Chemical peels are powerful treatments that exfoliate and revitalize your skin. They remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Ranging from mild to strong, we offer three types of chemical peels: alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol. The strength of each peel is tailored to the patient. Chemical peels may be covered by insurance if they are performed for medical rather than cosmetic reasons.
What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?
- Light Chemical Peels: These peels gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin and are ideal for treating minor skin imperfections like fine lines, acne, and uneven skin tone. They typically use mild acids such as alphahydroxy acid (AHA) and require minimal downtime.
- Medium Chemical Peels: Using stronger acids like trichloroacetic acid (TCA), medium peels penetrate deeper into the skin to address more pronounced issues such as wrinkles, sun damage, and moderate discoloration. These peels may require a few days of recovery time.
- Deep Chemical Peels: Phenol-based peels offer the most significant results by reaching the deeper layers of the skin. They are used to treat severe wrinkles, scars, and extensive sun damage. Deep peels have a longer recovery period but provide more dramatic improvements.
What Do Chemical Peels Do?
Improved Skin Texture
Chemical peels exfoliate the outer layer of skin, revealing a smoother and more refined texture. This process can help reduce rough patches and unevenness, resulting in a more polished and youthful appearance. The treatment encourages the growth of new skin cells, which enhances the overall feel and look of your skin.
Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles develop as collagen production decreases with age. Chemical peels stimulate the skin's natural renewal process, promoting the growth of new skin cells. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give you a more youthful complexion.
Treatment of Acne and Acne Scars
Acne can be a frustrating and persistent skin concern resulting from excess sebum production and clogged pores. When acne becomes inflamed it can lead to acne scars that often give the skin an uneven texture for years after the initial breakout. We use chemical peels for acne scars to remove the damaged outer layers of skin, break down scar tissue, and help the body produce new, healthy skin. It can also diminish acne breakouts by exfoliating dead skin and clearing the pores.
Reduction of Sun Damage
Sun damage occurs when the skin is overexposed to UV rays, leading to issues like dark spots, rough texture, and premature aging. Chemical peels can help by removing damaged skin layers, diminishing dark spots, and improving overall skin tone and texture. This treatment helps restore a more even complexion and reduces the visible signs of sun damage.
Boosted Skincare Efficacy
Dead skin cells can block the absorption of skincare products, reducing their effectiveness. A chemical peel removes these barriers, allowing active ingredients in your skincare routine to penetrate more deeply. Enhanced absorption means you get more out of your moisturizers, serums, and other skincare products.
Minimized Pore Size
Large pores can be difficult to treat because the size is determined by genetics and it isn’t possible to shrink the pores themselves. However, there are ways to minimize their appearance. By promoting collagen production, chemical peels can tighten the skin around the pores which makes them look smaller. Exfoliating the skin also removes the dead skin cells and other materials that clog up the pores and make them more noticeable.
Treatment of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), results from excess melanin production in the skin due to injury, hormones, or sun exposure. Chemical peel treatments brighten the skin by promoting the turnover of skin cells. Intensive or consistent treatments can improve the uniformity of your skin’s pigmentation.
Benefits of Choosing Chemical Peels
- Non-Surgical Rejuvenation: Chemical peels offer a way to rejuvenate your skin without surgery. With chemical peels, there is no general anesthesia and you don’t have to worry about sutures or scars.
- Suitable for Various Skin Types: Chemical peels can be used for patients of many skin types and tones. We can use chemical peels for dark skin and lighter skin, though it is important that you have a consultation with us to make sure you get the chemical peel that is right for you. With some skin types, we might recommend a lighter peel.
- Customizable Options: One chemical peel benefit is the versatility of the treatment. Peels can be adjusted in strength and formula to cater to the concerns that each patient has. Whether you have fine lines or deep scars, we have a personalized treatment plan for you.
- Significant, Long-Lasting Results: Chemical peels can address issues that other less intensive treatments may not, such as deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and pronounced acne scars. Depending on the type of peel chosen, you can enjoy results that last for months or even years, making it a worthwhile investment for your skin.
A Closer Look at Chemical Peel Ingredients
Alphahydroxy Acid (AHA)
Alphahydroxy acid is a group of natural acids found in fruits and milk, commonly used in light chemical peels. AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, work by gently exfoliating the skin's surface, breaking down substances that hold skin cells together. Because AHAs are mild, they are suitable for those with sensitive skin or those new to chemical peels.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
Trichloroacetic acid is a stronger acid used in medium-depth peels. It penetrates deeper into the skin to treat more pronounced skin issues like moderate wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. TCA works by coagulating proteins and breaking down keratin, which facilitates the shedding of the damaged outer layers of skin. This process stimulates the growth of new skin cells, leading to a more even and rejuvenated complexion.
