What is a chemical peel?
There are three basic types of chemical peels:
- Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.
- Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths, i.e. actinic keratosis.
- Deep peel: Tricholoracetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is used on the face and only can be performed once.
Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:
- Acne scars
- Aging skin
- Crow's feet
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Scars
- Sun damaged skin
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
Who is not a candidate for a chemical peel?
Generally light-haired and fair skinned people are the best candidates for chemical peel. The procedure does not work as well on dark-skinned patients. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with infections, active skin disease, cut or broken skin, sunburns or active Herpes simplex 1 sores. Other counter-indications include patients who are:
- Nursing or pregnant.
- Have taken Accutane in last six months.
- Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea.
- Have used Retin-A, Renova, prescription skin care products, products that contain ascorbic acid, bleaching or skin-lightening agents or other acid-based products in the last 48 hours.
What can I expect after having a chemical peel?
All peels require some follow-up care:
Superficial peels require one to seven days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and may scale. Lotion or cream should be applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can usually be worn the next day.
Medium peels require seven to 14 days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and swollen. Swelling worsens for the first 48 hours. Eyelids may swell shut. Blisters may form and break. Skin crusts and peels off in seven to 14 days. Skin must be soaked daily for a specified period, followed by ointment application. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream may be applied. Avoid all sun exposure until healing is complete. Camouflage makeup may be worn after five to seven days. A follow-up appointment will be necessary to monitor progress.
Deep peels require 14 to 21 days to heal. The treated area will be bandaged. Skin must be soaked four to six times daily, followed by ointment application for the first 14 days. Afterwards a thick moisturizer is applied for the next 14 days. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream may be applied. Avoid all sun exposure for three to six months. Camouflage makeup may be worn after 14 days. Several follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor progress.
OTHER SERVICES
SkinCeuticals Micro Peel – The SkinCeuticals MicroPeel is a three-step procedure combining exfoliation, chemical peel solution, and cryogenic therapy. MicroPeel is ideal for patients looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, laxity, dullness, and skin imperfections.
- Helps reduce the primary signs of photo aging (fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness)
- Combines dermaplaning (manual exfoliation), chemical exfoliation, and cryogenic therapy
- No down time
Advanced Corrective Peel – Advanced Corrective Peel is an aggressive, in-office treatment that dramatically diminishes the appearance of discoloration, while smoothing texture and refining the appearance of pores, to restore a brighter, more clarified skin tone. Combining phenylethyl rescorcinol with clinical-grade salicylic and lactic acids, the peel targets enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone and texture.
- Helps stimulate collagen production.
- decreases frequency of acne break out.
- fades the appearance of post acne.
Obagi Blue Peel Radiance – The Obagi Radiance Peel is a Salicylic Acid based peel, which works to decongest, brighten and smooth the skins texture. By targeting spots at the very source, as well as providing surface exfoliation, this peel is able to target your deeply clogged pores and reduce any post-inflammatory spots that have been left by breakouts, so it’s a great treatment if you suffer from acne-prone skin. Also ideal for those with surface sun-damage, the Salicylic Acid within this peel will help you shed sun spots and areas of pigmentation to reveal a brighter, newly refreshed complexion.
- Skin will appear clearer, brighter and more radiant
- Congestion will be reduce as well as blackheads
VI Peels – The Vi Peel (Vitality Institute) is a gentle yet powerful medical-grade chemical peel for the treatment of acne and acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, age and sun spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, enlarged pores, oil balancing, and overall skin health.
The Vi Peel is safe and effective on all skin types and colors and can be used on the face, neck chest, arms, back, and legs, and is the only peel safe for the under-eye area. It is also painless and requires minimal downtime. With the Vi Peel, the magic is in the formula. A blend of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), Tretinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, Vitamin C, and other minerals work together to safely remove the damaged layers of the skin, promote cellular turnover, and refine the surface layer for a smoother, clearer, firmer skin that has a more youthful and radiant appearance.
- Once the skin finishes peeling, skin is smoother, firmer, clearer, with a more youthful and radiant glow than before.
*With all peels it is recommended to do a series of treatments