What are the different types of Chemical Peels?
When it comes to revitalizing the skin, chemical peels are the most common cosmetic treatment in the world of dermatology. Chemical peels are a customizable way to treat a myriad of skin conditions, including acne scars, age spots, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, and even rosacea. Chemical peels are designed to exfoliate the skin and eliminate dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, which allows for healthier, younger-looking skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology specifies three different types of chemical peels. The different types are determined by the strength of the chemical peel, as well as how deeply the layers of skin are affected. The three major classifications of chemical peel are a light or superficial peel, a medium depth peel, and a deep chemical peel. Within those three major classifications are four common types of peels: Alpha Hydroxy acid peels, Beta Hydroxy acid peels, Trichloroacetic Acid Peels (TCA), and Phenol peels.
Chemical Peels contain a tailored chemical solution designed to target specific skin care needs, and range in depth and intensity of treatment. The expert estheticians at Natural Radiance have extensive experience treating clients with chemical peels, and are able to determine the best type of chemical peel for each client based on both your skin type and skin care needs. When developing a treatment plan, they can customizes your skincare routine with a combination of the best cosmetic products and types of chemical peels tailored especially for you. Choosing the correct chemical peel for your skin type and skin condition is the most important aspect to chemical peel treatment.
To learn more about chemical peels at Natural Radiance Med Spa and find out if chemical peels the are right for you, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
How do chemical peels work?
A chemical peel is a type of skin resurfacing treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove outer layers of dead skin. Through a process of chemical exfoliation, chemical peels can stimulate cell turnover, which in turn unclogs pores and corrects skin discoloration, giving the skin a vibrant glow. The chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin and targets the top layers of the skin in order to eliminate dead skin cells. This “controlled trauma” to the skin stimulates the natural peeling of the skin, which can improve the texture of the skin for a variety of skin types. Chemical peels rely on a variety of acid types, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The depth and effect of the peel varies depending on the intensity and make-up of the chemical peel.
Chemical peels have been approved by the FDA for decades, and this skincare treatment has actually been around since the 19th century. They are used today to create a customizable skin treatment that can both reduce the signs of aging and revitalize irritated skin with little downtime required. Specifically, chemical peels can be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate the appearance of hyperpigmentation including melasma and age spots, and rid the skin of acne and acne scars. The concentration and active ingredients in the different types of chemical peels can address varying skin conditions for rejuvenation and hydration of the skin.
What types of chemical peels are there?
The types of chemical peel for face are incredibly varied, each type tailored to the needs of the patient. The peels are divided into a few different categories that address the depth of the treatment, light, medium, and deep chemical peels. The strength of the peel is determined both by the skin texture and tone, but by the skin problem that one is trying to address. Melasma and hyperpigmentation require a different type of peel from fine lines and deeper wrinkles. In addition, darker skin tones require more gentle chemical peels than lighter skin types.
Light Chemical Peels
Light chemical peels, or superficial peels, are formulated with mild peeling agents to gently exfoliate the skin. The lightest chemical peels have an exfoliating chemical solution that only affects the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
When it comes to superficial peels, there are a few common acids that are used. Alpha Hydroxy acid peels are considered the most gentle form of chemical peel, which can help to reduce the appearance of very fine lines, dry skin, minor acne, and mild pigment or uneven skin tone. Beta Hydroxy acid peels have lipid-based chemical solutions that help to control oil production, which can be particularly useful for those with naturally oily skin or who are acne prone.
Jessner’s peels combine lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol in order to move acids deeper into the layers of the skin. Jessner’s peels are often followed up with the application of retinoid acid. Retinoid acid (retinol) provides a deeper peel penetration, which can help to trigger faster skin healing and new skin growth.
Alpha Hydroxy acid (glycolic acid) Peels
Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA) refers variety of different acids, including citric acid (from citrus fruits), lactic acid (from fermented milk), magic acid (from apples) and tartaric acid (from grapes). However, the most popular AHA peel is a glycolic acid peel in order to exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production in the body. Glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane, has a very small molecular structure which allows it to penetrate the layers of the skin, and varies in strength to balance active exfoliation with skin sensitivity.
