Chemical Peel

Usually three different agents in different concentrations and mixtures are used for this purpose: Phenol, Trichloro-acetic-acid or Alpha-hydroxy-acids.

Phenol-peeling: Phenol has a deep penetration and is the most powerful agent. Therefore, some disadvantages as depigmentation, pain and hypersensibility to sun-exposure are common. Lighter buffered brands are commonly used today.

Trichloro-acetic-acid (TCA): TCA does only have a relatively superficial effect but with a pre-peeltreatment with Retin-A and hydrochinone, a sufficiently deep effect is achieved.

Alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHA): The AHA-s are since ancient ages in use and have recently gained a renaissance. The active agent is a component in commercially available different brands, mostly handed out by cosmeticians, who also usually make superficial peelings, whereas physicians should make deeper peels.
The AHA´s gives the skin a "polish" but never removes scars or even wrinkles.

This text is edited and controlled by Dr. Per Gunnar Opitz, Opitz plastikkirurgiska klinik i Malmö Sweden