If you’re considering a chemical peel for skin lightening, there are some things you should know about it. First of all, which acid is best for this treatment? There are three types: Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, and TCA. What’s best for you? You’ll learn more about each of them below. But how do you know which one’s right for you? Then you can choose a doctor who can recommend the best chemical peel for your skin.
Glycolic acid
During a glycolic acid chemical peel for skin lightening, the active ingredient in the chemical is dissolved in water. This acid has several side effects, including irritation, redness, scarring, and discoloration. Depending on the depth of the peel and the person’s skin type, each person may experience different side effects. After each peel, the affected area may be swollen, flaky, and dry for a few days.
Aside from reducing pigmentation and discoloration, a glycolic acid chemical peel also boosts collagen production. It also replenishes lost moisture in the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dry skin is also smoothed and exfoliated with this peel. As a result, large pores become smaller and less noticeable. It also increases skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A glycolic acid chemical peel is a safe and effective way to lighten skin pigmentation. The acid works with other ingredients to lighten skin tone. These peels can help you achieve a fresh, new look while unclogging pores. You can get a glowing skin without spending a fortune on expensive cosmetics. Besides skin lightening, glycolic acid peels can also help clear up acne-prone skin.
Before you use glycolic acid on your entire face, always do a patch test. You should try it on your forehead first to determine if your skin is sensitive. If your skin is sensitive, you can try using lactic acid. But you should always check with your dermatologist or skin care professional to determine whether glycolic acid is right for your skin type. And remember to avoid your eyes and other sensitive areas when applying glycolic acid to your skin.
Before a glycolic acid chemical peel, your doctor will prepare the skin for the procedure by cleaning and degreasing it. He or she may also give you a sedative or a painkiller. However, a deep peel can last longer than a superficial one. Deep chemical peels may also include the use of a stronger concentration of glycolic acid. The procedure may also include a mild sting or burning sensation.
Afterward, you’ll be given a protective ointment to apply to the affected area. It takes one to seven days for the treated area to heal, and your skin will become slightly lighter or darker than normal. After a medium chemical peel, you can expect a crust or redness that will remain for several days. If you have a deeper chemical peel, you’ll notice a severe redness or even blistering on the treated areas. You may also experience eyelid swelling or throbbing.
Although Glycolic acid does not enter the bloodstream, it may be harmful to pregnant women. While it is unlikely to cause any serious side effects, high doses of this acid can be harmful. Your dermatologist should discuss any risks and possible side effects with you before deciding on whether you’re a good candidate for a chemical peel. It’s important to remember that a chemical peel should never be a life-threatening experience.
Lactic acid
A recent study in Iraq evaluated the safety of lactic acid as a chemical peel for the treatment of melasma. The study evaluated twenty patients who were suffering from this disfiguring condition and had undergone a melasma chemical peel. Patients were treated for 12 weeks with an 82% lactic acid peel. The patients were evaluated after the treatment at different intervals. The follow-up period was 24 weeks.
The best time to undergo this chemical peel is at least two weeks before you plan to go on vacation. While most skin types are compatible with this treatment, sensitive skin may react badly to it. To make sure your skin is safe after a treatment, use an SPF of 30 or greater and reapply it every two hours. It is especially important to avoid the sun after lactic acid application, as your skin is already more prone to UVA and UVB damage and may develop a skin cancer. Lastly, choose a product with a low concentration of lactic acid. Look for a pH of 3.5 or higher and look for warnings about skin exposure.
For the research, a lab used kits from Sigma Aldrich to determine how the enzymes in lactic acid affected the skin. Both collagenase and elastase are responsible for the degradation of skin proteins. A positive control was added to the enzyme solution and incubated for 15 minutes. A negative control was created by adding buffer to the test solution. Both products exhibit strong anti-tyrosinase activities.
A lactic acid chemical peel for skin lightening may be an excellent choice if you’re looking to improve the tone and texture of your skin. It is also suitable for sensitive skin. Depending on the amount of lactic acid used, the procedure can be performed on a daily basis. However, this peel can be a little costly. If you’re unsure, ask your dermatologist for payment options.
A clinical trial of 82% lactic acid as a chemical peel for skin lightening used cotton wool applicators and spirit to clean the sensitive areas of the face. After cleaning, cotton gauze was placed over the eyes and the area was then treated with acetone or spirit. The test was repeated a week later. Patients who tolerated the test peel were taken up for a full face treatment. The treatment duration ranged between five and ten minutes.
The TCA-lactic acid chemical peel has been studied for the treatment of photoaged and pigmented skin. The effect of these two compounds was studied through molecular docking. It was found that TCA and lactic acid had synergistic inhibitory activities against tyrosinase. Further research on this topic is required to validate the safety of lactic acid chemical peel for skin lightening.
TCA
Although TCAs are safe for most patients, there are some risks associated with TCA peels, including infection, scarring, and permanent pigmentary changes. These risks can be minimized by following a physician’s instructions. A medium strength TCA peel will give you noticeable improvements in your skin after one treatment, but higher concentrations should be reserved for the face. This chemical solution is best for patients with darker skin.
After a TCA peel, you can expect redness, crusting, and peeling. You may also experience some swelling and redness. Depending on the intensity of your TCA treatment, your skin may look red or yellow for the first few days. You should use sun protection for several months to reduce the risks of redness and infection. Your doctor will discuss specific post-treatment instructions with you during the consultation.
Depending on the concentration of TCA used, you can expect to feel some discomfort during a TCA Peel. Light peels will only cause a slight sting, while medium peels may cause a burning sensation that persists for a day or two. While these side effects are not painful, you should be prepared to spend a few days recovering from a medium-depth peel. You can also opt for a higher TCA concentration if you have hyperpigmented skin or scarring.
Before undergoing a TCA chemical peel, discuss your expectations and any concerns you have. Your physician should thoroughly explain what your expectations are for the procedure, how long the recovery time will be, and how much the procedure will cost. It is important to remember that some medical insurance coverage will not cover chemical peel treatments. However, you can ask for coverage from your insurance company. It is wise to discuss your insurance coverage with your dermatologist before undergoing a TCA peel, as this procedure can be costly.
AHA peels are also an option if you want to lighten your skin without having to go under the knife. AHAs are naturally occurring acids that are derived from plants and animals. Different concentrations of AHAs can exfoliate the skin, brighten it, and stimulate collagen production. BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-based organic compounds that unclog pores, reduce oil, and clear acne.
A TCA chemical peel is highly effective at removing stubborn dark spots. It breaks down keratin, the natural protein that makes up the skin, and the results are visible within three to six weeks. A medium-strength peel can penetrate deep into the dermis, and even treat darker skin. A medium-strength TCA peel is the most common choice for lightening the skin.
Although TCA is the most effective method for lightening the skin, people with dark complexions should consider lower concentrations. Using lower concentrations may be enough if you have light-colored skin. However, darker-skinned people should avoid medium peels because they may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which results in scarring and dark spots. It is important to note that these side effects can occur only if the TCA concentration is higher than twenty-five percent.