I have had a look at some websites on Google about chemical peels, it is not a treatment to be undergone without a fair amount of thought beforehand.

The first site I looked at, plasticsurgery.org, has a very detailed account and descriptions of the three types of chemical peel, ranging from the mildest, AHAs, the medium, TCA and the strongest, Phenol, which needs a much longer recovery time than the other types, maybe up to a couple of months. If you are considering this procedure, it is well worth reading this account.

Chemical peels are intended to improve the condition of skin that is damaged by scarring such as acne or wrinkles. It removes the upper dead skin layers and promotes new skin growth, but while doing so, the skin will be reddened and possibly sore. It is not a permanent solution to wrinkles, which may be better treated with plastic surgery.

There are many informative websites dealing with this topic, it is not a permanent treatment, you would need to have it repeated periodically, the interval will vary from person to person. After the treatment and recovery period the skin looks younger and smoother.

The cost of a chemical peel is around $75, but you could shop around first.

The two active chemicals used for a chemical peel are Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs).

The chemicals above are used to assist with the removal of the external layers of skin, whether the reason is blemishes or acne, excessive wrinkles on a middle aged person, and some choose to have it done as a matter of habit. Like any procedure, the chemical peel procedure is not permanent. If scars are deep, or if pigmentation flaws are the problem that caused the person to get a chemical peel, the flaws will reappear after a short time.

When wrinkles are the reason to remove the external layers of skin it will not change the fact that the skin is wrinkled. Chemical peels are not to be used as a substitute for a face lift. They are not intended to turn back the clock in the life of the individual.

Chemical peels are done by qualified plastic surgeons so you will have to secure a reputable surgeon who has the proper certifications to perform this procedure. The chemicals that are used are very dangerous and if not properly administered the skin can burn beyond the outer layers and create scaring instead of smoothing of the skin.

The chemicals:

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) is the chemical that can be used for a light peel. If the desire is to remove surface wrinkles or freckles, this would be the higher concentration chemical in the mixture. It provides a smoother, brighter appearance which can give the patient more confidence in their appearance, but it is not a deep peel, and does not stay constant.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for more deep (middle layer) peeling. The amount of this chemical is altered depending on the desired affect. If a patient has deep acne scars this chemical would need to be mixed in a higher concentration in order to get below many layers of the skin to remove as much of the scarring as is possible.

A third chemical, phenol, is for the deepest peel. Deep wrinkles, burn scars, and other deep blemishes are all conditions that would require this chemical to be used. Most plastic surgeons do not use this chemical in all applications, just in those that would require it.

The benefits of chemical peels are better appearance, sense of well being, and confidence. After a chemical peel your skin will be very smooth and soft, plus it will have a healthy glow. All the damage has been removed, leaving fresh skin. There are not really any long term benefits of a chemical peel unless you manage to land the perfect soap opera actress job right after you have one, and then keep your job after the effects have worn down with time. The average cost of a chemical peel is around $800.00.