WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL? Chemical facial peels, also referred to as chemical resurfacing, are used to produce a controlled injury to the skin to promote the growth of new skin. Chemical peels have been around for hundreds of years from ancient Egyptians bathing in sour milk and old wine - that contained lactic and fruit acids that are still commonly acid used in mild chemical peels today) to the current day facial peels performed in spas and in homes across the world. Skin peels are used to exfoliate and peel away the outer layers of skin to reveal a smooth, tight and more even toned complexion with a youthful radiant glow.
#1 QUESTION WE GET: "I didn't peel very much after the last peel".
The amount of peeling does not mean the peel is or is not working. The amount of peeling may vary depending on individual skin condition at the time of the peel and which strength of peel you have used. The skin is still sloughing off at an accelerated rate, even if you do not see much peeling, resulting in the improvement of skin tone and texture and an improvement of fine lines and uneven pigmentation. Some peels such as Glycolic and Lactic peels do not always produce visible peeling.
The amount of peeling does not mean the peel is or is not working. The amount of peeling may vary depending on individual skin condition at the time of the peel and which strength of peel you have used. The skin is still sloughing off at an accelerated rate, even if you do not see much peeling, resulting in the improvement of skin tone and texture and an improvement of fine lines and uneven pigmentation. Some peels such as Glycolic and Lactic peels do not always produce visible peeling.
CHEMICAL PEEL BENEFITS:
Fine Lines: Facial peels may drastically reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and expression lines leaving skin smooth.
Sun Damage: UV rays not only affect our skin in ways we can't see, but they can also leave very visible issues that skin peels help make less noticeable.
Blackheads: Chemical peels can be very effective in removing and minimizing excess, stubborn blackheads by penetrating clogged follicles.
Clogged Pores: Chemical peels effectively remove dead skin that clogs & contributes to large sized pores that turn into blackheads & whiteheads.
Acne Marks: Skin peels can dramatically improve red, pus filled acne blemishes and improve the appearance of mild acne scars.
Age Spots: Various strength skin peels commonly result in a marked improvement of dark skin discoloration commonly referred to as age spots.
Hyperpigmentation: Chemical peels, especially AHA & Vitamin C peels can reduce discoloration, freckles & large dark spots leaving skin radiant.
Uneven Skin: Chemical peels improve overall skin texture and remove debris from the skin's surface resulting in a softer & smoother feel.
Fine Lines: Facial peels may drastically reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and expression lines leaving skin smooth.
Sun Damage: UV rays not only affect our skin in ways we can't see, but they can also leave very visible issues that skin peels help make less noticeable.
Blackheads: Chemical peels can be very effective in removing and minimizing excess, stubborn blackheads by penetrating clogged follicles.
Clogged Pores: Chemical peels effectively remove dead skin that clogs & contributes to large sized pores that turn into blackheads & whiteheads.
Acne Marks: Skin peels can dramatically improve red, pus filled acne blemishes and improve the appearance of mild acne scars.
Age Spots: Various strength skin peels commonly result in a marked improvement of dark skin discoloration commonly referred to as age spots.
Hyperpigmentation: Chemical peels, especially AHA & Vitamin C peels can reduce discoloration, freckles & large dark spots leaving skin radiant.
Uneven Skin: Chemical peels improve overall skin texture and remove debris from the skin's surface resulting in a softer & smoother feel.
POST CHEMICAL PEEL INSTRUCTIONS:
• DO wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser and liberally apply a bland moisturizer after cleansing and throughout the day as needed to prevent dryness and formation of crust (Aquaphor, Cetaphil, CeraVe).
• Do NOT vigorously rub the skin and DO NOT pick at the flaking skin as this may cause scarring.
• Sun protection is critical. You should NOT have any sun exposure; wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. This includes driving to work. Do not use a tanning salon.
• AVOID laser treatments, waxing, the use of depilatories, or microdermabrasion for 3 weeks.
• DO wait 7 days before resuming the use of Retin-a (tretinoin), Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Ziana, Veltin, Atralin, glycolic acids or any other exfoliating agents such as a Clarisonic Brush.