Beta Hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) Peels
Beta Hydroxy acid Peels, or BHA peels, are an excellent option for those hoping to reduce the appearance of blemishes or congested skin. The lipid base of BHA peels can reach farther than many AHA peels, as the solution can penetrate deeper layers of the dermis by attaching to the skin’s natural oils. Salicylic acid, the most common acid in BHA peels, acts as a clear-out for the pores, and has anti-inflammatory characteristics that reduce irritation due to acne breakouts.
Jessner’s Peels
Jessner’s peels can vary by strength depending on the percentages of the acids used. Jessner’s peels can also contain additional acid combinations, such as mandelic acid (from almonds) for anti-inflammatory benefit, phytic acid to treat patients with sensitive skin, or lactic acid to brighten and hydrate the skin. Oftentimes, for patients with rosacea, chemical peels can be tailored with a solution that includes phytic, mandelic, and lactic acids.
Medium Depth Peels
Medium peels vary in terms of chemical solution, but the most common medium depth peel is a Trichloroacetic acid peel.
Trichloroacetic Acid Peels (TCA)
Trichloroacetic acid peels, or TCA peels, are offered in a range of strengths and combinations. TCA can be used in combination with salicylic acid, among others, at a lower percentage within a solution. However, when the TCA percentage exceeds 20%, it is administered solely by a medical professional, such as Dr. Edwards. TCA peels are an excellent choice for patients who experience pigment irregularities and sun damage, as well as deep wrinkles and acne scars. Additionally, TCA peels can be used to treat pre-cancerous growths on the skin, also known as actinic keratosis.
Deep Peels
Deep peels are designed to penetrate deeper into the layers of the dermis. Deep chemical peels tend to require more recovery time, but they offer long-lasting, dramatic facial rejuvenation.
When considering a deeper peel, patients may also consider laser resurfacing as a means to reinvigorate the skin. Laser resurfacing has become a popular treatment for convenient, safe, and successful skin rejuvenation.
Phenol Peels
Phenol peels use carbolic acid as their peeling agent. Phenol peels have perhaps the strongest chemical peel solution to produce the most dramatic results, and the concentration of carbolic acid can shift or be combined with resorcinol or salicylic acid to wonderful effect. Due to the intensity of the phenol peel, results can be transformative, but in some concentrations a phenol peel can only be administered once in a lifetime. For both safety and consistency of results, a phenol peel should always be administered by a skin care expert, like the ones you will find at Natural Radiance.
What are the side effects of chemical peels?
The side effects of chemical peels are typically temporary and mild, and include burning, dryness, redness, and swelling. After any chemical peel, and particularly if you are administered a deep peel, it is essential to avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen regularly. Within the first few days post-treatment, you may experience lighter or darker skin tone, though this is temporary. Occasionally, patients experience herpes simplex (cold sore) flare-ups, in which case Dr. Edwards, medical director at Natural Radiance, can prescribe an antiviral medication.
In rare cases, side effects from chemical peels can include scarring, as well as heart, liver or kidney damage. These side effects are more likely to occur when the incorrect chemical peel is administered, which is why it is vital that your chemical solution strategy be developed at a physician-directed center, like Natural Radiance.
What chemical peel is best for acne scars?
When it comes to acne, the best option is a superficial peel that has a chemical solution of glycolic acid or light TCA concentration. These acids are designed to unclog pores, exfoliate the skin, and remove the dead skin cells from the epidermis. This peeling procedure is able to get acne breakouts under control, and to clear out pimples and blemishes. BHA peels are also commonly used to treat acne, though this can cause some redness irritation for those with sensitive skin.
When it comes to acne scars, a AHA or TCA peel is actually able to lighten the appearance of blemish scarring when new skin is formed. Other integrated treatments can be administered after your chemical peel which can help to improve the appearance of acne and acne scarring further.
What type of chemical peel is best for wrinkles?
When it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, a Jessner’s peel, Mandelic chemical peel, and Retinol chemical peel are all excellent options. a Jessner’s peel is an effective choice for those hoping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and even acne scares when used as a superficial peel. Mandelic acid is a common anti-aging peeling agent, as it encourages new skin growth and can strengthen collagen in the skin to provide smoother, firmer skin. Retinol is a very popular skin care ingredient, as its a form of vitamin A that encourages the development of new skin cells. Retinol is able to reach deeper layers of the skin in order to trigger renewed skin cell growth, and it can hydrate and refresh almost any complexion.
