Chemical Peels

Chemical peels make use of acid to lift away the upper most layers of the skin, leaving fresh, soft, new skin behind.

Benefits of Chemical peels:

  • reduce fine lines & wrinkling
  • reduce uneven pigmentation
  • improve oily skin
  • aid in the control of acne
  • smooth & hydrate rough dry skin
  • improve dullness
  • improve the texture & tone of the skin
  • reduce pore size
  • reduce acne scars
  • lift sun damage
  • increase radiance and glow

Various products are used, including glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acid depending on the results required.

Chemical peels usually result in the skin becoming dry and flaky, before it peels.  The depth of a peel and the down time can be varied by your therapist or doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the different types of chemical peels available?

    Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels (AHAs) – Light Peels
    AHAs are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid , a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid , found in sour milk and tomato juice.
    This is the mildest of the peel formulas and produces light peels for treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. There are five main fruit acids, namely:

    • Citric Acid : Usually derived from lemons, oranges, limes and pineapples. These peels are simple and effective, although not incredibly invasive or capable of significant improvement with one treatment.
    • Glycolic Acid : Formulated from sugar cane, this acid creates a mild exfoliating action. Glycolic acid peels work by loosening up the horny layer and exfoliating the superficial top layer. This peel also stimulates collagen growth.
    • Lactic Acid : This acid is derived from either sour milk or bilberries. This peel will remove dead skin cells, and promote healthier, softer and more radiant skin.
    • Malic Acid : This peel is the same type of mildly invasive peel derived from the extracts of apples. It can open up the pores, allow the pores to expel their sebum and reduce acne.
    • Tartaric Acid : This is derived from grape extract and is capable of delivering the same benefits as the above peels.

  • What can be experienced during an Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels (AHA)?

    • Stinging
    • Redness
    • Mild skin irritation
    • Dryness

  • How many treatments will I need?

    Multiple treatments are recommended for desired results

    1. 1. Beta Hydroxy acid peels (BHA): BHA peels control oily and acne prone skin.  They also remove dead skin cells. BHA peels have the ability to get deeper into the pores than AHA peels.
    2. 2. Retinoic Acid peel: This is a deeper peel than the Beta Acid peel and is used to treat scars as well as wrinkles and pigmentation problems.  Retinoic acid is derived from retinoids; which is denatured vitamin A. It is chemically similar to Retin-A. This type of facial peel is also performed in the office of a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist or Aesthetic Practitioner. The chemical solution is applied to the skin and left on the patient for a few hours. More dramatic changes to the skin require multiple peels over time.
    3. 3. Trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA)
      This is used as an intermediate to deep peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 20-50%. Depth of penetration is increased as concentration increases, with 50% TCA penetrating into the reticular dermis . Concentrations higher than 35% are not recommended because of the high risk of scarring .

    TCA peels:

    • are preferred for darker-skinned patients over Phenol
    • smooth out fine surface wrinkles
    • remove superficial blemishes
    • correct skin pigment problems

    TCA peels may:

    • require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
    • require repeat treatment to maintain results
    • require the use of sunblock for several months (this is a essential)
    • take several days to heal depending on the peel depth