Chemical Peels: What You Should Know
September 11, 2012 4:51 pm
It’s chemical peel season folks! Here at 360 Skin we like to do chemical peels twice a year: Spring and Fall. Spring gets you looking good for the Summertime and Fall gets you fresh faced for the holidays. But there are many misconceptions about chemical peels and I thought we’d discuss the basics and hopefully demystify the process a bit.
So, when you think of a chemical peel, what image pops into your mind? A red, crispy, burnt face scaring passersby and small children as you walk down the street? Or legal sized sheets of skin hanging off of your face?
Well, you’re not alone, but nowadays advancements in cellular knowledge and the variety of acids available on the market mean that in the experienced hands of a Medical Esthetician the outcome of a peel is much more predictable and it’s easy to insure that you get great looking skin without all the downtime and discomfort. You don’t even have to see peeling to achieve results.
Let’s take a step back and start by defining what a chemical peel is. A chemical peel is a treatment that uses acids to break down the bonds between the skin layers and cells, promoting the release and turn over of dead skin. This action kicks the skin into high gear and it accelerates the production of fresh new, plump skin cells.
There are many types of acids on the market today; glycolic, lactic, salicylic, kojic, Jessner, vitamin C, hyaluronic, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), just to name a few. Each of these acids addresses different skin issues including acne, hyper-pigmentation, rosacea, sun damage, aging skin or a dull complexion. Years ago patients were limited to only glycolic acid to address their skin’s issues, however today the choices are vast.
What to Expect
It is important for clients to have realistic expectations of what a chemical peel can do before starting a series of treatments so let’s talk a bit about what is actually happening to the skin as we get older.
As we age, the rate of cell turnover in the skin naturally slows down which leads to dull, lifeless-looking skin. The first goal of a chemical peel is to accelerate cell turnover. Think back to that amazing skin that you had as a child: dense, plump and super resilient. Children have an overabundance of collagen and elastin with the fibers tightly woven together. As we age collagen and elastin production slows and spaces begin to appear between the fibers which create wrinkles, folds, and slack in the skin. The chemical peel and removal of the layers of skin is seen by the body as a “wound” and the body responds to this wound by sending in collagen and elastin to repair the damage.
The second goal of a chemical peel is to contain the injury of the skin to only the desired layers. Achieving the balance between the first and second goal is very complex and difficult to accomplish and requires a fully trained and experienced Medical Esthetician for safety and efficacy. No matter what peel is used, a realistic expectation should be a lighter, brighter skin with an even, improved texture.
Usually peels are performed in a series of 4 but that number can vary from person to person and will depend on the strength of the peel chosen and your individual goals. Peels can be booked anywhere from two weeks to two month apart. Generally oily skin or skin dealing with active acne should be treated every two weeks, sun-damaged skin every two weeks, and aging or slack skin every three weeks.
With proper consultation you should expect to be able to achieve your goals within your comfort level and with very little disruption to your lifestyle. Here at 360 Skin we will assist you along every step of the way, educating you as we go, to ensure you make informed, well thought out decisions.