Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun. There are three basic types of chemical peels:

Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.

Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths, i.e. actinic keratosis.

Deep peel: Tricholoracetic acid (TCA)or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars.

VI peel: VI Peels offer all of the traditional benefits of a chemical peel, without the harshness of conventional peels. This peel is perfect for patients with sensitivity issues or for treating areas that other peels cannot.

When is a chemical peel appropriate?

Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:

Acne scarring
Aging skin
Crow’s feet
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Scars/stretch marks
Sun damaged skin/Age spotting
Sagging skin
Wrinkles

Are chemical peels painful?

Chemicals peels sting but do not cause a great deal of pain. The gentlest peels use alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, lactic or fruit acids are also gentle. They may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting but as the skin begins to adjust all these problems will lessen. Sun exposure and smoking after a chemical peel must be avoided because they can cause unwanted side effects, including infection and scarring.

Trichloroacetic acids are used for stronger peelings. They remove wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. These type of treatments sting more than those with the gentler acids. After the treatment there may be redness, swelling and irritation but the use of creams and gels will reduce these effects.

Our Aesthetician will advise you as to which peel is best suited for your skin type and your specific skin health needs.

Before After

Before After

* Results May Vary