Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. For this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to separate and eventually peel off the top layers of skin while rejuvenating at the same time. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin, in addition to being more even in color. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.

Chemical peels provide an alternative method for exfoliating the skin. The level of exfoliation can range from very light to very deep, depending upon your needs and goals. We offer several types of peels in order to optimally treat a range of skin types and conditions, including:

• Glycolic- Glycolic peels have the smallest molecular structure of the Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (AHA) Peel group. These are lighter peels than chemical peels and are used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin of the face by removing its damaged outer layers. The careful use of glycolic acids will leave your skin as soft and clear as a newborns
• Salicylic- Similarly to AHAs, beta hydroxy acids work by detaching dead cells from the layers underneath to allow for new skin cells to grow instead. The main benefit of salicylic acid is that by being similar to aspirin, it prevents after-treatment irritations. It's precisely the anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid that make BHA peels safer and effective.
• Jessner's- This is a medium-depth chemical peel designed to remove more of the skin than AHAs can. It contains a mixture of salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), and resorcinol.
• TCA- These medium chemical peels are highly effective in promoting skin smoothness and vitality. They also improve superficial discoloration and eliminate fine wrinkles. They do nothing for acne scarring or dynamic wrinkles. Medium depth peels can be achieved with a variety of chemicals.
• Obagi Blue Peel- This peel is a trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel done in-office and can correct fine lines, superficial scars, minimal laxity and pigmentation problems. It can be done on people of all skin types, but more invasive peels are suitable to only those of European descent. One to four layers of the blue solution are applied and are left on the skin for 25 to 30 minutes. You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as each layer is applied. This can be relieved by a cooling fan. The blue tint will darken and show the technician when the peel is finished. The blue tinge that you get from this peel may last for up to 10 days in some people, which may make you stay home for several days. This peel can be reapplied at 4 week intervals.
• SkinMedica Illuminize Peel- This non-invasive very superficial chemical peel utilizes a novel approach to chemical peeling with a newer generation of alpha-hydroxy acids (mandelic acid and malic acid) in combination with phytic acid and commonly used peeling agents (salicylic acid and resorcinol) to maximize skin rejuvenating effects with low irritation.
• SkinMedica Vitalize Peel- Vitalize Peel helps fight the effects of time, sun damage, and environmental assaults. This powerful yet non-damaging peel can take years off aging skin.

Realistic Goals Of Chemical Peels

• Chemical peels can correct actinic (sun) damage.
• They can reduce mild scarring.
• You can experience a reduction or eradication of your wrinkles.
• Improvement of dark skin discoloration is possible.
• Chemical peels can remove excessive / stubborn blackheads.
• The peel may temporarily reduce excessive skin oils.

Unrealistic Goals Of Chemical Peels

• It cannot remove or reduce the appearance of blood vessels on the skin.
• It is impossible to truly change pore diameter. However, by removing blackheads, the pores may actually appear less pronounced after treatment.
• This is not a procedure to get rid of keloidal types of scars.
• Chemical peels are not a facelift.
• This is typically not appropriate for improving dark skin discoloration in people of color (Asians, African Americans, Caucasians of Mediterranean extraction, Hispanics, etc.)