• AVOID swimming, sauna, or whirlpool use for at least 7 days after the peel.
• The procedure may cause swelling, redness, crusting, dryness, skin sensitivity, itching, and peeling of the site which could last for 1-2 weeks. In the days after the peel, the skin may feel and look tight, with parchment-paper like changes or darkening. These are expected reactions.
• DO wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser and liberally apply a bland moisturizer after cleansing and throughout the day as needed to prevent dryness and formation of crust (Aquaphor, Cetaphil, CeraVe).
• Do NOT vigorously rub the skin and DO NOT pick at the flaking skin as this may cause scarring.
• Sun protection is critical. You should NOT have any sun exposure; wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. This includes driving to work. Do not use a tanning salon.
• AVOID laser treatments, waxing, the use of depilatories, or microdermabrasion for 3 weeks.
• DO wait 7 days before resuming the use of Retin-a (tretinoin), Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Ziana, Veltin, Atralin, glycolic acids or any other exfoliating agents such as a Clarisonic Brush.
• AVOID swimming, sauna, or whirlpool use for at least 7 days after the peel.
• The procedure may cause swelling, redness, crusting, dryness, skin sensitivity, itching, and peeling of the site which could last for 1-2 weeks. In the days after the peel, the skin may feel and look tight, with parchment-paper like changes or darkening. These are expected reactions.
CHEMICAL PEEL BASIC PRECAUTIONS:
• Do not shave or wax the area being treated 2 days prior to the peel
• Do not resume shaving or waxing until shedding has commenced
• Stop using Retin A or similar chemical exfoliators 2 days before peel
• Use sun protection at all times when you are performing chemical peels
• Do not indoor tan while performing a series of peel
YOU SHOULD NOT USE A CHEMICAL PEEL IF:
• You are currently taking Accutane or have done so within the past twelve months
• You are pregnant or nursing
• You have a tendency to form keloid scars
• You have a sexually transmitted disease such as herpes, HIV/AIDS, or a similar condition
• You are undergoing cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and/or radiation
• You do not understand the process of a peel, are not willing to follow the post peel regime, or do not take the time to properly educate yourself about which solution should be used;
• You expect a miracle. Most chemical peels are designed to be a progressive treatment and need multiple applications to achieve a goal
• You have been treated with a hair-removal system in the past two days
• Do not shave or wax the area being treated 2 days prior to the peel
• Do not resume shaving or waxing until shedding has commenced
• Stop using Retin A or similar chemical exfoliators 2 days before peel
• Use sun protection at all times when you are performing chemical peels
• Do not indoor tan while performing a series of peel
YOU SHOULD NOT USE A CHEMICAL PEEL IF:
• You are currently taking Accutane or have done so within the past twelve months
• You are pregnant or nursing
• You have a tendency to form keloid scars
• You have a sexually transmitted disease such as herpes, HIV/AIDS, or a similar condition
• You are undergoing cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and/or radiation
• You do not understand the process of a peel, are not willing to follow the post peel regime, or do not take the time to properly educate yourself about which solution should be used;
• You expect a miracle. Most chemical peels are designed to be a progressive treatment and need multiple applications to achieve a goal
• You have been treated with a hair-removal system in the past two days
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEELS:
GLYCOLIC PEELS: Glycolic peels are great for addressing fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and hormonal acne.
JESSNER PEELS: Jessner peels are great for those with an oily acneic skin, who do not mind up to 2 weeks of downtime.
TCA PEELS: TCA peels are good for deeper wrinkles and sagging skin and for fair to medium skin tones.
SALICYLIC PEELS: Salicylic peels are meant for an oily acneic skin and is safe for all skin types.
FUSION PEELS (OR AHA PEELS): Fusion Peels can be used by all skin tones and skin types. It is great for addressing uneven skin tone, mild acne, anti-aging, and rejuvenation of the skin.
It is a great step up for Glycolic Peel users who desire a slightly more aggressive treatment.
