The skin is the primary protective layer around the human body. It is made up of several layers, only the top of which is visible. The layers of the skin perform various different functions. They protect the body from various foreign objects and also house the body’s cooling system which is the sweat gland system.
The hands are among the areas of the body that tend to suffer from a lot of skin damage due to exposure to the sun and other elements. This is because the hands are always in the open even when a person is wearing full sleeved clothing. The back of the palm is particularly susceptible to ageing due to skin damage. The hands are also used extensively throughout the day making the skin rough or causing minor injuries to the skin. Wrinkled skin on the back of the palm is often undesirable and a chemical peel for hands is useful in reducing the effect of age on this part of the body.
The hands are always visible so it is necessary to consult a doctor before going in for a chemical peel procedure. A chemical peel involves the application of an acidic chemical substance that causes the top layer of skin to literally peel off. This is an aggressive method of getting rid of old skin and can cause damage to the skin that has been exposed below this top level. It is not uncommon for people to suffer from scarring or permanent skin damage when they use chemical peels that are too strong. One should also follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the chemical peel in order to achieve the desired results. Some strong concentrations require the patient to be in a hospital environment because of the chance of an infection developing on the raw skin. In some cases, the use of anesthesia may also be required if the pain caused by the procedure is too much. Aftercare is also very important when one is using a chemical peel for the hands. The skin that has been exposed will be raw and tender. A sensation of burning may also be felt for the first day or two after the procedure. The patient should therefore have access to some creams that give a sensation of cooling or relief. Sunscreen must be used as well for all patients who plan to be outdoors after the procedure.