Chemical peels use alpha hydroxy acids, (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA) or trichloracetic acid (TCA) to apply to the top layer of skin. This will cause the skin to flake or slough off, stimulate new cell turnover, and reveal a new layer of skin.
Chemical peels will smooth rough, dry skin, improve the texture of sun-damaged skin, help control acne, reduce imperfections, and brighten skin tone.
Chemical peels are selected based on the type of skin you have and type of problem to be corrected such as acne, sun damage, or fine lines.
A chemical peel is performed by a licensed esthetician in our medical office. The skin is cleansed and prepared according to a protocol selected for the client’s skin type and condition; the peel is applied and monitored. When the desired time is obtained the peel is washed off with water. The client is given aftercare instructions including using sunblock to protect the skin daily.
Most clients feel a mild stinging or itching sensation only. Tell your esthetician if you feel these signs since there are easy ways to minimize it. If you are using any Vitamin A or Retin-A medications be sure to tell your esthetician since that may have a stronger effect on your peel.
Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin to reduce or eliminate the appearance of a number of skin imperfections and conditions. After a client undergoes a skin peel, the treated layers of skin gradually flake away, revealing a fresh new layer of skin.
Most peels are given in a series of four to eight treatments to achieve the desired effect of decreasing imperfections, superficial acne scarring, and pigmentation. The result is designed to last for a few months and most can be maintained by getting a peel every few months after the original series.