Phenol
Phenol is the most potent acid used in deep chemical peels. It penetrates the skin's deeper layers to treat severe wrinkles, deep scars, and extensive sun damage. Phenol peels result in substantial skin resurfacing. Due to its intensity, phenol requires a longer recovery period with more peeling but can be right for patients who want a reset for their skin and are able to take time away from work
Walking You Through Your Chemical Peel
How to Prepare for Your Chemical Peel
Before your chemical peel, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure optimal results. Avoid using retinoids and other strong anti-aging products a week before the treatment to prevent excessive irritation. Stay out of the sun as much as possible and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin even when indoors.
What to Expect During Your Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are performed in a plastic surgeon's office, dermatologist's office, or an outpatient surgical center. Anesthesia is not required because TCA and phenol have anesthetic properties, and AHA produces only a slight stinging. During a TCA or phenol peel, the skin is cleansed and the solution is applied, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. Petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape may be put on the skin following a phenol peel. During an AHA peel, the skin is cleansed and the solution applied; there is no need for post-peel ointment or covering.
What to Expect From Recovery and Downtime
After a chemical peel treatment, you might experience redness, swelling, and peeling as your skin begins to renew itself. Light peels usually require minimal downtime, with recovery taking a few days to a week. Medium and deep peels may necessitate a longer recovery period, ranging from one to three weeks, during which you should follow all post-treatment care instructions.
How to Care for Your Skin After a Chemical Peel
Proper post-peel care is crucial to achieving the best results from chemical peels. Keep your skin moisturized and avoid picking at peeling skin to prevent scarring. Use gentle cleansers and avoid exfoliating products until your skin has fully healed. Consistently applying sunscreen will help protect your new skin from sun damage and maintain the benefits of the peel. Deeper peels may involve more specialized care and you will receive instructions at your appointment.
FAQs About Chemical Peels
How Long Do Chemical Peels Last?
The effects of chemical peels can last anywhere from a few months to indefinitely, depending on the type and depth of the peel. Light peels might need to be repeated more frequently to maintain results, while deeper peels may be a one time treatment. A good anti-aging skin care routine can help extend the longevity of your peel results.
How Do I Know Which Chemical Peel Is Right for Me?
Your choice of chemical peels depends on your skin type, concerns, and desired outcomes. When you come for your consultation, we will discuss all of this and more to find the most appropriate peel for you. Come prepared to discuss your history with cosmetic treatments, medical history, and the concerns you want to treat.
How Long Does a Chemical Peel Take?
A chemical peel treatment typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type and depth of the peel. Light peels are quicker and can often be done during a lunch break. Deeper peels will require more preparation and in-office recovery and you may need to arrange for someone else to drive you to and from the appointment.
Can I Wear Makeup After a Chemical Peel?
After a chemical peel, avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours to allow your skin to heal properly. Applying makeup too soon can irritate your skin and interfere with the peeling process. Once your skin starts to heal, you can gradually reintroduce makeup, focusing on gentle, non-comedogenic products.
When Will I See My Chemical Peel Results?
Chemical peel results can be seen as soon as your skin heals, usually within a week for light peels. Medium and deep peels may take several weeks to show full results as the skin undergoes a more extensive renewal process. Patience and proper post-peel care will help you achieve the best outcome.
What Areas Can Chemical Peels Treat?
Chemical peels are usually performed on the face but can treat other areas, too, such as the neck, chest, and hands. Each area can benefit from the exfoliating and renewing properties of chemical peels.
Can Chemical Peels Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Peels can be combined with other procedures, such as facelifts, for additional improvement to skin. As you discuss your skin concerns with us, we can recommend additional treatments such as injectables, laser treatments, and more that can be used in conjunction with chemical peels to give you more comprehensive results.
What Are the Side Effects of Chemical Peels?
A phenol or TCA peel can result in tingling or throbbing, reddened skin, a crust or scab, and significant swelling that lasts, depending on the strength of the peel used, about a week. With a phenol peel, eyes may be swollen shut at first, and the patient may be put on a liquid diet and advised to keep talking to a minimum. Any tape used is removed after a day or two. AHA peels can cause temporary stinging, redness and irritation, as well as flaking or crusting.
Why Choose Our Chemical Peels?
We are different from other medical spas in that our chemical peels are overseen by a licensed physician. We pay close attention to your unique skin needs, customizing each peel to achieve the best possible results. Patient education is a priority, so we make sure you understand every step of the process and how to care for your skin post-treatment.
Restore Your Youthful Skin With Chemical Peels in La Mesa
At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa we offer chemical peels that are customized to your skin type and concerns providing effective and beautiful results. If you are experiencing signs of aging, you have stubborn acne scars, or you just want to refresh and brighten your complexion, we are here to help. Our reputation for exceptional results with a natural and minimalistic approach makes us a trusted choice for chemical peels in La Mesa and the surrounding East County area. To learn more or schedule your consultation, reach out to us through our online form or call us at (619) 303-0988.