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 types of Chemical Peels are offered at Coastal Skin Care’s Wellness Center?
At Coastal Skin Care’s Wellness Center, we offer two levels of chemical peels, differing in intensity and strength:
• Hydroxy Acid Peels: Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA), Betahydroxy (BHA), Lipoic (LHA)
These are the mildest form of Chemical Peels and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. Hydroxy peels may be used for treating fine lines, areas of dryness, acne, and pigmentation problems. Hydroxy acids can be mixed with bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. The peels’ ingredients originate from glycolic, lactic, salicylic, lipoic, and fruit acids. At our Wellness Center, we offer the following hydroxyl acid peels: Vitalize, B-Lift 20 & 30, Micropeel, and Micropeel Plus 20 & 30. Our Wellness clinician can discuss which peel is right for you.
• Trichloracetic Acid Peels (TCA)
This type is a medium to deep 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. At our Wellness Center, we offer the Obaji Blue TCA peel.
How many treatments are required?
Multiple treatments are common with certain Chemical Peels. Various levels of hydroxy (AHA, BHA, LHA) peels can be performed weekly or at longer intervals. Trichloracetic (TCA) peels are more intense and 2-3 TCA peels are usually performed to achieve desired results.
Are Chemical Peels safe?
Chemical Peels are safe, but each treatment has different side effects. Some hydroxy peels may cause irritation, flaking and mild tenderness.
Will there be any downtime?
There is no downtime with hydroxy acid chemical peels. A TCA peel may require pre-treatment with retinoid or AHA creams, and may also cause redness and swelling post-treatment. Sometimes, a mild pain medication may be prescribed by a physician, but healing is typically quick.
What are the results?
The results from a hydroxy acid (AHA, BHA, LHA) 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. With a TCA peel, skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Results are also longer-lasting than a hydroxy acid peel.
Who should avoid Chemical Peels?
Clients with active or recent cold sores or sensitive skin may be at a greater risk for post-treatment complications.