Chemical Peels

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Chemical peels can improve the skin's appearance. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which can make the skin look dry and flakey but eventually peels off within a week. The new skin will have a more refined texture and smoother lines.

Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:

  • Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth

  • Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging

  • Improve the appearance of mild scars

  • Treat certain types of acne

  • Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills

  • Improve the look and feel of skin

  • Areas of sun damage may improve after chemical peeling.

Who is not a candidate for a chemical peel?

Generally light-haired to medium skinned people are the best candidates for chemical peel. The procedure does not work as well on dark-skinned patients.

The procedure is not recommended for individuals with:

  • Infections, active skin disease, cut or broken skin

  • sunburns

  • active Herpes simplex 1 sores.

  • Nursing or pregnant.

  • Have taken Accutane in last six months.

  • Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea.

  • Have used Retin-A, Renova, prescription skin care products, products that contain ascorbic acid, bleaching or skin-lightening agents or other acid-based products in the last 48 hours.

Are chemical peels painful?

Chemicals peels sting but do not cause a great deal of pain. The gentlest peels use alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, lactic or fruit acids are also gentle. They may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting but as the skin begins to adjust all these problems will lessen.

After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should say "broad-spectrum" on the label, meaning it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Also, it should be a physical sunscreen and be above SPF 30. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

The following is a bit of information on the different types of peels The Healing Garden offers:

GLYCOLIC

Glycolic is best for aging skin to include sun damage, hyperpigmentation and fine lines.  A glycolic and lactic (see below) combination is wonderful if you are looking to have fewer breakouts along with a beautiful complexion. Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHA) in the skin care industry. Glycolic is derived from  sugar cane. It is the only AHA that is able to penetrate through cell walls by virtue of its small molecular size. Once inside the cell, it will trigger the new formation of collagen and turn on the synthesis of dermal glycosaminoglycans to plump up the cell to help reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Glycolic acid also allows keratin cells to form at the bottom of the stratum corneum (outer layer of skin) causing it to lift off and separate from the underlying skin. This gives the skin a much smoother look and feel.

LACTIC ACID

Lactic acid is a great for treating deep or fine lines, textured skin, discoloration and scars. It is a natural humectant which occurs naturally in the skin because it is able to pull moisture from the air, and hold it into the skin.  A light amount of lactic acid is less irritating (unless the pH level is low, then people can have a very strong reaction to it) and it's more moisturizing than a glycolic skin peel.

Lactic is great for treating dry skin, aging skin, and sun-damaged skin. Lactic is also great for sensitive skin types, or clients who are new to skin peels.

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid is amazing for acne, oily skin, nodules and cystic acne. It is a milder acid that works as a keratolytic (Keratolytic therapy thins the skin on and around the lesion. It causes the outer layer of the skin to loosen and shed) agent to encourage exfoliation.  It's safe for the treatment for mild and moderate acne, oily skin, uneven texture and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.  Salicylic acid helps unclog pores in order to reduce and prevent lesions.

Lactic and salicylic peels complement each other perfectly and that's how the Jessner skin peel was created. A Jessner solution has 14% lactic and 14% salicylic acid and 14% resorcinol combined. This combination offers a superior exfoliation for the treatment of acne, pigmentation and wrinkles, but can cause some skin irritation and post-inflammation if not done properly.

JESSNER (not recommended with Microdermabrasion)

A Jessner peel is a popular medium-depth chemical peel that works to improve skin health by helping remove and heal skin damage that is more extensive than regular “wear and tear.” This skin care treatment is stronger than most superficial chemical peels, and therefore creates more temporary damage to the skin in the process. The Jessner peel consists of three main ingredients: lactic acid (assists in the exfoliation of the skin), salicylic acid (aids in penetration), and resorcinol (assists in the treatment of acne).

What to Expect

First, you will experience dry, tight skin with slight redness. Your skin may also be overly sensitive. It will peel for about a week after the treatment and you can expect your skin to turn from a pink shade to shade of brown. When the old, damaged skin has all peeled away, you will be left with more refreshed, glowing skin. 

The Healing Garden Day Spa offers a wide variety of Glo chemical peels and in some cases, can be used in conjunction with microdermabrasion for an extra added boost.   I personally have been treating my hyperpigmentation with a Jessner peel and in two treatments can see a difference in the color of my skin.  I am happy to share my experience with you and make recommendations based on your skin type.

(The Best Chemical Peel and Acne treatment in San Diego, n.d.)

UncategorizedHeather Ryah