GLYCOLIC PEELS: Glycolic peels are great for addressing fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and hormonal acne.
JESSNER PEELS: Jessner peels are great for those with an oily acneic skin, who do not mind up to 2 weeks of downtime.
TCA PEELS: TCA peels are good for deeper wrinkles and sagging skin and for fair to medium skin tones.
SALICYLIC PEELS: Salicylic peels are meant for an oily acneic skin and is safe for all skin types.
FUSION PEELS (OR AHA PEELS): Fusion Peels can be used by all skin tones and skin types. It is great for addressing uneven skin tone, mild acne, anti-aging, and rejuvenation of the skin.
It is a great step up for Glycolic Peel users who desire a slightly more aggressive treatment.
REACTIONS TO EXPECT WHEN DOING PEEL:
It is important to remember that a chemical peel is the willful application of an ACID to produce a controlled injury to the skin. By intentionally causing “damage”, you prompt the body into:
1) Amping up the production of collagen and elastin which form the support system for the epidermis
2) Cause the outermost layers of the epidermis to slough off to reveal newer, fresher skin.
NORMAL REACTIONS AFTER A PEEL:
• “Frosting” – the skin turns opaque or powdery white
• Swelling, inflammation, redness, or sensitivity
• Gradual darkening of the skin in the area treated (the skin that will shed)
• Scabbing, crusting, oozing, or flaking
Remember, not all peel solutions produce results in the same way.
It is important to remember that a chemical peel is the willful application of an ACID to produce a controlled injury to the skin. By intentionally causing “damage”, you prompt the body into:
1) Amping up the production of collagen and elastin which form the support system for the epidermis
2) Cause the outermost layers of the epidermis to slough off to reveal newer, fresher skin.
NORMAL REACTIONS AFTER A PEEL:
• “Frosting” – the skin turns opaque or powdery white
• Swelling, inflammation, redness, or sensitivity
• Gradual darkening of the skin in the area treated (the skin that will shed)
• Scabbing, crusting, oozing, or flaking
Remember, not all peel solutions produce results in the same way.
HOW THE PEELING PROCESS WORKS
Peel Penetration: The skin is penetrated by the chemical acid which generally causes some redness, darkening, swelling, and/or frosting (the skin turns opaque or powdery white) depending on the strength and type of peel applied.
Skin Tightening: After the acid is neutralized, skin will feel dry & tight for the first day or two. If a light strength peel was used, skin may become wrinkled & flakey. If a medium to deep peel was used, more aggressive peeling may start on the 4th or 5th day & typically last for 4 - 7 days.
Peeling / Flaking: Once the peeling slows down and stops, the skin begins the healing process. Outer layers may still be visibly pinkish. During this time it is especially important to protect this newly revealed skin with a broad band SPF every day and moisturize at least twice daily with a hyaluronic moisturizer.
Your New Skin Revealed! Results are visible, cells overturned and production of collagen and elastin is amped up resulting in firmer skin with reduced blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles and a more even skin tone. Continued SPF protection, anti aging moisturizer and daily/weekly exfoliator are recommended.
Peel Penetration: The skin is penetrated by the chemical acid which generally causes some redness, darkening, swelling, and/or frosting (the skin turns opaque or powdery white) depending on the strength and type of peel applied.
Skin Tightening: After the acid is neutralized, skin will feel dry & tight for the first day or two. If a light strength peel was used, skin may become wrinkled & flakey. If a medium to deep peel was used, more aggressive peeling may start on the 4th or 5th day & typically last for 4 - 7 days.
Peeling / Flaking: Once the peeling slows down and stops, the skin begins the healing process. Outer layers may still be visibly pinkish. During this time it is especially important to protect this newly revealed skin with a broad band SPF every day and moisturize at least twice daily with a hyaluronic moisturizer.
Your New Skin Revealed! Results are visible, cells overturned and production of collagen and elastin is amped up resulting in firmer skin with reduced blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles and a more even skin tone. Continued SPF protection, anti aging moisturizer and daily/weekly exfoliator are recommended.
