Are you ready to get that glowing skin back after the summer? Want to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Try a chemical peel!
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin, which promote growth of new skin and improve its appearance. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled then the old one.
A variety of chemicals can be used as peeling agents such as TCA, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Jessner and after a thorough consultation your skin care professional will decide which is best for your skin condition.
So in short, a chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on face, neck and hands. Or on other desired areas.
There are a couple of chemical peels and I have divided them into three groups. There is a Superficial or a lunchtime peel, a Medium peel and a Deep peel. Let me explain what I mean.
Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or other mild acids are used to only penetrate the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve appearance of mild discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands and give your skin a glow.
Superficial peels require one to five days to heal. Treated skin will initially be a little red and may scale a little. Always listen to your skin care specialist on what to apply to your skin after the peel. SPF is mandatory after any peel as your skin is more sensitive.
Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is applied to penetrate the outer and the middle layers of the skin to remove damage skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin.
Depending on the client, medium peels require up to 5-7 days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and you might be a little swollen. Your skin may crust and peel off in five to seven days but some only get some flaking of the skin. SPF if mandatory and all sun exposure should be avoided.
Deep peel: Tricholoracetic acid (TCA) or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damage skin cells. The treatment removes fine to moderate lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation like age/sunspots and freckles, and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance.
Deep peels require 14-21 days to heal. You will be red and swollen and the peeling can last up to 14 days. Your skin care professional will give you instructions how to take care of your skin, for the best healing. Avoid the sun and ALWAYS wear SPF.
Benefits Gained from a Chemical Peel
(Depending on what peel you choose)
- Remove brown spots and freckles
- Lighten melisma
- Decrease fine line and wrinkles
- Stimulate cell turnover
- Reduce sun damage and hyperpigmentation
- Exfoliates the skin
- Calm redness and irritation
- Fight acne causing bacteria
- Unclog and reduce pores
- Reduce oily complexion
- Improve your skins look and feel
If you feel that you are ready for a chemical peel, come into The Laser Image Company for a consultation and let us educate you what peels can do for your skin. And remember, you can always start with a superficial peel on your lunch brake to get a glow and then increase from there.
