Like an onion, the skin on your face has layers. The top layers of your skin contain dead skin cells. These layers cause fine lines to form, and they make your skin look dull. Chemical exfoliation removes these layers of dead skin to reveal smoother, rejuvenated skin.

The Layers of Skin Revealed

You skin consists of many layers. The top layer, or epidermis, has four main layers of cells from superficial to deep. It also has a fifth layer that contains cells that produce the protein keratin. The dermis is underneath the epidermis and it contains connective tissue. This is where hair follicles, sebaceous glands, nerves and blood vessels reside. The deepest layer of skin is the subcutaneous tissue, also known as the hypodermis layer. Loose connective tissue and fat are in this layer.

Why You May Want a Chemical Peel

The chemical peel removes all the old skin cells and reveals fresh new skin cells. It can also rejuvenate aging skin and reduce enlarged pores. Skin blemishes caused by inflammatory conditions can also be removed or diminished. These include scarring due to acne vulgaris, rosacea and post-acne scarring. Some pigmentary disorders can also be resolved with a chemical peel.

There are different types of chemical peels. Each one has its benefits depending on the skin issue you want treated.

• Superficial peels – The mildest of the chemical peels, this type can be applied to all skin types. Glycolic acid is used to lift off dead skin and improve fine wrinkles, mild sun damage, acne scars and pigment changes in skin.
• Medium peels – This type penetrates deeper into the skin and is used to reduce mild to moderate wrinkles. It also helps with sun damage and the precancerous lesions it causes, as well as heavier pigment changes.
• Deep Peels – The deep peel penetrates the skins deepest level with phenol. Severe wrinkles and lesions or growths caused by sun damage are treated at this level. Pronounced pigment changes are also treated with a deep peel.

Treatment with chemical peels can take several sessions spaced weeks or months apart. This allows for healing so the best results can be obtained.

You can have fresher, glowing skin with a chemical peel. Find out more when you schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Jones.