Times are changing and looking young and fresh is becoming an important factor in the corporate world. Not just women, but men too are increasingly conscious of maintaining their looks and looking younger than their age. The skin plays a major role in affecting the way one looks. Maintaining an unblemished clear complexion isn’t always easy as there is pollution, stress and unhealthy diets to pull its natural gleam down.

Your dermatologist might suggest a chemical face peel for you. This procedure basically peels off the damaged upper skin layers to improve its overall appearance. But then when you hear the words ‘chemical peel’, an alarm bell goes off in your head. Here is some information to help you decide for yourself whether chemical peel is good for you:

  • What – You will first want to know the benefits of a chemical peel. The procedure removes uneven coloring, pre-cancerous spots and brown patches that develop due to hormonal changes and sun damage. Chemical peel improves and smoothen the skin texture and can even improve scarring. It takes years off your skin, giving you a younger look.
  • How – A chemical peel selectively exfoliates off the upper layers of the skin without damaging the lower layers. It’s an out-patient procedure that is best carried out by a dermatologist. Diluted solutions of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid or carbolic acid are applied onto the skin to create a controlled injury. Mild peels might take 3-7 days before they peel off and can be repeated at 4-weekly intervals. Medium peels could take longer (7-14 days) before they start scaling off and can only be repeated after 6-12 months. During this period, you will need to stay out of the sun for a while as the skin will be fragile.
  • Where – The chemical peel can be done on most parts of the skin. The preferred areas include the exposed parts including face, neck and arms.
  • Safety – If the process isn’t carried out by a professional dermatologist, you stand the risk of harming your skin. Depending on your skin type, extent of abnormalities and your coloring, the dermatologist will decide on the type of chemicals to use and all you will experience is a temporary initial redness and discomfort, followed by the joys of a clear, radiant skin.

If you are in Bangalore, then you are in luck as Dr Rasya Dixit, a highly-experienced cosmetologist and dermatologist is best for a safe chemical peel. You can contact her at the Dr Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic or http://www.drrasyadixit.com/.

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The information provided in Dr. Dixit's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.