Medical Grade Peels

Chemical peels involve applying chemical solutions to the skin to improve its overall appearance and can be used to treat fine lines, mild scars, acne, and sun damage. Different solutions may be used depending on the condition being treated, your skin type, and the desired result. Peels range from very light to deep. Deeper peels give results that are more dramatic but require some downtime. The mildest peels, such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid provide smoother, brighter-looking skin with little to no downtime. These peels can treat fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and acne and can be done weekly or at longer intervals until the desired clinical result is achieved. Medium-depth peels, such as TCA (trichloroacetic acid), address the issues of fine lines and pigment somewhat more aggressively than the milder peels but require some downtime.

First, the skin is cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils. Then the chemical solution is then applied to the skin with gauze pads or a brush. Depending on the peel, the solution may be left since it is self-limiting or neutralized within minutes.

Depending on your skin type and the peel that is chosen for you, you may need to use some topical pre-conditioning medications such as glycolic creams or retinol. Antiviral medication may be prescribed if you have a history of cold sores. After the peel, you will need to use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.

Most patients will experience a hot, stinging sensation that will last several minutes. Cool compresses can be applied after the peel to relieve this sensation. For mild peels, there may be some redness, irritation, and dryness followed by scaling that ends in 3-7 days. For medium-depth peels, there is more intense redness (like a sunburn) and may be some swelling and/or blistering. The skin can darken and form crusts that peel off over a period of 7 – 14 days, revealing new, brighter-looking skin underneath. After any peel, it is important to avoid any unnecessary sun exposure to protect the new, fragile skin.

The risks involved in mild to moderate peels are quite low. However, in darker-pigmented individuals, there is a small risk of subsequent pigment abnormalities. If you have a history of cold sores, you may need to take antiviral medication to prevent and outbreak following the peel. You must also inform the doctor if you have a history of keloids (abnormal scarring) or radiation therapy to the face.

For mild peels, the process can be repeated as often as weekly depending on the desired result. Many patients repeat these peels monthly to maintain a smother, glowing complexion. For medium-depth peels, the treatment can be repeated in 6 – 12 months.

After any peel, it is important to use a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the new skin and prevent sun damage. For medium-depth peels, it is also necessary to avoid sun exposure as much as possible for several months as the fragile new skin is more susceptible to UV light. In addition, we recommend good, pharmaceutical-grade skin care products such as vitamin C-containing serums or retinol to keep your skin youthful.