Chemical Peels

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ust saying the words “chemical peel” can send patients running, but peels of today are not the same as peels of yesterday! Peels are categorized by the concentration of the acids and can range from superficial (also known as light peels) to medium or deep peels. The medical industry now has peels for every skin color and skin type. There are more blends of acids now verses single acids, allowing multiple benefits to the skin. Your dermatologist will determine which type of peel is best for your individual needs.

Chemical peels are used to treat:

Fine lines and wrinklesSkin Discoloration (blotchy complexion, uneven skin tone)Skin textureAge spotsMelasmaAcneOily skin

Chemical peel results:

Fewer fine lines and wrinklesBrighter complexionSmoother skin textureMore even skin colorTemporary reduction in excessive oil production

Skin Medica Peels range from light peels to medium peels. The Illuminize Peel utilizes a newer generation of alpha-hydroxy acids mandelic and malic for light exfoliation and brightening of skin. There is low irritation and zero down time with this peel. The Vitalize Peel and Rejuvenize peel are light to medium depth peels and both contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, panthenol, and retinoic acid. The Rejuvenize being the stronger of the two peels, which target texture, tone, mild pigment, and acne. Expect about 2-3 days of peeling with both peels.

Brightening Peel utilizes lactic acid and phytic acid, combined with non-acidic retinoic acid and hydroquinone that does not burn or injure the skin. For this reason, Brightening Peel is great to treat patients with darker complexions. This peel is targeted for hyperpigmentation and melasma, and you can expect to peel for about 4-5 days.

Vi Peel is a deep peel, and contains TCA (trichloroactic acid), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, phenol, retinoic acid, and vitamin c. This peel is targeted for hyperpigmentation, melasma, tone, texture, and clarity of skin with brighter skin after just 1 treatment. There is very little discomfort associated with this peel, and you can expect to peel for about a week.

Renew Peel is a medium to deep peel that contains a strong concentration of TCA, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and retinoic acid. This peel is also for hyperpigmentation, melasma, tone, texture, and clarity of skin, but is not as deep as the Vi Peel. Peeling is also expected for 5 to 7 days.

Beta Peel is a light peel containing just beta hydroxy salicylic acid and is a great peel for very oily skin, acne-prone skin, and hyperpigmentation. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid, this peel is great for darker skin tones that cannot tolerate other acids. There is little to no down time associated with this peel, but some mild flaking may occur.

Having peels done on a regular basis (every 4 to 8 weeks) will lead to a smoother even texture, and collagen stimulation for healthy skin. However, they must accompany your daily skincare regimen of an antioxidant and spf in the morning and retinoid at night.