Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels – Ideal for patients with aging skin who wish to smooth out lines and diminish accumulated skin damage. This more aggressive peel series is designed to increase in strength with each treatment, thereby providing the deepest exfoliation to reveal younger-looking skin. The chemical peel is chosen based on your skin type and appearance goals. Skin firming and soothing products are applied after each peel procedure.

The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Things that may affect the depth of a peel include the acid concentration in the peeling agent, the number of coats that are applied, and the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized. Deeper peels result in more dramatic effects as well as higher risks, increased pain, and longer healing time.*

There are three basic types of peels:

  • Superficial chemical peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on all skin types. Superficial peels usually use liquid containing a mild (dilute) acid, most often glycolic acid. Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is sometimes used.
  • Medium chemical peels penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main peeling agent used for medium peels, though the peel may also be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by TCA.Deep peels penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. They are used only on the face. A chemical called phenol is usually used for a deep peel.
  • Deep chemical  peels may not be used on darker skin types, because they tend to bleach the skin (hypopigmentation). Even in lighter-skinned people, phenol peels—or any type of deep resurfacing—may bleach the skin. A deep peel can be done only once in most cases.

*Results may vary.