Forget
about the various creams available in the market that promise blemish-free and
fair skin. If you really want soft, smooth and flawless skin, chemical peels are
the safest bet, say experts.
"A
chemical peel is a treatment technique used to improve and smoothen the texture
of facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and
eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled
than the old skin," Anup Dhir, senior cosmetic surgeon at New Delhi's Apollo
Hospital, told
IANS
.
Chemical peels stimulate the
production of new cells, tighten and tone the skin, and decrease the appearance
of fine lines and wrinkles. They also help in lightening acne scars.
"Peels treat wrinkled,
blemished, unevenly pigmented or sun-damaged facial skin. Application of a
chemical solution to improve the skin's appearance leads to a controlled
shedding of several layers of cells. This stimulus tightens the tissue collagen
and brings about a fresh and vibrant appearance," explains Mumbai-based cosmetic
surgeon Meenakshi Agarwal.
Ramsha Sheriff, 24, had a
severe acne problem and tried all sorts of cosmetic products to get rid of acne
marks but was unhappy with the results till she decided to go for a chemical
peel. In just four sittings, the scars had lightened and the added benefit was
that the pigmentation on her face had also reduced.
"I had tried every cream that
promises to reduce these acne marks, but nothing worked. Finally I took advice
of a dermatologist and underwent these peels. The result is just excellent,"
Sharif said.
"What I have
realised is that one should not take these things lightly; it's better to
consult a professional rather than wasting your money on expensive creams that
are of no use."
Different
types of chemical peels that one can opt for are alpha hydroxy acid peels
(AHAs), beta hydroxy acid peels, retinoic acid peels, trichloroacetic acid peels
and phenol peels that cater to regular maintenance of skin, acne and acne
blemishes, anti aging, skin lightening, anti pigmentation and deep pigmentation
among other problems.
"The
choice of the most suitable chemical peel for an individual is determined by the
patient's skin texture, type, problems and many other similar aspects," Dhir
explained.
Kaya Skin Clinic's
medical head Snehal Sriram says chemical peels can also reduce or eliminate fine
lines under the eyes and around the mouth.
"The procedure can treat
wrinkles caused by sun damage and scarring as well as skin blemishes common with
age and heredity. These peels can be performed on the face and neck, as well as
body parts like chest, hands, arms, legs, underarms and back," Sriram
maintained.
The peels are also
known as "lunch time procedures" since they only take between 20 to 40 minutes.
"The number of sittings
required by an individual depends on the severity of the problems being
addressed. Usually six to eight such peels are required at weekly or fortnightly
intervals to get desired results," said Dhir.
One important precaution after
undergoing treatment is protection from exposure to sun.
"Ensure that you apply
sunscreen in the right way, 15 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply
after every three hours because after the peel you get a new, smooth skin that
is sensitive to direct sunlight," Agarwal explained.
These peels cost anywhere
between Rs.1,000 and Rs.3,000 but one should consult a dermatologist before
going for them.
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