New Delhi, July 24 - Forget about the various creams available in the market that promise blemish-free and fair skin. If you really want soft, smooth and flawless skin, chemical peels are the safest bet, say experts.

'A chemical peel is a treatment technique used to improve and smoothen the texture of facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin,' Anup Dhir, senior cosmetic surgeon at New Delhi's Apollo Hospital, told IANS.

Chemical peels stimulate the production of new cells, tighten and tone the skin, and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also help in lightening acne scars.

'Peels treat wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented or sun-damaged facial skin. Application of a chemical solution to improve the skin's appearance leads to a controlled shedding of several layers of cells. This stimulus tightens the tissue collagen and brings about a fresh and vibrant appearance,' explains Mumbai-based cosmetic surgeon Meenakshi Agarwal.

Ramsha Sheriff, 24, had a severe acne problem and tried all sorts of cosmetic products to get rid of acne marks but was unhappy with the results till she decided to go for a chemical peel. In just four sittings, the scars had lightened and the added benefit was that the pigmentation on her face had also reduced.

'I had tried every cream that promises to reduce these acne marks, but nothing worked. Finally I took advice of a dermatologist and underwent these peels. The result is just excellent,' Sharif said.

'What I have realised is that one should not take these things lightly; it's better to consult a professional rather than wasting your money on expensive creams that are of no use.'

Different types of chemical peels that one can opt for are alpha hydroxy acid peels (AHAs), beta hydroxy acid peels, retinoic acid peels, trichloroacetic acid peels and phenol peels that cater to regular maintenance of skin, acne and acne blemishes, anti aging, skin lightening, anti pigmentation and deep pigmentation among other problems.