Chemical Peels

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne.

Who are candidates for Chemical Peels?

Clients who have facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation are candidates.

What are the types of Chemical Peels?

There are three levels of Chemical Peels ranging in intensity and strength:

  • Glycolic Acid Peel - The Glycolic Acid Peel is a form of chemical peel which slowly resurfaces the skin and clears away acne-causing oil and toxins. Several sessions gradually increase the natural beauty and glow of your skin.

  • The process takes about 15 or 20 minutes and can be repeated as often as twice a week. The Peels can range from gentle to strong depending on the amount of layers applied and your skin type.

  • There may be some mild stinging during the treatment, and over the next few days, peeling should occur.  

  • Lactic Acid Peel - The Lactic Acid Peel is a mild facial treatment suited for clients with sensitive skin. This peel can also benefit those who are new to chemical peels and wish to advance to stronger treatments in the future.

    • These peels are effective for treating sun damaged, dry, scarred, splotchy, discolored or acne prone skin. The peel comes in various levels of strength depending on your skin type and the amount of layers used.

    The Lactic Acid Peel is applied to your cleansed face and allowed to sit for several minutes. There may be some slight tingling. The peel is rinsed away with warm water, and a soothing moisturizer is applied.

    For maximum results, this peel should be applied once a week.
  • Salicylic Acid Peel - Salicylic Acid Peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne. They are oil soluble making them appropriate for oily skin in need of deep pore cleansing.

    Clients who have facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation will benefit from a Salicylic Acid Peel.

    Multiple treatments are typical with Salicylic Acid Peels. Various levels of peels can be performed weekly or at longer intervals.

  • TCA Peel - TCA peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne.

  • This peel is a medium-depth peeling system that may be performed in different variations. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems are commonly treated with this type of chemical peel. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve desired results.
How many treatments are required?

Multiple treatments are common with certain Chemical Peels:

  • Alphahydroxy Acids - Various levels of AHA peels can be performed weekly or at longer intervals.
  • Trichloracetic Acids - This peel is more intense and two to three TCA peels are usually performed to achieve desired results.
  • Phenol - A single treatment usually produces desired effects.
Are Chemical Peels safe?

Chemical Peels are safe, but each treatment has different side effects. Some AHA peels may cause irritation, flaking and soreness. Complications for TCA and Phenol peels include scarring and changes in skin color.

Will there be any downtime?

There is no downtime with AHA Chemical Peels. A TCA peel may cause redness and swelling, and a mild pain medication may be prescribed by a physician. Phenol peels may involve intense swelling and pain. You will be able to resume normal activities in a week to ten days.

What are the results?
  • Alphahydroxy Acids - The results from this Chemical Peel may be very subtle at first. You will detect a natural, healthy glow to your skin, and with multiple treatments, even better results can be seen.
  • Trichloracetic Acids - Skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Results are longer-lasting than an AHA peel.
  • Phenol - This peel will result in dramatic improvements in the surface of the skin, including fewer wrinkles, fewer blemishes and even skin tone.
Who should avoid Chemical Peels?

Clients with cold sores or sensitive skin may be at a greater risk for post-treatment complications.