Beauty Skin and chemical peels, chimical peels

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Skin Care

Chemical peel

In a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin and allowed to soak in. Over the next 1 to 14 days, depending on how deeply the chemical penetrated the skin, the skin peels off. This procedure destroys parts of the skin in a controlled way so that new skin can grow in its place. The chemicals used are sometimes called exfoliating or wounding agents. The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Factors that may affect the depth of a peel include the acid concentration in the peeling agent, the number of coats that are applied, and the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized. Deeper peels result in more dramatic effects as well as higher risks, increased pain, and longer healing time. There are three basic types of peels:

Superficial peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on all skin types. Superficial peels usually use liquid containing a mild (dilute) acid, most often glycolic acid. Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is sometimes used.
Medium peels penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main peeling agent used for medium peels, though the peel may also be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by TCA.
Deep peels penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. They are used only on the face. A chemical called phenol is usually used for a deep peel. Deep peels may not be used on darker skin types because they tend to bleach the skin (hypopigmentation). Even in lighter-skinned people, phenol peels—or any type of deep resurfacing—may bleach the skin. A deep peel can be done only once in most cases.

Dry Skin itching

As you age, your skin produces less of the natural oil that helps your skin keep its moisture. Dry indoor air can cause your skin to become dry, as can excessive bathing in hot water.

Prevention

The following information may help you to prevent dry skin and itching:

Avoid showers. They strip the natural oil that helps the skin hold in moisture. Baths are much kinder to the skin than showers are.

Use bath oils in the tub. (Be careful, because bath oil will make the tub slippery.)

Use mild soaps, such as Dove or Cetaphil.

Use a moisturizing lotion immediately after your bath, even before toweling dry completely.

Home Treatment

In addition to the prevention guidelines, the following home treatment suggestions may help make you comfortable if you have dry skin.

For very dry hands, try this for a night: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and wear thin cotton gloves to bed. (Dry feet may benefit from similar treatment.)

If dry, brittle nails are a problem, use lotion on your nails as well.

. Avoid scratching, which damages the skin. If itching is a problem, try the following:

Keep the itchy area well moisturized. Dry skin may make itching worse.

Try an oatmeal bath to help relieve itching.

Wrap 1 cup of oatmeal in a cotton cloth and boil as you would to cook it. Use this as a sponge and bathe in tepid water without soap.

You may also try a commercial product, such as Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal bath.

Try a nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream for small itchy areas.

Use the cream very sparingly on the face or genitals.

If itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger cream.

Try a nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, or Benadryl.

Cut your nails short or wear gloves at night to prevent scratching.

Wear cotton or silk clothing. Avoid wool and acrylic fabrics next to your skin.

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