Facials
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels Orange County
Love the skin you’re in after a Chemical Peel.
Our skin is continuously exposed to environmental factors that affect our skin and lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmented lesions (dark spots or sunspots), or poor texture making us appear older. Fortunately, there are great options to help prevent or reverse these changes and make our skin look revived and youthful such as skin resurfacing.
There are many popular skin resurfacing treatments that are non-invasive and non-surgical, for instance – laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and IPL photo rejuvenation.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel, also known as a chemexfoliation or a chemical exfoliation, is a procedure where a chemical solution that causes a controlled peeling of the epidermis and/or the dermis (superficial and deeper layer of the skin) is applied to the skin leading to the regeneration or renewal of skin cells. Chemical Peels were first used in 1874 by a dermatologist to treat hyperpigmentation.
There are three basic types of chemical peels based on how deep they penetrate the skin. Light chemical peels only penetrate the epidermis (top layer of the skin), thus improving the skin texture and tone. Medium chemical peels penetrate the upper part of the dermis (the layer below the epidermis) and smoothen the skin. The deep peels penetrate and treat the lower layer of the dermis to treat deep wrinkles, scars, and blotchy areas on the skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and carbolic acid (phenol) are largely used in these chemical peels. AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid are the simplest acids which are primarily used in superficial chemical peels. TCA can be used in several formulas. Phenol, one of the intense chemicals, is only used in deep peels.
Chemical peels can be used as a stand-alone cosmetic treatment or in combination with other skin regeneration treatments microdermabrasion or laser for enhanced results.
Chemical peels are effective anti-aging treatment and anti-acne treatment.
Treatment
A chemical peel is a quick 20 treatment. First your skin is cleaned thoroughly. Then a chemical peel solution is applied to an area of your skin. This chemical peel solution starts to create a controlled wound so that new skin can replace the older skin cells.
Most people will feel a burning sensation during the treatment that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Applying cool compresses may help decrease discomfort.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
- Treat fine lines and wrinkles
- Treat inflammatory conditions such as, acne vulgaris and rosacea
- Improve the appearance of scars such as acne scars
- Hyperpigmented conditions such as age spots, dark patches (melasma), freckles, lentigines, sun-damage spots, and post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Treat epidermal proliferation and pre-cancerous lesions, including sebaceous and actinic keratosis, are commonly known as warts
Chemical Peels Pre & Post Care Instructions
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Avoid the following for about 1 week prior to your treatment:
- Sun exposure
- Electrolysis
- Waxing
- Depilatory creams
- Laser hair removal
- Exfoliating products
- Shaving of the area to be treated
- Any products that may be drying or irritating, including but not limited to products containing hydroxy acids, hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin c, and prescription medications
Post-Treatment Instructions
Light-depth peels have a recovery time of about 3-4 days. You may have red skin for about 1-2 days and slight flaking for 3-4 days. During the 3-4 days of healing:
- Wash with a gentle cleanser twice a day
- Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer
- Apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen daily
- Avoid rubbing the skin
- Avoid picking flaking skin
- Avoid sun exposure
Medium-depth have approximate recovery times of 7-8 days. Swelling may be present for about 1-2 days. Redness is common and may last about 1 month. During the recovery:
- Apply a clean ice pack about 10 min every hour as needed during the first 1-2 days.
- Gently wash the face twice daily without rubbing or using a washcloth. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel. Apply a bland ointment emollient after washing.
- Perform an astringent soak using a gauze soaked in aluminum acetate solution. Lay the gauze on the treated area for about 10 min daily.
- Avoid rubbing the skin.
- Avoid picking flaking skin.
Deep-depth peels have an approximate recovery time of 8-10 days. Swelling may be present for about 1-2 days. Redness is common and may last about 2-3 months. During the recovery:
- Apply a clean ice pack about 10 min every hour as needed during the first 1-2 days.
- Gently wash the face twice daily without rubbing or using a washcloth. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel. Apply a bland ointment emollient after washing.
- Perform an astringent soak using a gauze soaked in aluminum acetate solution. Lay the gauze on the treated area for about 10 min daily.
- Avoid rubbing the skin.
- Avoid picking flaking skin.