Chemical peels use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.
The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs. Although a chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. A consultation with one of our medical astheticians will answer your questions in deciding if a chemical peel is right for you. Chemical peels are most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peels may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can’t spare the time to recover from a Jessner or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your esthetician will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin’s texture.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium to deep peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually 5-7 days.
Peel Formulas at a Glance
Light Peels:
Types
- Microdermabrasion
- Glycolic Peel
- Illuminize Peel
- Dermaplane
- Salicylic Peel
Treats these skin conditions:
- Smoothes rough, dry skin
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Aids in control of acne
- Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
- Can be used as TCA pretreatment
Considerations:
- Minimal peeling, redness and downtime
- A series of peels may be needed to achieve goals
- As with most peel treatments, sun block use is recommended
Medium Depth Peels:
Types
- VI Peel (Our favorite)
- Jessner Peel
Treats these skin conditions:
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Aids in control of acne and improves scarring
- Can correct pigment problems
- Can be used as TCA pretreatment
- Minimizes superficial wrinkles and pores
Considerations:
- Some peeling, redness and downtime
- A series of peels may be needed to achieve goals
- As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
Deeper Peels:
Types
- TCA Enhanced VI Peel (Our favorite)
- Obagi Blue Peel
Treats these skin conditions:
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Removes some pre-cancerous lesions
- Aids in control of acne and improves scarring
- Can correct most pigment problems
- Can be used as a CO2 laser pretreatment
- Minimizes wrinkles and pores
Considerations:
- Expect peeling, redness and downtime of 5-7 days
- A couple of peels may be needed to achieve goals
- Must use sunblock and stay out of the sun for 6 weeks
- Can be used on neck or other body areas
- May require pretreatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
- Preferred for darker-skinned patients
- Peel depth can be tailored to your skin and needs