You may have seen your mother or grandmother applying white or green stuff to their face when you were a child. At the time, you didn't really understand what it was doing, but when you saw the smooth, radiant skin you got in the end, you probably thought it was worth it. But today, skin care methods have advanced a lot. The products and treatments available to achieve radiant, healthy skin have come a long way.
Let's first see what a chemical peel is.
A chemical peel is a treatment for skin problems. Simply put, it involves using a safe level of acid to gently peel away the damaged top layer of your skin. It's like doing 'controlled damage' to our skin, allowing it to grow back new, healthy skin.
There are three main types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep. Phenol Peel is the most intense type.
| Peel type | Description |
|---|---|
| Light Peel | This is a quick and simple treatment. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dryness on the surface of the skin. Often, either Glycolic acid or Salicylic acid is used for this. It is not very painful. You may need to do it several times to get good results. |
| Medium Peel | This is done by a dermatologist. It helps improve skin texture, reduce blemishes, and reduce dry patches. It may be a little painful. There may be redness and slight swelling for about a week after the treatment. |
| Deep Peel / Phenol Peel | This is the `(Phenol Peel)` we are talking about today. This uses a very harsh chemical. Therefore, it works deep into the skin. It can be used to treat very deep wrinkles, large acne scars, and skin conditions that have not been cured by other types of peels. But this is a very risky treatment. The chemical `(Phenol)` used for this is toxic. It can damage the heart and nerves. Therefore, this should only be done by a qualified specialist. |
What skin problems benefit from a Phenol Peel?
Many people think of these as just beauty products, but they are also used as treatments for some serious skin conditions.
Deep acne scars
Do you have acne scars that leave deep scars, like craters? These can make your skin look uneven and rough. While some scars fade over time, many require treatment. For deeper scars like these, a more aggressive peel, such as a Phenol Peel, may be recommended.
Severe sun damage
Constant exposure to the harsh sun in our country without proper protection causes the skin to age quickly. This is called ``Photoaging``. This can cause things like skin discoloration, wrinkles, thinning skin, and an increase in moles. This treatment can also help reverse severe sun damage.
Pigmentation disorders
Dark spots on the skin can be a big problem for some people. Examples include melasma, which occurs during pregnancy , solar lentigines , and common freckles. Although these are usually harmless, they can be a source of psychological distress for some people. A phenol peel can also help remove these dark spots.
Skin spots that can turn into cancer (Actinic keratosis)
This is a type of rough, scaly skin rash. These are caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun. If not detected and treated early, they can develop into skin cancer. Research has shown that Phenol Peel can be effective in treating these conditions as well.
How do you prepare for this treatment?
If you are undergoing this type of treatment, your doctor will advise you on how to prepare in advance. Don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions.
Things to do:
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Your doctor may give you a retinoid cream (e.g., Tretinoin) or a bleaching agent (e.g., Hydroquinone) to use before treatment. You may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Use all of these exactly as directed.
- Bring someone home with you: Since you may be sedated during this treatment, it is essential to bring someone home with you after the treatment.
Things not to do:
- Avoid sun exposure: Avoid excessive sun exposure before and after treatment. This can cause permanent changes in skin color.
- Stop other beauty treatments: Stop hair removal methods ( electrolysis , depilatories), hair coloring, facials, scrubs, etc. at least a week before treatment. Do not shave the treatment area at least a day before.
How Phenol Peel Treatment Works
This is done very carefully, in a hospital setting, by a specialist doctor.
Important: This is not a regular facial done at a salon. This is a serious medical procedure.
1. Preparation: First, your heart rate will be monitored. IV fluids will be started. Your face will be thoroughly cleansed, and your eyes and hair will be protected.
2. Phenol application: The doctor will then apply a chemical called `(Phenol)` to your skin using a cotton swab. To reduce exposure to this harsh chemical, the entire face is not applied at once. This is done in 15-minute intervals. It can take about an hour and a half to do the entire face.
3. Dressing: After the treatment, the doctor will apply a special dressing (surgical dressing) to your skin. Painkillers will be given to control the pain and swelling. Some people may be so swollen that they can't even open their eyes.
Recovery time and risks after treatment
The healing time is a bit long.
- The first two weeks: During this time, the doctor will recommend that you cleanse your skin several times a day and apply a special ointment. It is best to stay home during this time.
- After two weeks: You can apply makeup after about two weeks.
- Several months: The redness of the skin may last for several months. Since the newly formed skin is very sensitive, it is essential to use sunscreen every time you go out in the sun.
What are the risks of this?
As beneficial as this treatment is, it is not without serious risks.
- Scarring: Sometimes permanent scars can occur.
- Skin discoloration: Skin color can change permanently. Especially in people with darker skin, the skin can become lighter in places (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation).
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections may occur.
- Heart, kidney, or liver damage: Since `(Phenol)` is a toxic chemical, it can be absorbed into the body and damage the heart, kidneys, or liver. This is why the heart rate is continuously monitored during treatment.
Phenol Peel is not suitable for people with dark skin like us. This is because there is a high risk of permanent skin discoloration. If you have a skin problem, talk to your doctor about other treatments (e.g., laser therapy) that are suitable for your skin.
Take-Home Message
- Phenol Peel is not an ordinary cosmetic treatment. It is a serious, risky medical procedure.
- Although this can achieve good results for deep wrinkles, scars, and blemishes, there is a risk of serious side effects (scarring, skin discoloration, damage to internal organs).
- If you choose to undergo this treatment, be sure to only have it done by a qualified, experienced dermatologist .
- This treatment is not suitable for people with dark skin like us. So talk to your doctor and choose the treatment that suits you best and is safest.
- It takes time to heal. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly after treatment and to protect yourself from the sun.
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