“Tried and True”
Chemical peels have been popular for decades with consistent results. By applying different concentrations and combinations of chemicals on the skin, you can reduce fine lines, brown spots, and improve skin texture and clarity. Chemical peels work and are “tried and true.” The key is to make sure your treatment professional has the knowledge to perform a safe and effective peel. Our facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jess Prischmann, works in close collaboration with our experienced advanced practice esthetician, Amy Nelson, to offer you the best treatment for your needs.
The confusion around chemical peels involves the fact that there are so many different chemicals: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, phenol, azelaic acid, phytic acid, and mandelic acid, just to name a few. With so many options, how do you know which chemical peel is best for you?
Before
After
Superficial Chemical Peels
Superficial chemical peels have little to no downtime and are great for exfoliating the skin and stimulating cell renewal. They are generally considered safe and effective for almost all skin types. Superficial peels can also be used for those with sensitive skin conditions, such as acne or rosacea. When used for anti-aging purposes, a series of three to six peels can be beneficial. Superficial peels can be combined with facials, microdermabrasion, or dermaplaning.
Medium-Depth Chemical Peels
Medium-depth peels have three to five days of downtime and are excellent treatments for mild wrinkles, sun damage, and improvement in skin texture. While superficial peels can be performed by most aestheticians (and even at home), medium-depth peels should only be performed by trained professionals.
Medium-depth peels can be combined with lightening agents to significantly improve sun spots and freckling. They are also a part of a great strategy to prevent the signs of aging and maintain good skin quality and texture. They can be repeated at various intervals for continued optimal results.
The Perfect™ Derma Peel
The Perfect™ Derma Peel is a medium-depth peel designed to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity while addressing signs of sun damage and discoloration. The Perfect™ Derma Peel is composed of TCA, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Phenol, Glutathione, and Vitamin C. It can be utilized safely on lighter skin types. The peel is applied in-office by our advanced practice esthetician and is later washed off at home. In the days following treatment, your skin will appear somewhat red and possibly a bit darker than usual, similar to the effects of a sunburn. The treated skin should then begin to peel on day 3 or 4, with early results becoming apparent after about seven days. The appearance of peeling, dry skin, and feelings of tightness can be reduced with The Perfect™ Derma Moisturizer, which is included in your treatment. We recommend staying out of the sun and avoiding strenuous exercise and other activities that would cause you to sweat until the peeling has completely resolved.
Many individuals who have The Perfect™ Derma Peel achieve noticeable results after a single treatment; however, some patients need a series of two peels to see results. Two “maintenance” peels each year may be recommended as part of a long-term plan.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels have seven to ten days of downtime, followed by weeks of erythema (redness). They are extremely effective in reducing wrinkles, eliminating sun damage, and improving skin texture. While the entire recovery process can last for weeks, the results can last for years. Because of the depth of the peel, deep chemical peels should only be performed by doctors specifically trained in their use.
Dr. Prischmann does not currently offer deep chemical peels in her practice. She does, however, perform full-field deep laser resurfacing for patients who are seeking deep resurfacing and are good candidates for this aggressive procedure.
Who is a candidate for peels?
Chemical peels can be used for anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and superficial melasma. A trained professional can help you decide which level of chemical peel is best for you. Factors to consider include expected results, downtime, skin type, history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and a history of cold sores.
What about laser resurfacing or BBL™?
Chemical peels can be used with or instead of laser skin resurfacing and BBL™. The selection of chemical peel versus laser treatment depends on a lot of factors, including sensitivity to chemicals, cost factors, and ultimate goals for the procedure. Because we offer both modalities, we can easily help you decide which procedure is best for you.
If you would like more information on chemical peels, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to talk more about your skin care needs, please contact us today.