This will reduce the risk of infection after the peel.
Before the treatment, the treatment provider will cleanse the skin thoroughly.
Then, one or more acid solutions are applied to small areas of the skin. This create a controlled abrasion and give the skin the opportunity to form new and smoother skin in the area.Anaesthesia
Usually, no sedation is used during a chemical peel. With a deep peel, some painkillers might be given.
Side-effects
Depending on the depth of the peel, the patient will feel it as anything from a light warmth to a stinging pain.
Risk of complications
Complications due to an AHA peel are very rare, seeing as only the surface skin is effected.
There is a risk of temporary or permanent discolouration of the skin in the treated area. Some will have a greater hereditary tendency to develop this than others.
The risk of pigmentation changes increases when taking contraceptive pills, or in case of pregnancy, after the treatment.
Healing and recovery
After the peel, the skin will react similar to getting a sunburn. The skin will normally become red and dry, and might flake.
Work can be resumed immediately after the treatment.
The new skin on the treated area will be very sensitive to sunlight. This should therefore be avoided as much as possible, and the patient should use a sunscreen with a high protective factor for several months after the surgery.
Duration of the result
Through repeated treatments, you will be able to achieve a smoother and fresher skin than you would normally have had.
In principle, the result is permanent, but of course the skin will continue to age, bringing about the skin changes due to ageing.