chemical peels
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
A chemical peel is exactly what it sounds like: Chemical solutions are applied to the skin in order to cause the layers to peel away and reveal younger, healthier layers beneath. Once the dead layer is gone, the new skin provides a glowing appearance. Wrinkles and sun damage are reduced and the skin is much softer.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CHEMICAL PEEL?
There are many benefits, such as resurfacing leathery sun-damaged skin, exfoliating dull dry skin, cleaning clogged pores, minimizing enlarged pores, reducing age spots, improving scars, increasing circulation, polishing mild imperfections, and stimulating production of new, young skin cells and collagen.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
A chemical peel takes only 10 to 30 minutes. Normal activities can resume immediately since there is no down time. After the treatment most people will peel for 2-3 days.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. Chemical peels have been used for over 100 years to create an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. Reactions to a chemical peel are similar to a sunburn and range from mild to more pronounced. It is very important to avoid any exposure to the sun. Your new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to injury. Always apply an effective sun block like Z-Silc 20 minutes before you go outside.
If you have a history of cold sores or Herpes simplex infections, it is very important that you tell us. The sensitivity of your new skin can make you more susceptible to outbreaks.
DOES IT HURT?
Undergoing a chemical peel may involve mild discomfort. For best results, the night before the peel, and again in the morning, wash your face with a cleanser such as Avene Diacneal. Do not apply any lotions or cosmetics. Avoid retinoids like Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, Renova, etc. for 3 days prior to the peel.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEELS?
Glycolic peels, such as Glytone Professional Peels, improve skin tone and texture and help reduce hyperpigmentation. Glycolic peels also stimulate collagen growth.
Jessner’s peels help fight the effects of time such as skin discoloration, unevenness, and splotchiness.
Melanage is the first hydroquinone plus retinoid masque for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It is freshly compounded at the time of dispensing to assure potency and reliability. A comprehensive at-home system is included to reduce likelihood of re-pigmentation.
Salicylic peels are particularly helpful for acne.
TCA peels reduce age spots, melasma, and soften scars.
Obagi Blue Peel is a patented formula that combines TCA with a Blue Peel base to provide consistent results. It penetrates to improve skin function at the cellular level to help it look healthier.
Vitalize Peel is a very gentle peel that lessens fine lines and wrinkles giving skin a more youthful appearance.
WHERE SHOULD I GO FOR CHEMICAL PEELS?
Only a licensed professional with the knowledge and skill required to achieve optimum results should administer chemical peels.
CAN CHEMICAL PEELS BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?
Absolutely! Many patients have excellent results by combining a chemical peel with Botox, a purified protein that reduces frown lines between the brows, and dermal fillers like Juvederm and Radiesse that improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A HydraFacial MD treatment prior to a chemical peel allows the ingredients to penetrate deeper, which increases their effectiveness.
> Click here for before and after images of chemical peels.