What is a Skin Peel?
A chemical peel is a type of skin resurfacing treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of dead skin. They are often combined with other cosmetic procedures to treat wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and skin texture by stimulating skin cell turnover. As a result, it corrects skin discoloration, unclogs pores, and gives the skin a vibrant glow.
Our Work Process
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother.
Before the procedure, we will clean your face, protect your hair, and cover your eyes with ointment, gauze, tape or goggles.
Pain relief isn’t typically needed for a light chemical peel. If you’re having a medium peel, you might receive a sedative and painkiller. For a deep peel, you might have a sedative, something to numb the treatment area and fluids delivered through a vein.
- Nurse Kerry-Anne will use a brush, cotton ball, gauze or sponge to apply a chemical solution typically containing glycolic acid or lactic acid. The treated skin will begin to whiten.
- You might feel mild stinging while the chemical solution is on your skin.
- We will apply a neutralizing solution or wash to remove the chemical solution from the treated skin.
- Nurse Kerry-Anne will use a cotton-tipped applicator or gauze to apply a chemical solution containing trichloroacetic acid, sometimes in combination with glycolic acid. The treated skin will begin to whiten.
- After a few minutes, Nurse Kerry-Anne will apply cool compresses to soothe treated skin. You might also be given a hand-held fan to cool your skin. No neutralizing solution is needed, however.
- You might feel stinging and burning for up to 20 minutes.
- You'll be given intravenous (IV) fluids, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.
- Nurse Kerry-Anne will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply carbolic acid (phenol) to your skin. Treated skin will begin to turn white or gray.
- To limit your exposure to phenol, Nurse Kerry-Anne will do the procedure in portions at about 15-minute intervals. A full-facial procedure might take about 90 minutes.
Drawing of blood
Spinning
Reinjecting
Before & After Gallery
Frequently Asked Qestions
Chemical peels have been proven to:
- Improve appearance and texture of skin.
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Treat acne scars and pigmentation from acne blemishes.
- Reduce acne breakouts, smooth acne-prone skin.
- Reduce age spots, sun spots, and dark spots from pregnancy and birth control pills (melasma)
The skin is cleansed and a prep solution will be applied to remove surface oils and allow the peel to penetrate the skin evenly. Any sensitive areas that cannot be treated will be protected with a thin film of petroleum jelly. Your eyes will be covered to protect them. One or more chemical mixtures will be applied, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid or lactic acid. The peel will be applied in 1–3 layers, depending on the depth of penetration intended. The acids react with the skin to produce a “controlled wound,” allowing fresh skin to regenerate and emerge. A tingling, burning or hot sensation is normal. Most peels remain on the skin only a few minutes, and are closely watched by me. A fan may help you stay more comfortable if needed. After some peels, a neutralizing solution is applied to stop the peel. Other peels are self-timed and stop on their own.
Light Chemical exfoliations produce little or no peeling as it removes very superficial skin layers. Those peels can be received as a series of treatments as often as every week. The stronger the peel the longer the distance in between should be. The amount of chemical treatments you receive will depend upon your skin type, your discomfort level during the peeling process, how much your skin peels the first time, and the goals that you and I have agreed upon.
You may NOT be a candidate for a chemical peel if any of the following apply :
- Infection or disease, especially if present on the area being treated.
- Cut or broken skin.
- Sunburn.
- Currently have an active Herpes simplex 1 sore (cold sore).
- If you are nursing or pregnant.
- If you have taken Accutane in last 6 months.
- If you are unwilling to discontinue use of Retin-A or other prescription topical treatments 5 days prior to your peel, or are unwilling to use sunscreen daily.