Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are advanced exfoliating treatments that provide a more profound level of exfoliation compared to traditional manual scrub exfoliants. These peels typically blend Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) to address various skin concerns on the surface and within the skin. Each chemical peel is tailored to meet your specific needs every time.

During the treatment, a customized chemical solution is applied to the skin, each serving a different purpose and target. AHAs help eliminate dead skin cells and boost cell turnover, while BHAs help cleanse deep within skin pores by removing congestion and bacteria.

A chemical solution is topically applied to the skin for a specified duration, each serving a distinct purpose and targeting specific concerns. Among the commonly utilized chemical solutions are AHA’s, which aid in exfoliating dead skin cells and enhancing cell regeneration, and BHA’s, known for their effectiveness in deep pore cleansing by eliminating congestion and bacteria. These acids can be used individually or combined in a single solution for enhanced efficacy.

Chemical Peels are beneficial for: 

• Dull skin
• Dehydrated skin
• Acne or congested skin
• Pigmentation, brown spots and sun damaged skin
• Skin sensitivities
• Rosacea
• Aging skin
• Uneven skin tone and complexion
• Oily skin
• Preventive maintenance
• Post treatment maintenance

AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) are both types of chemical exfoliants commonly used in skincare, including chemical peels. While they both offer exfoliation benefits, they have some differences:

BHA: BHAs generally have less potential to increase sun sensitivity compared to AHAs, although it’s still recommended to use sunscreen regularly.

Chemical Structure:

AHA: AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from fruits and milk sugars. Common AHAs include glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), and mandelic acid (from almonds).

BHA: BHAs are oil-soluble acids. The most common BHA used in skincare is salicylic acid.

Exfoliation Depth:

AHA: AHAs are known for their ability to exfoliate the skin’s surface layers, helping to improve texture, smoothness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

BHA: BHAs can penetrate deeper into the pores due to their oil-soluble nature. They are particularly effective for treating acne and blackheads because they can dissolve the oil and debris clogging pores.

Skin Types:

AHA: AHAs are generally suitable for normal to dry skin types. They can help hydrate the skin and improve moisture retention.

BHA: BHAs are often recommended for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types due to their ability to penetrate the pores and remove excess oil.

Anti-inflammatory Properties:

AHA: AHAs typically have less anti-inflammatory properties compared to BHAs.

BHA: BHAs, particularly salicylic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm redness and irritation associated with acne and other skin conditions.

Sun Sensitivity:

AHA: AHAs can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it more prone to sunburn. It’s important to use sunscreen when using AHAs.

Chemical peels, effectively address various skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging, it’s essential to undergo the procedure under the guidance of a qualified professional who can ensure your safety and provide appropriate care before, during, and after the treatment.

Common side effects of chemical peels may include redness, stinging or burning sensations, mild swelling, and temporary changes in skin pigmentation. These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days to a week after the treatment. Chemical peels can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it more prone to sunburn and damage. It’s crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen and limit sun exposure following a chemical peel to protect the skin and maintain the results.

Chemical peels can be combined with various other skincare treatments to enhance their effectiveness or target specific skin concerns. Some common treatments that can be combined with chemical peels include:

Medical-grade Skincare Regimens: Following a chemical peel, a customized skincare regimen tailored to your skin type and concerns can help maintain and enhance the results of the treatment while promoting long-term skin health.

Microdermabrasion or HydraFacial: Microdermabrasion or HydraFacial are non-invasive exfoliation treatments that removes dead skin cells and promotes skin renewal. Combining microdermabrasion or HydraFacials with a chemical peel can further enhance exfoliation and improve skin texture and tone.

Microneedling: Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation. When combined with a chemical peel, microneedling can enhance product penetration and amplify the effects of both treatments.

Laser Therapy: Laser treatments such as fractional laser resurfacing or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can target specific skin concerns such as sun damage, pigmentation issues, and fine lines. Combining laser therapy with a chemical peel can provide comprehensive skin rejuvenation and address multiple concerns simultaneously.

Facial Treatments: Facial treatments such as extractions, high-frequency therapy, or LED light therapy can complement the effects of a chemical peel by further purifying the skin, reducing inflammation, or promoting healing and collagen production.

Injectables: Injectable treatments like Botox Nuceiva or dermal fillers can be administered before or after a chemical peel to target dynamic wrinkles, fine lines, or volume loss in specific areas of the face.

Skin Tightening Treatments: Procedures like radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening can help tighten and firm the skin, complementing the effects of a chemical peel by improving skin laxity and overall texture.

Most patients describe a mild tingling heat in the treatment area for 5-15 minutes. Moisturizer is then applied to deeply hydrate the skin and retain the benefits of the chemical peel. Subsequently, an SPF is applied to shield the skin from external elements and minimize future damage. In the next 3-5 days, the skin may feel dry, tight, exhibit visible redness resembling a sunburn, itchiness, and even start to peel and flake.

The treatment starts by deep cleansing to remove impurities and makeup. An in-depth analyzation of your skin will determine what your skin is lacking and provides an opportunity to discuss skin concerns and goals. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and reduces congestion in the skin allowing deeper product penetration. The chemical solutions applied are vary active and different percentages of solution will make this sensation more or less agressive.

Most patients describe this sensation as slight tingling heat in the treatment area for 5-15 minutes. Moisturizer is applied to deeply hydrate the skin and lock in all the benefits of the chemical peel. Finally, an SPF is applied to protect your skin from external factors and reduce future damage. Over the next 3-5 days your skin may feel dry, tight, have visible redness like a sunburn, be itchy and even may begin to peel and flake.

The amount of sloughing off experienced will vary depending on the strength of peel, skin condition and health as well as the continued use of products at home. The amount of peeling observed is not an indication of the effectiveness of the peel.  A noticeable improvement can be seen after each session; however a series of treatments is needed for most patients concerns. The treatment can be preformed as aggressive as once a month up to seasonal skin maintenance.

The extent of peeling after a chemical peel does not necessarily indicate whether the peel was effective or not. Peeling is just one potential outcome of a chemical peel, and its intensity can vary depending on factors such as the type and strength of the peel, individual skin characteristics, and the specific skin concerns being addressed. Visible enhancement can be noticed after each session, but a series of treatments is usually necessary to address most patient concerns. The treatment can be administered as frequently as once a month for intense results or for seasonal skin maintenance.

The duration of chemical peel results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of peel used, the specific skin concerns being addressed, individual skin type, and lifestyle factor. The results of these peels may last for a few weeks to a couple of months. Regular maintenance peels may be needed to sustain the effects.

Regardless of the type of peel, maintaining the results often requires a consistent skincare routine, sun protection, and periodic maintenance treatments. Using sunscreen daily, along with appropriate skincare products recommended by your skincare professional, can help prolong the effects of a chemical peel and maintain skin health.