What Does a Chemical Peel Involve?

Chemical peels use chemical solutions to improve and smooth the skin’s texture by removing dead cells from the outermost layer. Peeling agents are applied for a short period allowing the skin to peel off naturally, revealing younger-looking skin underneath.

Ablative or Non-Ablative

Chemical peels can either be ablative or non-ablative, depending on the skin condition being treated. Ablative chemical peels produce a more significant result than their non-ablative counterparts due to the deeper level of exfoliation achieved. An example of ablation chemical peel is a TCA Peel (trichloroacetic Acid)., Jessner Peel (salicylic, lactic, and ascorbic acids), and phenol chemical peels.- remove Non-ablative chemical peels work just below the top layer of skin and produce minimal results. Examples include glycolic acid and salicylic acid chemical peels.

What Areas Can be Treated with Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels can improve many skin conditions, including:

Acne Scars

The skin is left with a pitted appearance after an inflammatory acne lesion heals. This can be treated with the application of TCA peel to improve the skin’s texture. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may also occur following the acne lesion; this is where brown marks appear on the skin and can be treated with a Cosmelan Peel.

Fine Lines

Fine lines are usually caused by a reduction in collagen production over time, leading to an increase in the depth of wrinkles. Fine lines can be treated with deep chemical peels such as a TCA peel or Jessner Peel.

Sun Damaged Skin

Combining Glycolic Acid and salicylic acid chemical peels helps treat discoloration, fine lines, uneven texture, and age spots on sun-damaged skin. Hyperpigmentation and sun damage is treated by a TCA peel.

Pigmentation Problems

Melasma affects around two million people in the United States and is usually triggered by hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, or medication. It presents as blotchy patches on the skin. Glycolic Acid Peel and Cosmelan Peel is an effective chemical peel for treating melasma due to its ability to help remove pigment (melanin) from the skin.

Photo-Aging

Photo-aging, or damage caused by chronic ultraviolet exposure, can be treated with multiple types of chemical peels, including; glycolic Acid, TCA, Jessner Peel, – remove and salicylic acid chemical peels.

What is the Downtime and Recovery Like?

Chemical peels cause the skin to flake and peel for up to seven days after treatment, with some redness and possible swelling at the application site. A course of chemical peels is usually spaced out over a few months so that the skin can recover before being treated again.

What Treatments Can Chemical Peels Supplement?

Chemical peels can be used in conjunction with other procedures such as:

Laser Resurfacing

Chemical peels remove superficial layers of the skin, allowing deeper laser resurfacing treatments to permeate into the dermis for a brighter and more even complexion.

Skin Tightening

To provide a more youthful appearance, a series of chemical peels can be applied to the face and body to improve skin texture. This is popular with patients looking for a non-surgical facelift.

Microneedling

Microneedling therapy uses small needles to puncture the epidermis and create controlled microchannels on the skin’s surface. Chemical peels are applied to the meridian channels created by microneedling to improve overall skin health.

Injections

Chemical peels improve the skin’s appearance by removing impurities from the epidermis, meaning injectable treatments such as neuromodulators and dermal fillers can reach their full potential.

Schedule a Consultation

At Pinnacle Dermatology and Skin Rejuvenation, we offer a range of chemical peels to help you achieve your desired skin health and appearance. Book an appointment with Dr. Gray today to find out more.