When you want to iron out deeper lines and acne scars, a medium to deep chemical peel may be a good choice. It is also the most popular method of skin resurfacing. These type of chemical peels have to be done in a doctors office. The doctor will look at your face and determine how strong the peel should be, and it can be between 5 and 40 TCA (trichloroacetic acid), with 40 being the deepest peel. These peels do affect pigmentation, so it is best used on the fair skinned.

Usually before a peel, the doctor prescribes a pre-peel regimen of Retin-A and possibly antibiotics to prevent infection during the peeling stage. At the appointment, your face will be thoroughly cleaned and then the doctor sponges on the TCA solution. The solution stays on for about 15 minutes, penetrating the many layers of the skin. During the peel, the outer layers of the skin will 'frost', or turn white, and when the frosting is optimal, the doctor will remove the peel. For about thirty minutes after the peel, your skin will continue to frost, and then it will turn red. The red will look like a bad sunburn and your skin will be slightly swollen and raw. The doctor spreads a protective gel on your face, gives you a pain pill and sends you home. 

Next comes the healing process. The deeper the peel, the longer it will take your skin to heal. During the healing process you have to keep the skin moist and stay indoors, out of the sun. If you absolutely must go outdoors during the daytime, you will have to slather on a doctor approved SPF 30 sunblock. During the healing process your skin will peel and flake, but after about 10 days your beautiful new skin will emerge. Your face will still be red for about a month, but this slight redness can be covered with makeup.

In the end the results are more than the smooth surface, uniform tone, and overall glow, you will also have firmer skin. This is because the 'damage' to the dermis, from the peel stimulates collagen and elastic growth. Chemical peels are a great, non- surgical way to turn back the clock. They cost between $500 and $1,200 a round, which is money well spent, in my opinion. I feel better when I look better. I know people who swear by these peels and get them done every few years.

Here are some before and after shots of people that had a chemical peel.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-chemical-peel-treatments

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. A peel is a non-invasive procedure designed to promote cell growth and produce smoother, clearer skin.

I like to give myself chemical peels at home. They aren't the strong ones, obviously, that require a doctors administration, but a mild peel in conjunction with a great anti-aging moisturizer delivers beautiful results. I can have a peel every day with a mild peel and it just looks even better by a weeks end. People with sensitive skin cannot tolerate a peel every day and can only do it once or twice a month. The key to keeping skin from getting to dry and burned is a good moisturizer and SPF. I use Kinerase Pro+Therapy Advanced Radiance Facial Peel and follow with Kinerase Pro+Therapy Ultra Rich Night Repair and during the day I use Kinerase Pro+Therapy Daily Defense Lotion with SPF30. The peels really make my skin look clear and radiant. I do them for a few days in a row every month or so and the results are the same as going to a dermatologist for a single stronger peel. Also there is a more affordable price and no red, scaly skin with a series of mild peels.  

Another good at home peel is the Skinceuticals gel peel. I have used this one before and really like it. (The reason I'm currently sticking with Kinerase is because their 'Ultra' regimen I am on is sooooo fantastic.) This gel peel is also mild and can be used as often as you like, but must be followed with a good moisturizer. Their B5 Hydrating Gel is really good.

The process of applying an at-home chemical peel is quite simple. Though it is called a “peel,” you will not notice skin literally being “peeled” off. Rather, skin will be exfoliated with a sloughing action, and the dull, dead surface cells will dissolve, bringing new, healthy skin cells to the surface. The exfoliation process only takes 8-12 minutes and may burn a bit, depending on how sensitive your skin is. Always follow with a nice, rich moisturizer. The results will be glowing, radiant skin.

Do you know of any good at home peels? Leave a comment, I want to try it!