Chemical peels have been around for a long time, because they work. There a three basic types of peels and a plethora of uses for them. Both men and women get peels to improve the appearance of the skin on their face, neck or hands. Below are uses for chemical peels:
- Acne scars
- Age Spots
- Aging Skin
- Crow’s feet
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new regenerate skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled. With a series of treatments, prescribed by a licensed professional, you can dramatically improve your appearance.
Below are the three basic types of chemical peels:
- Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or another mild acid (lactic, malic, glycolic) is used to penetrate on 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 can also be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths, i.e. actinic keratosis.
- Deep peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. This treatment removes; moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in their appearance. The procedure is used on the face and can only be performed once.
A chemical peel shouldn’t hurt. You may feel a little tingling, itching, tightness or a change in temperature. Some people say it feels cool.
What to expect after a Chemical Peels
Prior to performing any chemical treatment, a licensed professional will do a “patch test”, usually behind your ear or on your arm with the chemical peel to test for any type of reaction you may have. This is done at least 24 hours in advance.
A Superficial peel will heal in one to seven days. Initially your skin may be red and may scale following treatment. The esthetician will advise you on which lotion or cream to apply until your skin heals. It is important to wear sunscreen during the day time and make-up can usually be worn the next day.
A Medium peel requires seven to fourteen days to heal. Immediately following treatment the skin will be red and swollen, usually the first 48 hours will be the worst. Blisters may form and break. Skin crusts and peels off in seven to fourteen days. Your skin must be soaked daily, followed by an ointment application. Antiviral medication is also given for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream should also be applied. Avoid all sun exposure until healing is complete. Camouflage makeup may be worn after five to seven days. A follow up appointment is necessary.
Deep peels require up to 21 days to heal. The treatment area will be bandaged. Skin must be soaked four to six times a day, followed by ointment application for the first 14 days. Afterwards a thick moisturizer is applied for 14 days. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. A 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.
Sun exposure and smoking after a chemical peel must be avoided because they can cause unwanted side effects, including infection and scarring. Drink plenty of water and avoid the gym for the first 24 hours after your treatment.
At Moore Road MediSpa, they use VI Peel and Skin Therapeutics professional chemical peels helping their clients achieve their desired results of younger, firmer, smoother, healthy skin.
VI Peel can help rejuvenate skin and help prevent future damage. It can soften fine lines and wrinkles, restore a more even skin tone and smooth away rough skin texture. This is a simple pain free procedure and you will notice a difference in as little as seven days.
The Skin Therapeutics peels are perfect for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. A gentle and thorough exfoliation with amazing benefits, leaving your skin with a beautiful glow!
Call and schedule your consultation and facial today to look and feel younger.