CHEMICAL PEELS: PHENOL PEELS
Phenol Peels
A phenol peel is a deep chemical peel. It contains carbolic acid, which provides deep exfoliation. It is an ideal chemical peel for individuals with deep wrinkles, pigmentation disorders, birth marks or sun damaged skin, being a deep peel it is highly effective.. Due to high concentration of the chemicals, it is available only through qualified practitioners.
Phenol Peels: Procedure
Phenol peel treatment takes only 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the skin disorder. After cleansing the skin, phenol solution is applied on all or problem areas of the skin. Special care is taken to avoid sensitive areas, such as lips and eyes, from the solution. Phenol works as an anesthetic, so the patient might feel numbness during the treated area.
Later, the peel is removed and cold water is applied on the skin. It helps to neutralize the acidic value of the skin. After an hour, the treated portion is covered with a layer of petroleum jelly.
Post treatment, one will experience, oozing, crusting redness and mild swelling for 5 to10 days and discomfort for up to 5 days which can be treated with painkillers. Once the redness goes away, the skin becomes pale white. Although the whiteness reduces to a mild level with time, the skin can never become naturally tanned after the treatment. One has to use makeup or fake tan to overcome the skin whiteness. This is one of the disadvantages of phenol peels.
The final results of the peel can be seen after 2-3 months, and you will always have to protect the skin from the sun and wear a minimum of factor 15 sun block.
Phenol peels are suitable only for facial skin.
Phenol Peels: Risks
One should consult experienced practitioner before choosing a phenol peel, as this deep peel has significant risk factors. For example for breast feeding mothers, pregnant women, people with darker skins, individuals with recurring scars and heart patients cannot have them.
Despite the risk factors, people undertake phenol peels treatment because it provides a lasting solution for very wrinkled or photo damaged skin.