What is the Difference Between a Chemical Peel and an Enzyme Peel?
Peels are exfoliating procedures that remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. A chemical peel, also known as a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel or glycolic acid peel, uses a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of the skin. An enzyme peel uses natural enzymes found in papaya fruit to gently loosen dead skin cells, which then slough off naturally.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are a type of facial procedure that has been performed for decades. While they can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, chemical peels are most commonly used on the face and neck. Chemical peels are often referred to as resurfacing treatments because they remove layers of damaged skin to reveal fresh, new skin underneath.
A chemical peel removes damaged or discoloured skin by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of the skin. This can be done with one or more different types of chemicals, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
If you have sensitive skin, there are several ways to make this type of treatment more comfortable for you. Your aesthetician may suggest using a lower concentration of AHA or TCA in order to reduce any possible side effects from the treatment. You should also avoid sun exposure for one week after having a chemical peel done on your skin, since sun exposure after this type of treatment can cause irritation and hyperpigmentation (i.e., dark spots).
Pros and Cons of using Chemical Peels:
*Chemical peels help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and hyperpigmentation on the skin
* They also help to treat oily skin, dry skin and combination skin type
* Also, if you want to get rid of your acne scars then you can use chemical peels
* Chemical peels give you a glowing complexion by removing dead cells from the surface of your face
Possible scarring or hyperpigmentation (darkening): If you have darker skin or sensitive skin, you may be at risk for developing scars or dark spots from a chemical peel treatment.
Infection risk: Although rare, infection is possible with any type of cosmetic procedure that involves cutting into the skin
It may cause dryness in skin if not done properly or overused
What is Enzyme Peel?
An enzymatic peel is a chemical exfoliation that uses enzymes to break down and remove dead skin cells. It is a very gentle, yet effective treatment that can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin. The process of an enzyme peel is simple: the product is applied to the skin and left on for a specified amount of time, then removed with water or a neutralising solution.
Enzyme peels work by using natural enzymes, such as protease or lipase, to break down dead skin cells on the surface of your face. The naturally occurring enzymes in these products work similarly to how you digest food — by breaking down proteins into smaller pieces that are easier for your body to absorb and digest. In this case, however, the enzymes break up dead skin cells so that your body can absorb them more easily and help them shed naturally from the surface of your face over time.
Enzyme peels are less aggressive than traditional chemical peels because they don’t penetrate as deeply into the skin’s surface. Instead, they’re applied to the outermost layer of your skin — where signs of ageing are most visible — then wiped away after about 20 minutes. Because of this gentler approach, enzyme peels are often used in tandem with other treatments like microdermabrasion or fractional laser resurfacing.
Enzyme peels can be used to treat:
- Acne scars
- Age spots (sun damage)
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- The biggest benefit of using an enzyme peel is that there are no side effects associated with this type of treatment. Enzyme peels do not irritate or cause any redness or burning sensation on your skin – they are completely painless!
- You can expect to see visible results after just one session but it will take several weeks before you see significant improvements in your skin condition.
- Reduces acne scars and blemishes
- Tightens loose skin
- Brightens dull skin tone
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
Enzyme peels may cause irritation such as redness or burning at the time of application or immediately afterward. You may also experience swelling or crusting for several days after the treatment. Your dermatologist at will recommend limiting sun exposure immediately after the procedure so you don’t burn your skin while it heals from any side effects associated with enzyme peels.
Chemical Peel Vs Enzyme Peel – Which Treatment is Right for Me?
An enzyme peel is better than a chemical peel because it’s not as harsh on the skin. Chemical peels can often leave your skin more sensitive and vulnerable to sun damage. Enzyme peels work by stimulating the production of collagen, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell regeneration. They also contain antioxidants that help improve your skin’s complexion.
Enzyme peels are gentle and effective. They work to improve your skin’s texture, tone and clarity. The enzymes in these products work to remove dead skin cells, which makes them perfect for those who want to exfoliate their face without having to scrub their skin with a washcloth or loofah sponge. You can take a skin consultation at a nearby medical skincare clinic to know more information on Enzyme peels.
Book your Chemical Peel with Hedox Clinic Today
Peels are a great way to achieve healthy, glowing skin. If you’re interested in trying a peel but aren’t sure which type is right for you, contact Hedox Clinic today and we can help you choose the best treatment for your needs. With years of experience providing high-quality skincare treatments, our professional aesthetic team know how to help you achieve beautiful skin that feels great too.