In the heart of winter, our skin can really feel the effects of the cold temperatures. We often are ready to slough off the old, and bring on the new. Winter is the perfect time to start doing options that can help reduce the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles and skin discoloration. We all want to spring forward into sunnier days with a clearer and brighter complexion. If this sounds like you, a chemical peel may be a great option for you.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be done at different depths which can alter down-time and expectations. Depending on the types of things we are treating (freckles, acne scars, pigmentation); your provider will recommend a chemical peel that will be a good fit for you.
Glycolic Acid Peel: An Alpha hydroxy acid. It varies in strength to improve texture, fine lines, scarring and pigment abnormalities from photodamage, acne, or melasma.
Vitalize Peel: A potent combination of salicylic acid and retinoic acid fights the effects of time, pigmentation, and damage from acne or sun.
TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) Chemical Peels: TCA peels are a good option for patients requesting a more aggressive chemical peel. The process is very similar to the application of the above peels, but the active ingredient used, trichloroacetic acid, gives a much deeper peel resulting in a more aggressive treatment and more noticeable results. The TCA peel is done by a physician (visit our website for before and afters).
The Procedure
Once you and your provider decide you are a candidate for a chemical peel, there are some precautions you should take prior to your treatment.
Avoid the use of bleaching creams, retinols, hard abrasive scrubs a week before your peel. Using these can produce more of a reaction during your peel.
Chemical peels are performed in our office by our aesthetician or a physician (for TCA peels). At the beginning of the treatment, your provider will clean and prep your face. Before a deep chemical peel, you may have topical numbing involved.
The provider will the use gauze to apply a solution to your skin. This may sting mildly when on your skin. A neutralizing solution will then be added at the end to stop the chemical solution from continuing to activate.
After a peel depending on the type of peel you had you may experience, flaking or peeling, redness, mild irritation. After a TCA peel the irritation and redness may be worse.
Results
Following your procedure, you’ll see improved skin texture, tone and decreased appearance of wrinkles. Note most peels will need multiple treatments. Results are more dramatic if you have a TCA peel. Make sure to wear sunscreen everyday post chemical peels to keep your skin looking its best.