What does "frosting" refer to in chemical peel treatments?

In the context of chemical peel treatments, "frosting" refers to the white appearance of the skin post-application. This phenomenon occurs when the active ingredients in the peel, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), cause protein denaturation in the epidermis, resulting in a temporary lightening or whitening effect on the skin. Frosting is an important indicator that the chemical peel is working effectively and that the active ingredients are penetrating the skin to promote exfoliation and rejuvenation.

This phenomenon is typically a normal reaction to deeper peels and indicates that the proper depth has been reached for treatment. The presence of frosting allows the aesthetician to assess the efficacy of the peel and the skin's response. While a tingling sensation might be felt during treatment, this sensation is different from frosting and does not indicate the same level of chemical reaction. Similarly, a method of application pertains to how the peel is applied but does not define what frosting entails. An allergic reaction would present with different symptoms and would not correlate with the controlled process of the peel itself.