What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne.

Who are candidates for Chemical Peels?

Clients who have facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation are candidates.

What are the types of Chemical Peels?

There are three levels of Chemical Peels ranging in intensity and strength:

• Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA)
• These are the mildest form of Chemical Peels and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. AHA peels may be used for treating fine lines, areas of dryness and pigmentation problems. AHA can be mixed with bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and it can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. The peels' ingredients originate from glycolic, lactic and fruit acids. Trichloracetic Acids (TCA)
• This type is a medium-depth peeling system that may be performed in different variations. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems are commonly treated with this type of Chemical Peel. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve desired results, but the recovery time is shorter than with a Phenol treatment. Phenol

This is the deepest, strongest Chemical Peel procedure with the most dramatic and longest-lasting results. It is used mainly to treat clients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or sun damaged skin. Since Phenol can cause the skin to lighten, your skin tone should be taken into consideration when deciding whether this level of treatment is right for you.

How many treatments are required?

Multiple treatments are common with certain Chemical Peels:

• Alphahydroxy Acids
• Various levels of AHA peels can be performed weekly or at longer intervals. Trichloracetic Acids
• This peel is more intense and two to three TCA peels are usually performed to achieve desired results. Phenol

A single treatment usually produces desired effects.

Are Chemical Peels safe?

Chemical Peels are safe, but each treatment has different side effects. Some AHA peels may cause irritation, flaking and soreness. Complications for TCA and Phenol peels include scarring and changes in skin color.

Will there be any downtime?

There is no downtime with AHA Chemical Peels. A TCA peel may cause redness and swelling, and a mild pain medication may be prescribed by a physician. Phenol peels may involve intense swelling and pain. You will be able to resume normal activities in a week to ten days.

What are the results?

• Alphahydroxy Acids
• The results from this Chemical Peel may be very subtle at first. You will detect a natural, healthy glow to your skin, and with multiple treatments, even better results can be seen. Trichloracetic Acids
• Skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Results are longer-lasting than an AHA peel. Phenol

This peel will result in dramatic improvements in the surface of the skin, including fewer wrinkles, fewer blemishes and even skin tone.

Who should avoid Chemical Peels?

Clients with cold sores or sensitive skin may be at a greater risk for post-treatment complications.

Chemical Peels at a glance:

• Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA) – AHA peels are used to smooth rough, dry skin, improve texture of sun damaged skin and aid in control of acne. AHA can be mixed with bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and it can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. A series of peels may be needed.
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) – TCA peels smooth out fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and corrects pigment problems. These peels may require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams. Additional treatments may be needed to maintain results. The healing process is usually quick.

The Phenol peel corrects blotches caused by sun exposure, hormones and aging. It smoothes out coarse wrinkles and areas of blotchy or sun damaged skin. This peel is used only on the face and is not recommended for dark-skinned individuals. Full-face treatment may take an hour or more. The recovery rate is slow, and complete healing can take several weeks. Sun protection must always be used following the peel, and permanent skin lightening and lines of demarcation may occur.