Chemical Peels – Minimal Recovery, Immediate Results
Learn More About Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is an aesthetic procedure performed to achieve better skin tone and to remove fine lines, especially on the face. Skin peels have been used for centuries and are revered for the simplicity of the application, minimal recovery time and the almost immediate results. Although most popular as enhancement to the skin on the face, chemical peels can be used treat skin on the legs, arms, back, neck and chest.
Chemical Peels
All chemical peels work by removing a layer of skin. Removing the layers of skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which are tainted by the previous skin condition. The skin is susceptible to damage by sun, acne, age, wrinkles or pigmentation problems. There are seven layers of our skin and the amount and severity of the damage to the skin can affect some or all of these layers.
A chemical peel uses chemicals or acid to remove the layers of the skin that have been damaged. Chemical peels differ in the layer of skin they remove. Superficial or light chemical peels remove the top layer of the skin. This layer is mostly dead skin and removal can cause immediate results that include clear fresh looking skin.
Chemical peels advance from superficial peels to medium or deep chemical peels. Dr. Craft and you enhancement team will assess your skin and identify problem areas and challenges and work with you to outline your goals and an enhancement plan. Depending on the level of trauma and the depth of the trauma to your skin, Dr. Craft and his team will choose the appropriate chemical peel for your skin.
Outcomes & Results
The overall outcome and results of a chemical peel is the luminous, glowing and “fresh” appearance of the face. While the chemicals in the peels work to remove dead or damaged skin, the peels also include vitamins and acids in the peel to erase fine lines, contract large pores, correct wrinkles, encourage collagen production, encourage elastin production and correct acne and hyperpigmentation. Outcomes and results of a chemical peel can include:
Outcomes and results of a chemical peel can include:
- Reduced facial wrinkles and lines
- Improved sun-damaged skin
- Correct age spots
- Correct pigmentation problems
- Lighten scars (especially from acne)
- Treat precancerous skin lesions
- Treat Melasma
Remove Dead or Damaged Skin
Options & Applications
Several Application Steps
Depending on the amount of damage and affected areas of your skin, Dr. Craft and the enhancement team will work with you to choose the appropriate chemical peel. All chemical peels apply more than one application and all include several steps in the application process (preparation, peel and moisturizing or revitalizing)..
Generally, chemical peels are applied to the skin, and dry out the top layers of the skin over a period of a few days (5 – 7). Once the top layers of skin dry out they peel off. When these top layers of skin peel off, a new layer of undamaged skin is revealed. The new layer is fresher, smoother and has more color.
Dr. Craft uses SkinMedica® chemical peel choices including:
TCA peel
TCA Chemical peels have been mainstays in the industry for years. TCA contains a non-toxic chemical (trichloroacetic acid), which is similar to vinegar (acetic acid. TCA peels are generally used for patients who have sun damage or melisma. TCA peels can be used in conjunction with prescription creams.
Vitalize peel
Vitalize Peel is most appropriate for skin with mild to moderate damage and imperfections including hyperpigmentation, acne and overall inflamed skin. Vitalize peel is a three step peel and includes a combination alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, resorcinol and retinoic acid. A vitalize peel can be used for all skin types and application of the second step moderates the depth of the application.
Learn more…
Illuminize peel
Illuminize Peel is a two-step peel that consists of a blend of chemicals. Illuminize is the gentlest peel and is most appropriate for patients who have minor skin imperfections, are first time chemical peel users or desire mild to moderate improvements in their skin.
Considerations
Although chemical peels are non-surgical non-invasive applications, there are some considerations prior to committing to a chemical peel procedure:
- Skin should be free of active skin disease of infection
- Deep chemical peels may not be recommended for patients with darker skin or a history of pigmentation (hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, keloiding)
- Chemical peels may not be recommended for patients with severe acne
- Some chemical peels may not be recommended for patients who are allergic to aspirin
- Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not be considered for chemical peels
- Depending on the type and intensity of the peel, your face will peel for a few days (5 – 7) and may appear unhealthy or unpleasant. You can work with your enhancement team to schedule a date and time where such peeling will be as convenient as possible
General Procedure
There are varying steps depending on the chemical peel Dr. Craft selects for you. The general application begins with cleaning the skin of oils. Then, the chemical skin peel solution is applied to the skin. The solution is allowed to stay on the skin for a specified time in order to remove the layers of damaged skin.
Depending on the degree of damaged skin, your skin type and the color of your skin there will be varying effects. As your skin begins to dry out, the skin may turn white, a frost-like effect, or the skin may turn darker. Over the course of a few days, the skin will begin to peel off. You will follow post-application instructions as outlined by your care team and may need to apply additional creams for a few days.
Sun Damage & Skin Types
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Post Application Care
Recovery Process
Following application, your enhancement team will provide you with instructions and post-application care. This may include additional applications of moisturizers or other products to your skin as it goes through the peeling process. You may also be instructed to cleanse the skin with recommended mild cleansers. You will need to apply sunscreen and be very careful to avoid the sun as your skin peels and rejuvenates.
Recovery time varies depending upon the extent of the chemical peel. Although complications are rare, your enhancement team will instruct you on signs of complications and the appropriate actions.
