Chemical Peels

What is in a peel?

A lot of the same ingredients used for at home skin care are used in higher concentrations in professional peels.

Goal:

• to exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells
• to stimulate fibroblast activity
• to smooth skin surface
• to help remove pigmented lesions, acne scars and solar keratoses

Indications:

• sun damaged skin
• fine lines and wrinkles
• pigment disorders and brown spots
• skin laxity
• acne scars
• solar keratoses

Types of peels.

1. Very superficial peels (very popular)
2. Superficial peels (very popular)
3. Medium peels (skin type 1-3 only. chance of hyperpigmentation)
4. Deep peels

The deeper the treatment (medium and deep peels), the greater the result and the longer the recuperation. The deep peels also carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring as it actually penetrate the stratum corneum and into the living tissues of the skin.

Medium and deep peels declined in popularity since the introduction of new laser procedures.

The purpose of a peel is to rid you of a mottled complexion by removing dead cells and help attain a radiant healthy looking skin.

Types of peels used frequently.

Glycolic acid peel:

• “week end” peel, no down time.
• would not damage the dermis
• is the most common ingredient in chemical peels

Salicylic acid peel:

• excellent choice for acne
• fat soluble and can penetrate into the pores

TCA easy peel:

• epidermis exfoliation
• If done repeatedly in a low concentration it can kill fine wrinkles and leave the
  skin with a smooth finish

Phytic acid peel:

• very superficial exfoliation
• maintenance peel after initial peels

Kojic acid: bleaching effect

(1) Very superficial peel.

Remove dead skin cells. After several treatments the repetitive peeling action or exfoliation can stimulate growth of the epidermis and even lead to regeneration of collagen.

Patience is important. With a superficial peel it is unrealistic to expect a whole new you after just one treatment.

It usually takes up to 4 treatments spaced approximately 2-3 weeks apart before you can see an improvement.

Suggested peels:

• glycolic acid (20-50 %)
• TCA (10-15 %)

Recuperation: None. May be a little pink.

(2) Superficial peel.

Slightly stronger than the previous level.
Penetrates deeper into the epidermis.
Good for: sun damage
other texture imperfections

Suggested peels:

• glycolic acid (50-70 %)
• TCA 20 %

Recuperation:

similar to a very superficial peel, but with additional peeling and
flaking of the skin.

Frequency:

every 2 –3 weeks

maintenance:

every 4 weeks.

(3) Medium peels.

Skin type 1-3 only.

Suggested peels:

• glycolic acid (70 %)
• TCA 35 %.