Chemical Peels

Despite the advent of advanced instrumentation, such as lasers and surgery, they have stood the test of time.

Chemical peels are a cost-effective, convenient and far-reaching skin-resurfacing method for the treatment of acne, discoloration, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and much more!

Why do chemical peels work? In short, chemical peels dissolve the microscopic bond between epidermal cells and stimulate the production of healthy collagen and elastin.

Essentially, chemical peels expediate the skin’s natural turnover rate and “injure” the epidermis thereby encouraging cellular renewal.

The term “injury” or “trauma” in reference to chemical peels denotes the typical depth of penetration and impact on the epidermis. The range of exfoliation varies from minimal to intense depending on the peel’s formula, strength and concentration.

Due to substantial variability, chemical peels can be classified into four distinct categories: very superficial, superficial, medium and deep.

As always, user tolerance and skin type are significant factors in the degree of peeling and downtime. Nevertheless, high-quality skin care products enhance the skin’s natural healing process and minimize the potential for irritation.

Four C's of Chemical Peels

→ Chemical: Not all chemicals peels are created equal! Results will vary accordingly from peel to peel. Case in point, the TCA Peel 15% is a much stronger chemical solution than the Lactic Acid Peel 20%. The alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) composition of the lactic peel is significantly less invasive than that of trichloroacetic acid.

→ Concentration: The concentration of a chemical peel is a huge factor in its strength and penetrability. The Glycolic Peel is the perfect exemplar for this verity. The Glycolic Acid Peel 20% yields very superficial to superficial “injury”, while the Glycolic Acid Peel 70% will penetrate deep into the epidermis for a medium-depth peel.

→ Condition: The condition of an individual’s skin greatly affects the outcome of a chemical peel. Skin peels are not recommended for individuals with highly sensitive, sunburned, infected, weak or dermatitis-prone skin in addition to those predisposed to keloidal or abnormal scarring. Inflamed acne conditions should opt for a peel with anti-bacterial properties such as the Jessner Peel, which has the added benefit of skin-clearing salicylic acid.

→ Conduct: Even the lightest skin peels shouldn’t be taken “lightly”. Whatever its purpose serves, acne removal, anti-aging or simply rejuvenating, chemical peels require careful conduct. Properly execute directions to ensure a safe and effective peel. As always, sun protection in addition to a non-abrasive, gentle skin care regime is a must!

How does a Chemical Peel Work?

Chemical peels work by loosening and gently sloughing off the damaged, unattractive skin cells. Depending on the strength of the peel, you may feel a slight tingling or the mild sting of a sunburn.

Flaking may occur several days following the peel as the damaged skin is freed and new, unblemished skin cells rise to the surface. Peel RX Skin Peels can also work on the deeper layers of skin to accelerate the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin.

Your Skin is one of the first things people notice

You don't have to live with skin that has become aged, scarred by acne, freckled or blotchy. Chemical peels are designed to treat all of these skin issues and more.

About our Skin Peel Systems

You deserve a high-quality, effective, and safe skin peel system. Peel RX Skin Peels are scientifically formulated by leading dermatologists and skin surgeons to give real, noticeable improvements to your skin's appearance.

After many years of promoting peels and their benefits, it became clear that total treatment is necessary for better skin rejuvenation and enhanced peel results. We subsequently have grouped together the basic items you will need to perform a professional style peel.

How to Use the Peel Systems

→ 1. A gentle Daily Exfoliator (used in-between peel treatment) to further turn over skin cells.
→ 2. Skin Peel to be applied every 2-3 weeks.
→ 3. Hyaluronic Moisturizer - to soothe, nourish and moisturize. (oil-free for all skin types)

Skin Peels are known by many different names

Such as chemical peels, facial peels, fruit acid skin peels, AHA Peels, chemical resurfacing, and enzyme peels.

When used properly, chemical peels can be suitable for almost all skin care types, including photo-aging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, age spots, discoloration (dyschromia) and uneven skin tone.

Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin, promoting the growth of new skin with improved appearance.

