Chemical Peels

Once you have selected the ideal peel for your needs and skin type, your first step is to schedule your treatment at the right time. In general, it is ideal to schedule chemical peel treatment at least a week away from any big event. The last thing you want is to show up at a wedding, meeting, or other engagement with signs of skin irritation. Also, at the time that you schedule your chemical peel, inform your provider about any medications that you take. Some prescriptions may affect your reaction to ingredients in your peel. If you have questions about certain products or medications, talk to your provider. We are more than happy to assist you in being fully prepared for your chemical peel. 

Beginning about one week before your appointment, you should discontinue the use of at-home exfoliating treatments and products. Examples include salicylic acid and retinol. Also, do not exfoliate your skin with scrubs or abrasive brushes. To help your skin prepare for its accelerated cellular turnover activity, it is beneficial to drink a lot of water and also apply an appropriate moisturizer at least once a day. The chemical peel process can be slightly drying, so this action step ahead of time can mitigate unwanted side effects.

Chemical peels are not usually described as painful. Depending on the strength of your peel, you can expect to feel a stinging, tingling, or mild burning sensation. During your treatment, your provider will stay in the room or very close by and will check on you frequently to ensure that your sensations do not feel too intense. Once the acidic solution is neutralized, the sensations caused by its application decrease quickly. While you may experience some warmth or tingling after your chemical peel, this should not require the use of pain medication.

When performed by a qualified professional, chemical peels are typically safe. However, they are not without risks, especially if you are considering having a deep peel. The severity of these risks does depend on the type of peel you have.

Below are the following risks associated with chemical peels:

•       Red, swollen, and irritated skin
•       Changes in your skin’s pigmentation
•       Increased risk of scarring, especially if it is a deep peel
•       Increased chance of a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection
•       Possibly reactivating herpes
•       Having an allergic reaction to the chemicals
•       Excessive peeling and crusting
•       Having an increased sensitivity to the sun
•       Increased chance of an acne flare-up
•       Having heart, liver, or kidney damage
•       Being unsatisfied with the results

Regarding heart, liver, and kidney damage, deep chemical peels use a substance known as phenol. Phenol is an organic compound and is used in very small doses. It is rare to experience organ damage from a peel, but it is possible. It is also important to go into a chemical peel with realistic goals and expectations. Be sure to discuss the ins and outs of chemical peels with a licensed professional so you can determine the best course of action. 

People who have an active skin infection, are taking acne medication, have herpes, or have had another cosmetic procedure performed should avoid chemical peels. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to wait until you are finished expanding your family to receive a chemical peel, especially if you are considering a deep peel. 

In some cases, a light peel may be safe, but you will need to discuss it with your doctor. Anyone with sunburned skin, who has an immune system disorder, or who has keloid scarring is not eligible for a chemical peel. 

We offer SkinMedica® and PCA peels. These advanced, trusted, and effective brands offer a range of peels, enabling women and men with all skin types and tones to benefit from treatment.

SkinMedica peels include:

•       Illuminize®. This gentle peel is entirely superficial and requires absolutely no downtime. It is very effective at restoring a uniform complexion even after just one use. This peel can be performed every two weeks
•       Vitalize®. A mild peel designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, and skin roughness, Vitalize requires a short recovery period during which the skin will peel, but most people are able to resume normal activities within 24 hours. This peel may require three to six treatments for optimal results. Treatments can safely be performed every three to four weeks
•       Rejuvenize™. A medium peel for moderate to severe skin imperfections, Rejuvenize addresses fine lines, deep wrinkles, and pigmentation irregularities. This retinol-based peel requires a short recovery period and ideal results may require three to six treatments, spaced four to five months apart 

PCA PEELS

•       Enzymatic- skin brightening therapy with resveratrol – This treatment is for all skin types! It is a gentle exfoliant that can be used on anyone (including pregnant women and sensitive skin) It can be paired with dermaplaning or exfoliations. It has ingredients to help protect against free radical damage and reduce fine lines. If you’re looking for an instant “glow” with no actual peeling for days, this is the treatment to go with.
•       Sensi Peel – This is a great option for sensitive skin and higher Fitzpatrick skin types. It helps with overall brightening and texture, while promoting an even skin tone. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can expect a little bit of irritation on the skin because it is a chemical exfoliant. The purpose is to get rid of the dead skin cells and help turn new ones over for a brighter complexion.
•       Ultra Peel – This peel helps treat fine lines and wrinkles. It was made for maturing skin, but can also be used to help treat other skin types and conditions. It reduces dark spots and any other discolorations. What is the down time and recovery like? You can expect to feel a little tingling and discomfort during and after this peel. It is also likely that you will peel for 3-7 days depending on your skin.
•       PCA Peel with hydroquinone – This Peel helps promote an even skin tone and a clear complexion. Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent. It also helps the cell turn over rate. Who can benefit from this peel? Anyone with hyperpigmentation or sun damage.

As with all medium chemical peels, it may take more than one treatment with a VI peel to achieve ideal results. During your time in our care, we will discuss this with you in greater detail to help you determine how many sessions you will need to reach your goals.

PCA Peel with hydroquinone – This Peel helps promote an even skin tone and a clear complexion. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent. It also helps the cell turnover rate. 

You can wear makeup immediately after a light, superficial chemical peel. If you choose to have a medium peel, your provider may advise you to refrain from wearing makeup for five to seven days. Doing so allows the cellular turnover process to occur without any interference from potentially irritating substances.