Chemical Peels are a popular cosmetic procedure performed to improve acne and skin problems associated with aging and sun damage. The desire to reverse the aging process and improve facial blemishes has generated tremendous interest throughout history. In fact, the use of chemical peels goes back centuries. Most treatments to revitalize and resurface the skin are invasive and expensive, but a superficial chemical peel is an affordable procedure that gently and painlessly exfoliates the skin with no down time. The goal is to remove a controlled thickness of damaged skin in order to stimulate normal healing and skin rejuvenation.

The surface of skin, called the epidermis, is made up of multiple layers. As the skin cells age, they actually die and migrate to the outer most layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum. This layer is composed entirely of dead skin cells that are eventually shed. As we age, and with certain problems of the skin, this process slows which causes the stratum corneum to become thickened. This in return does not allow pigmented or age and sun damaged skin to be properly shed. This can block pores leading to acne. As this layer thickens, it causes the skin to appear rough, dry and aged, and leads to wrinkles.

Chemical Peels Improve: Fine lines and wrinkles, Uneven skin tone, Age spots, Hyperpigmentation, Acne, Mild superficial scarring, Sun damaged skin, Rough skin texture, Mild Skin Laxity

The Science

Chemical peels are a nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure that offer safe and controlled removal of the outer, dead layers of the skin. There are multiple types of chemical peels available which differ based upon their specific ingredients and their strengths. Chemical peels work by damaging the skin cells or breaking the bonds between cells; thus causing the outer layer of skin to be exfoliated. The depth of a chemical peel varies based upon the chemical used, strength of the solution, how long the solution remains on the skin and how heavily or aggressively they are applied. Deeper chemical peels will produce superior results with fewer treatments. However, the deeper the chemical peel, the more discomfort and possible complications. The end effect leaves your skin soft and supple, appearing more youthful, and will have fewer wrinkles and less discoloration.

The Treatment

Chemical peels are a safe office procedure that takes between 20 to 60 minutes depending upon the treatment area. Anesthesia is typically not required; however, with deeper peels a pain medication may be required. The most common area treated is the face, but other areas of the body can be treated. The chemical solution to be used is individualized to the skin type and problem being treated. The chemical solution is then applied to the skin using a small sponge or cotton swab. A small fan is available for use to provide blow by air which provides relief of mild discomfort. After reaching the desired end point of the peel sodium bicarbonate may then be used to neutralize the solution.

For superficial chemical peels, a series of 5-10 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart are necessary; however, some improvement will be seen after the first treatment. Treating acne often requires more treatments spaced at shorter intervals. Immediately after the treatment the skin may have a pink coloration for up to a few hours. The skin will often peel for a few days after a superficial peel; however, not all patients will actively peel. Regardless of the presence of active peeling, the treatment will have provided the desired benefits. The chemical applied will have been absorbed into the skin and will improve the shedding of dead skin layers too small for the eye to see. Normal activity may be resumed and mineral make up, such as Jane Iredale, may be applied immediately after the procedure.

Deeper chemical peels, medium depth peels, may be associated with redness of the skin for longer than 24 hours and some down time. The skin may feel tight, itch and turn darker before it peels. Occasionally, there is some mild swelling after the peel and it is usually most prominent around the eyes. Very rarely minimal oozing may occur. More peeling is expected and may last for 7 to 10 days. During this time period, no make up or skin care products should be used. After the healing process is complete, a marked improvement of the skin should be noticeable. It may, however, take up to 4-6 weeks to see the full results.

We use the Obagi Blue Peel to perform our medium depth chemical peels. This peel is very “user friendly”. It helps to provide more even penetration of the solution, provides a standardized procedure with depth control, and helps to avoid over treating, pigmentation changes and scarring. If you are looking to accelerate the transformation of your skin, the Obagi Blue Peel maybe right for you.

Your skin care specialist may recommend combining the microdermabrasion with a superficial chemical peel to maximize your results. This combination allows lower concentrations of the chemical solution to be used to produce results superior of either treatment alone—with fewer associated risks.

Maintaining Results

Maintaining healthy looking skin is a daily task. Both a healthy lifestyle and the proper skin care regimen are necessary to maintain your results. Avoid tobacco and alcohol, and stay well hydrated. Antioxidants such as SkinCeutical’s CE Ferulic as well as the continued use of exfoliating creams or serums are very important. However, the most important cosmoceutical is your sunblock, especially immediately after the procedure. Always wear a “full” spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 20 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Your skin care specialist will recommend individualized skin care program to maximize and maintain your results. We may have you start your program prior to your chemical peel in order to prep your skin. Once the initial series of treatments have been completed, periodic maintenance treatments will be necessary. These may be recommended up to every 1-2 months depending upon the chemical peel used, tobacco use, sun exposure, etc.

Safety

Chemical peels are a very safe procedure. Complications from this procedure are very rare, but do occur more commonly with deeper peels. Most commonly, there is mild redness of the face which lasts less than 24 hours. Some may experience discomfort especially with deeper peels. Other more rare complications include infection and allergic reaction to the solution. Other reported side effects include hypo or hyperpigmentation (lightening or darkening of skin pigment) of the skin and scarring. Precautions are taken, but if the chemical were to come in contact with the eye, blindness could occur. If there is a history of cold sores or Herpes simplex infection in the treated area, a short course of antiviral medication will be used starting 2-3 days prior to procedure. Normal activity may be resumed immediately after the procedure. However, you should avoid significant exposure to direct sunlight and wear sunblock daily to reduce potential complication. Avoid Retinol or Retin A products and products which contain alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and glycolic acids for 2-3 days before and after the procedure. However, products such as these are encouraged to help maintain your results. You should not have used Accutane for at least 3 months prior or 3 months after having a chemical peel.