What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are a mixture of solutions applied to the skin to enhance its cosmetic appearance. There are a variety of strengths and formations for different purposes. Some even have a medical indication that can be used to treat precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis. Chemical peels work by removing the outer layers of the skin that have been damaged with time, sun exposure, or stress. There are different strengths and combinations available. Some are very superficial without any downtime. Deeper chemical peels are able to provide a more drastic improvement to the skin, but it may result in a few days of a red sunburn like appearance.
Some things chemical peels are useful to treat include:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars
Sunspots
Precancerous lesions, actinic keratosis
Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone
What is treatment like?
Chemical peels are easily performed in a 30-minute appointment session. When you arrive, your skin is cleaned and prepared for the procedure. Topical numbing cream is applied (if desired) to the skin and begins to work almost immediately. The chemical peeling agent is then applied to the skin. Several passes of the solution are used to cover the skin. After that, the skin is cleaned and a calming cream applied. You are then ready to go.
With superficial and medium depth chemical peels, you’re able to resume normal activities and go back to work immediately. We recommend avoiding the sun for a few days, but you can wear makeup the following day.
For deep chemical peels, the skin remains red for a few days after the procedure, and it resembles a deep sunburn. Most patients take a day or two off or have this procedure performed before the weekend to allow themselves some time to heal.
What is a combination peel?
For patients seeking a more dramatic improvement of their skin, we combine multiple chemical peels and sometimes incorporate microneedling. Because microneedling induces invisible micro wounds to the skin, the chemical peeling agent is able to travel deeply into the dermis. This results in a significant improvement of the skin after just one treatment.
During a chemical peel we are also able to use neurotoxins such as Botox or dermal fillers like Juvederm to further enhance the skin.