About Chemical Peels

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Chemical peels first gained popularity back in the 1960s, yet almost half a century later, many of it's fans don't quite understand how this kind of exfoliation works; they simply know it helps resurface and refresh their complexion, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

The way a chemical or acid peel works is relatively simple: it disrupts the bonds between dead skin cells. The speed and depth of the exfoliation is determined by which acid is used, its acidity (pH), the concentration of the solution, and the amount of time it's left on the skin.

Once the skin is injured by the peel (in a controlled, safe way), it repairs itself by flaking away the dead skin to reveal new, fresh skin.

It's extremely important that the person administering the treatment is well-versed and experienced. If the peel isn't left on long enough, there will be no effect on the skin; if it's left on too long, it can cause damage to the living cells. All of our licensed Medical Estheticians are trained and experts at performing chemical peels.

 

Q: How many peels will produce the desired results?

 

A: The type of peel that you're having dictates if you'll need just one or a series of treatments.

Light peels are usually performed in a series, spaced about a month apart, but they can also be performed on their own or as a boost, like after a facial. However, single treatments won't offer your skin the long-term benefits that a series can.

Medium peels can be performed just once or as part of a regimen, depending on what your dermatologist or plastic surgeon feels in best for your skin.

Deep peels, on the other hand, are generally only performed once-perhaps in your entire life-since they offer dramatic results and carry the risk of serious pigment changes.

 

Q: Alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids-it can be kind of confusing. Where do they come from, what do they do, and how do you know which one is right for you?

 

A: Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are derived from fruits and botanicals (although they can be produced synthetically). You have your glycolic (often from sugarcane), lactic (or milk), citric (citrus fruit), malic (often from unripe apples), and tartaric (from grapes and bananas) acids. Citric, malic and tartaric acids are generally mild and can often be found in over-the-counter skincare products. Most people can tolerate them, unless you have a particular allergy to any of the fruits they come from.

 

Lactic acid is mild enough to be done as a peel on almost anyone-unless, again, if you have a milk allergy. It is an excellent choice for dehydrated skin, as lactic acid is a humectant. Because it removes the stratum corneum layer of the skin, it will help with hyperpigmentation. Another benefit is that there is rarely any downtime-I've personally never seen anyone's skin peel from this treatment.

 

Glycolic acid can be found in various strengths and pH levels (often found in "aesthetician strength" and "physician strength" when used as a chemical peel, but also in over-the-counter strength in daily products). This particular acid is great for stubborn breakouts, congested skin, mild sun damage, and premature aging.

 

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid derived from wintergreen, willow bark or meadowsweet, and is virtually identical to the main ingredient in aspirin. BHAs have a smaller molecular make-up, so these acids can penetrate much deeper into the skin's layers, often providing stronger results but requiring more downtime for healing, as there tends to be more peeling than with glycolic peels.

Salicylic acid, over time, will help lift hyperpigmentation, clear up more severe cases of acne, smooth rough skin texture, and reverse some signs of sun damage.

 

Watch what The Doctors had to say about Chemical Peels

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/procedure_list/998