Skin Peel Before & Afters

New, younger skin, bathed in collagen and elastin develops, while replacing older, wrinkled skin - dramatically rejuvenating your appearance.

About the skin structure

There are two layers of the skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis and the inner layer, the dermis. Superficial peels (e.g. glycolic acid) produce very superficial injury, confined to the epidermis. Superficial peels can help improve conditions such as acne and dyschromia.

Skin Peels in Depth

In general, the deeper peels offer the most dramatic results but require longer recovery periods and carry a higher risk of complications. However, chemical peels have actually been used for hundreds of years and have a proven safety record (when applied by experienced users).

Caution

Note: Chemical peels are not for everyone. Those in poor general health, for example, should not receive chemical peels. Active infections and certain medications (i.e. isotretinoin (Accutane) may preclude the use of certain types of chemical peels (especially medium and deep).

Those with abnormal scarring, certain skin diseases, or recent surgeries should also not have a chemical peel. Consultation with a dermatologist or physician is recommended when making the decision to have a chemical peel treatment.

Chemical Peels: Myth vs. Fact

Chemical peels have long been used to rejuvenate skin and treat skin conditions. They remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, allowing smoother and healthier skin to grow in its place. Many people continue to shy away from chemical skin peels. Some think chemical peels are dangerous, while others believe them unnecessary. Over the years, a number of myths about skin peels have come to be passed around as common knowledge. Here are some chemical peel myths and facts.

Myth: Chemical Peels Cause Scarring and Peeling

Fact: Mild chemical peels cause only slight flaking of the skin, that usually clears up within 24 hours. Medium-depth peels may cause some slight peeling of the skin, but you can treat this with moisturizer. Deep peels do carry a risk of scarring, permanent lightening of the skin and sensitivity to sunlight, and demarcation lines. The risk of scaring is minimal when deep peels are performed by a dermatologist.

Myth: Chemical Peels Cause Skin Infections

Fact: Most chemical peels do not carry a risk of skin infection. Mild and medium-depth peels usually heal well, without becoming infected. Deep peels carry some risk of infection, because they penetrate deeper and remove more of the surface of the skin than other peels. If you care for your skin properly after the procedure, you can minimize your risk of skin infection from a deep peel.

Myth: Chemical Peels Are Very Painful

Fact: Mild chemical peels aren't very painful at all. You might feel some mild stinging during the procedure, but your dermatologist can relieve this side effect by applying moisturizers, cold packs and water to your skin following the procedure. Medium-depth peels may cause moderate pain, but your dermatologist can relieve pain during the procedure with a local anesthetic. Pain may last for a few hours following a medium-depth peel, but you can treat it with over-the-counter pain relievers. Deep peels are the most painful; they sometimes require general anesthetia and prescription pain relievers.

Myth: Chemical Peels Make You Sensitive to Sunlight

Fact: Most chemical peels do not make you any more sensitive to sunlight than you were before you had the peel. You should be sure to wear sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 in the six weeks following a chemical peel. Wearing high-factor sunblock, however, is considered the best way to protect your skin from sun damage, whether or not you've recently had a chemical peel.

Myth: If You Don't Have a Skin Condition, You Can't Benefit from a Chemical Peel

Fact: While chemical peels are often used to treat skin conditions like acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation and precancerous growths, they can be of benefit even to those who do not suffer from a skin condition. Chemical peeling is nothing more than a form of exfoliation. It helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin to reveal brighter, lighter, younger-looking skin. Even if you don't have a skin condition, regular chemical peels can help keep you looking your best and can help to prevent mild skin conditions like acne.

Myth: Chemical Peels Use Harsh Chemicals that May Be Dangerous

Fact: The chemicals used in most skin peels aren't harsh at all. In fact, many of them occur naturally in fruits and other foods. Lactic acid, a common ingredient in mild skin peels, is found in milk, and it's the reason why milk baths are considered good for the skin. Tartaric acid, which is found in grapes, has long been used in mild skin peels. While modern dermatology has discovered a number of new chemical peel ingredients, most of them aren't especially caustic. Chemical peel ingredients are regulated by the FDA, so you can rest assured that they're safe for your skin.