Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are one of the oldest modalities used for skin resurfacing. With advent of technology, skin resurfacing shifted towards dermabrasion, radiofrequency and laser skin resurfacing. However, chemical peels are still in use and can be tailor to treat any skin issue. Disregarding the modality used to perform skin resurfacing, careful attention to patient selection and treatment depth is crucial. Reactive hypopigmentation from overtreatment and post-resurfacing complications can occur with all resurfacing modalities.

Chemical peels can be used in patients with skin types I to V. However, patients with darker complexions are at risk for hypopigmentation with procedures that reach the depth of the reticular dermis. To minimize this risk, the length of pre-operative skin conditioning should be extended to 3 months and resumed immediately upon re-epithelialization of the skin.

Chemical peels are based on their depth of penetration into the skin. Peels confined to the epidermis are called exfoliative or light peels, this peel removes the outer skin layer giving your face a more radiant appearance and smoother texture. Medium depth chemical peel refers to peels that reach the papillary dermis level, this peel is for patients who have moderate damage of the skin, including deeper lines and darker pigmentation. Deep peels extend into the reticular dermis, it does require a long recovery time and can leave your face peeling, itchy, and swollen for 2 to 3 weeks, this peel is painful and needs to use local anesthesia.

Patients with visible concerns on their skin, including scaly patches, wrinkles, sun spots, uneven pigmentation and flaky skin, are candidates to skin resurfacing with chemical peels or other skin resurfacing technologies. The depth of the chemical peel is based on your specific skin issues, aesthetic goals, type of your skin and the time you can commit to your recovery.

If you want to rejuvenate your skin call our office to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you to determine the best treatment for your needs.