Chemical Peels

General information

Chemical peels are one of the most popular noninvasive cosmetic procedures performed to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin. Factors such as sun damage, heredity, diet, and cyclical muscle movement contribute to the development of lines and wrinkles within the face. In Addition, the progress of pigmentation irregularities or acne scars can cause skin to lose its shiny, youthful appearance.

As it is well known, the skin is composed of three layers known as the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis or outer layer of the skin acts as the skin’s contact and primary protection against the natural environment. The dermis layer is responsible for providing structure and support to the skin. The hypodermis in turn, is the thick layer directly below the dermis and works connecting the dermis to the underlying fibrous tissue of the bones and muscles.

The dermis is comprised primarily of connective tissue, which is formed mostly of collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers form a network that provides the skin with structure, support, and elasticity. Eventually, with the passage of time, the aging process and sun damage cause a decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin fibers as this network of fibers breaks down, the skin loses part of its elasticity and becomes laxer.

Chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, is a resurfacing technique that uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Often performed on the face, neck, and hands. Various types of chemical peels can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation, as well as treat precancerous skin lesions. They can also be used to improve the skin conditions for acne affected skins.

There are three types of chemical peels according to the chemical agent used for the treatment and the deep it penetrated the different layers of the skin. Deep chemical peels, medium chemical peels, and superficial chemical peels. Superficial peels penetrate the epidermis only, medium-depth peels affect the entire epidermis and papillary dermis, and deep peels allow for controlled tissue injury to the level of the mid reticular dermis.

The professional that directs the treatment will recommend the type of peel and the safest products and sequence of procedures for the best results with the lower risks. Following the recommendations that are given for each procedure or treatment is essential for achieving the best results.

Deep chemical peel.

The main component used in the deep peel is either trichloroacetic acid (known as TCA) or phenol (also known as Carbonic Acid) for the deeper treatment.  Deep peel produces permanent lighten of the skin and therefore are generally not appropriate for dark color skins.

During a deep peel, a chemical solution is applied to the face. The solution causes trauma or injury to the skin’s layers. Deep peels penetrate the farthest distance into the skin and therefore cause the most injury. This injury may extend into the papillary or reticular dermis, which is why this type of peel causes the most dramatic results.

Like what happens when exfoliating your skin, the damaged layers of skin will peel away as part of the healing process. Increased cell growth as well as collagen production and reorganization in the dermis will produce new, healthier skin layers which give the face a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

In general terms, the deeper the peel, the greater the results and skin rejuvenation. Unfortunately, it also means additional down time due to increased skin sensitivity, redness, inflammation, skin peeling and healing. Furthermore, it also implies a higher risk of complications that can arise when reaching deeper zones in the dermis.

Medium chemical peels.

Medium chemical peels are one of the most common chemical peel treatments. Medium peels typically used trichloroacetic acid (or TCA) or glycolic acid to remove the damaged layers of the epidermis. Medium peels are a safe effective method of treating fine to moderate lines Pigmentation abnormalities acne scars and blotchy nous of the skin Medium peels will begin with the consultation during which your provider will examine your face, discuss your treatment goals in any medical conditions or current medications that you may be taking; determine the best type of acid product for your treatment and address any concerns that you may have. Medium peels typically last between 15 to 30 minutes

The treatment area will be cleansed and then your provider will apply the chemical solution to your skin and allow it to penetrate the treatment area for a few minutes. Next your provider will remove the chemical solution or neutralize it.  Trichloroacetic application may cause frosting of the skin during which the treatment area may turn a whitish gray color, but this is temporary and will fade after your treatment. The chemical solution used during a medium peel damages the layer of the epidermis causing them to peel away. The chemical solution can also penetrate the upper layers of the dermis stimulating collagen production. The subsequent healing process triggers new cell growth and turnover. As the damaged skin peels away, the new skin is revealed giving the treatment area a smoother tighter and more revitalized appearance.

It is uncommon to experience serious complications from medium chemical peels Potential risks may include redness stinging skin flaking swelling hyperpigmentation or skin darkening hypo pigmentation or skin lightening and infection Immediately following your procedure you may experience some frosting which will quickly be replaced by redness and irritation that it’s similar to sunburn.

You may also experience swelling crusting or flaking of the skin but these symptoms typically subside within one week The outer layers of the skin will peel away within several days following treatment and it is important to keep your skin well moisturized throughout the peeling process Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun as it heals and you should avoid all sun exposure during healing It is essential that you protect your skin from the sun with broad spectrum sunscreen Following a medium peel you should notice results in 1 to 2 weeks following your medium peel The effects of medium peels are more dramatic than those of a superficial peel and some patients require regular treatments to achieve their desired results While your skin will continue to change in age after your treatment medium peels are a fast and effective method of improving the tone and texture of your skin.

Superficial chemical peel.

Superficial chemical peels are the mildest form of chemical peel treatment. Superficial peels typically use Alpha, hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids to remove the damaged layers of the epidermis.

With little downtime, superficial peels are a safe, effective method of treating fine lines, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, and persistent dry skin.

Superficial peels will begin with a consultation, during which your provider will examine your face, discuss your treatment goals and any medical conditions or current medications that you may be taking. After which the best type of acid product for your treatment will be determined. Also, any concerns that you may have will be addressed.

Superficial peels typically last between 15 and 30 minutes and follows this general sequence. The treatment area will be cleansed, then your provider will apply the chemical solution to your skin. After waiting for a few minutes for allowing it to penetrate the treatment area, the solution will be removed or neutralized. The chemical solution used during a superficial peel damage is the outermost layer of the epidermis, causing them to peel away.

The subsequent healing process triggers new cell growth and turnover. As the damaged skin peels away, the new skin is revealed, giving the treatment area a smoother revitalized appearance.  It is uncommon to experience serious complications from superficial chemical peels. Potential risks may include redness, stinging skin, flaking, hyperpigmentation, or skin darkening and infection.

Immediately following your procedure, you may experience some redness and irritation that is similar to sunburn, as well as a crusting or flaking of your skin. These symptoms typically subside in three to six days. The outer layers of the skin will peel away within several days following treatment, and it is important to keep your skin well moisturized throughout the peeling process.

Your skin will be more sensitive to sun exposure as it heals and it is essential that you protect your skin from the sun with broad spectrum sunscreen. Following a superficial peel. You should notice results in one week following your superficial peel. The effects of superficial peels can be subtle, and some patients require regular treatments to achieve their desired results.

While your skin will continue to change and age after your treatment, superficial peels are a fast and effective method of rejuvenating your skin.

Enough of general info about chemical peels and their benefits. Let’s now be more specific about us.