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Chemical Peels

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs. A chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, soften acne facial scars and control acne.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can’t spare the time to recover from or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. An alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin’s texture.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result.

The recovery from a TCA peel is usually about one week. A chemical peel is normally a safe procedure, however, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible. AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside. With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin, it may also produce some unintended color changes in the skin.

Peel Formulas at a Glance

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

Uses:

  • Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
  • Removes superficial blemishes
  • Corrects pigment problems

Considerations:

  • Can be used on neck or other body areas
  • May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
  • The treatment takes only 10-15 minutes
  • Preferred for darker-skinned patients
  • Peel depth can be adjusted
  • Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
  • Sunblock must be used for several months
  • Healing is usually about one week

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Uses:

  • Smooths rough, dry skin
  • Improves the texture of sun-damaged skin
  • Aids in control of acne
  • Can be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
  • Can be used as TCA pre-treatment

Considerations:

  • A series of peels may be needed
  • As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended

The Peel

AHA peels/treatments: application the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No “after-peel” ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.

For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal, Retin-A or a bleaching agent may add to your at-home treatment schedule.

TCA peel: typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, TCA solution carefully applied. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass.

A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.

After Your Treatment

After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness, and dryness of the skin. However, it will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. A fresher and improved skin texture will result in continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels.

After TCA peel, you may use mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing sensation. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you use mosturising cream and never peel the crust. The results of a TCA peel depends on the strength of the peel, your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.

If you would like to speak with one of our professional qualified staff for further information, please give us a call:

Chemical Peels Brooklyn | Long Island – 1-718-614-9511