Pamela Hill Institute

Chemical peels use chemical solutions for smoothing the texture of and improving the skin, through removal of damaged outer skin layers.  Individuals with facial blemishes, uneven skin pigmentation, and wrinkles can benefit.  Light chemical peels use AHA or alphahydroxy acids.  Medium peels use TCA or trichloracetic acid.  Deeper peels generally require phenol, a chemical that works deeper, taking off more skin, and it is sometimes performed in conjunction with a face lift.  Clients should understand that it does not slow the aging process and is not a cure all, but for many it does improve self confidence and provide a fresher looking and more youthful appearance.

If your clients are considering chemical peels ensure that they understand the differences between the three types.  Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and is used mainly to treat patients who have coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by too much sun exposure, or have pre-cancerous growths. Also since phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, the skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for your client. Phenol is primarily used on the face since  scarring may result if it is applied to the neck or other areas of the body.

There is a risk with all chemical peels, and more so with phenol as it is a deeper peel, but generally when performed by a qualified professional the risks are infrequent. With phenol there is also a risk of cosmetic effects such as uneven pigment changes, but there are modified phenol peels that are more gentle and often preferred as they have fewer risks.  However, the strength of phenol makes it imperative that the professional applying it have adequate training.

Phenol peels tend to be very long lasting and result in dramatic improvement, increasing their popularity.  Make sure your client is thoroughly educated in all aspects of peels before proceeding.