What is another term for "frosting" that can occur during a chemical peel?

The term "frosting" during a chemical peel refers to a specific reaction that occurs when the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) is effectively treated by the acids applied during the procedure. This process involves the denaturation of proteins in the skin, particularly keratin, leading to the formation of a white, frosted appearance on the skin's surface.

Understanding protein denaturation is key to recognizing this phenomenon. When the acids in the chemical peel penetrate the skin, they cause the keratin proteins to lose their natural structure, resulting in the visible frost-like effect. This is often considered a sign of a deeper peel and indicates that the treatment is reaching its target layer in the skin, which is necessary for effective exfoliation and rejuvenation.

The other options, while related to skin health and treatments, do not accurately describe the "frosting" phenomenon associated with chemical peels. A keratolytic reaction refers to the shedding of the outer layer of skin but does not encapsulate the specific denaturation of proteins that causes frosting. Acne rosacea flare is a condition that might arise from inflammatory responses in the skin rather than a direct result of a peel. Lastly, collagen breakdown is more associated with aging and various