What type of chemical peel should I get for hyperpigmentation?
The cosmelan peel is commonly used for reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. A cosmelan peel is designed to target dark marks from acne, acne scars, melasma, and wide-spread hyperpigmentation, healing the skin and evening out skin tone. The cosmelan peel can be used for all skin types and skin tones, and is able to reduce issues of hyperpigmentation through a combination of in-office application and at-home treatment. In order to achieve optimal results, patients must avoid sun exposure and use a high SPF sunscreen post-procedure.
Another option for treating hyperpigmentation is a Vi Peel. A Vi Peel is a distinctive chemical peel that uses a chemical solution of salicylic acid, Vitamin C, TCA, and retinoid acid. A Vi peel can sun damage, melasma, acne scars, and other pigmentation and discoloration of the face. As the Vi peel addresses the skin texture, it is also able to tighten pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne, and surface irregularities. Like many other chemical peels, the Vi peel can be offered in combination with laser skin resurfacing, neurotoxin, and fillers.
What type of chemical peel is the best for melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that occurs due to an overproduction of melanin in the skin, which results in brown or gray patches on the surface of the skin. Melasma common appears on the face and can be easily treated at a dermatologist’s office with a Cosmelan peel. The Cosmelann peel contains five key ingredients – kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutine, phytic acid, and ascorbic acid – which serve to inhibit the production of melanin by melanocytes in the skin. Further, the chemical peel works to exfoliate the pigmented layer of skin for lighter, clearer skin.
What is the best facial peel for aging skin?
There are many chemical peel options to address signs of aging, from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to eliminating age spots from the surface of the skin. There is no need for plastic surgery when it comes to rejuvenating your skin when there are many non-invasive, non-surgical options available, including chemical peels. For patients with sensitive skin, or who are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines, a superficial chemical peel such as a Jessner’s peel may be the best options. Medium depth peels, such as TCA peels, can be used to address deeper wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation such as melasma and sun spots. Mandelic anti-aging chemical peels and retinol-based peels can also be used to refresh, hydrate, and revitalize aging skin.
What is the best chemical peel for dark skin?
There is a commonly held belief that chemical peels are all unsafe for patients with darker skin tones, but in fact, there are many chemical peel options that are safe and effective for clients with darker skin. When it comes to chemical peels, clients with darker skin are at a higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after receiving a chemical peel, which is when dark patches form on the surface of the skin. That is why, it is important to find a care care expert who has worked with clients of all skin tones, such as those at Natural Radiance, who understands how to treat darker skin. To start, it is best to use superficial chemical peels at a lower concentration, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels. Retinol and Jessner peels are also safe and effective when used at a lower concentration. Medium depth peels can potentially be dangerous, particularly TCA peels at a concentration of 25% or above. Patients with darker skin tones should also avoid all deep chemical peels and any peels containing hydroquinone, as they pose the highest risk of damaging darker skin.
How does laser skin resurfacing compare to chemical peels?
Both chemical peels and laser treatments are cosmetic skin resurfacing procedures that are designed to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. Both lasers and chemical peels ca be used to rejuvenate the skin, reduce pigmentation or sun damage, and make the skin smoother and firmer. However, depending on your skin condition or skin type, you may be better suited for one treatment over the other.
Those with a lighter skin tone can be safely treated by a variety of laser treatments and chemical peels, but unfortunately those with a darker skin tone can be sensitive to certain lasers. Skin experts at Natural Radiance will always work with you to determine if a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing treatment is best for you.
Natural Radiance is dedicated to having you Look Natural and Feel Radiant! As with any recovery process, no matter how gentle or gradual, it is important that the body is ready to respond. The professionals at Natural Radiance may suggest other services that will work with RHA filler treatments in helping you achieve your desired result. Holistic nutrition and IV therapies may speed your healing and accelerate the HA integration. Certain peptides may accelerate your ability to lay down collagen and boost your immune system and reduce your risk of infection. The proper application of PDO threads may also help improve results. So what is the purpose of having a beautifully contoured face without having a beautiful skin over it? Aesthetic services such as chemical peels, microneedling, and neurotoxins will make your whole face light up! These are just some examples of how an integrated approach will exceed your expectations!
To learn more about chemical peel Natural Radiance Med Spa and find out if they are right for you, call the office or use the online scheduler today.