WHAT IS CHEMICAL PEELS?
A chemical peel is a procedure that’s used to improve the appearance of the skin. This is done through the controlled application of chemicals to the skin. Chemical peels come in various depths and strengths. Light chemical peels treat the outer layers of the skin, while strong chemical peels penetrate deeper into the skin’s surface. Each chemical peel offered at Bared Monkey Laser Spa is unique and can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. By understanding what each peel does, you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Vitalize Peel
The Vi Peel (Vitality Institute) is a gentle yet powerful medical-grade chemical peel for the treatment of acne and acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, age and sun spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, enlarged pores, oil balancing, and overall skin health.
The Vi Peel is safe and effective on all skin types and colors and can be used on the face, neck chest, arms, back, and legs, and is the only peel safe for the under-eye area. It is also painless and requires minimal downtime. With the Vi Peel, the magic is in the formula. A blend of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), Tretinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, Vitamin C, and other minerals work together to safely remove the damaged layers of the skin, promote cellular turnover, and refine the surface layer for a smoother, clearer, firmer skin that has a more youthful and radiant appearance.
* All VI Peels come with a free VI Peel Post-Peel Take-Home Kit!
PCA TCA Peels / Enhanced Jessner’s Peels:
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are often thought of as very aggressive and producing substantial discomfort. PCA Professional™ TCA peels are very different from the standard. Our TCA solutions are blends formulated with many ingredients including lactic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), plumping phytohormones and kojic and azelaic acids to produce dramatic results without the discomfort and downtime associated with traditional TCA peels.
Enhanced Jessner’s peels are innovative and proven superficial peel formulas which effectively exfoliate with blends of lactic, citric and salicylic acids and resorcinol, while bleaching and inhibiting pigment production with kojic acid and hydroquinone (where indicated). These peels help repair and reduce breakouts, control oil, soften fine lines and provide a more even, smoother skin texture.
* All peels come with a free PCA Post-Procedure Solution Take Home Kit!
HOW DOES CHEMICAL WORK?
Chemical peels can be customized to accommodate any type of skin, including sensitive skin, making the procedure safe for most skin types. This process promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Most chemical peels contain one of the two following categories of chemical exfoliants:
Beta hydroxy acid, or BHA, is also known as salicylic acid. While AHAs work to loosen the surface layers of the skin, BHA works to penetrate the pores of the skin and dissolve the oil, dirt, and debris in them. This makes BHA effective for fighting acne, oily skin, and other skin irritations.
Trichlorecetic acid, or TCA, is somewhat vague because TCA peels can vary from very light to deep chemical peels, depending on the concentration of TCA and whether it is combined with another type of chemical peel. For reference, 10%–30% TCA provides a superficial peel for improvement in skin texture, a decreased number of whiteheads and blackheads, and evening of skin tone, while 30%–40% TCA provides a medium-depth chemical peel for improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, and 50% or above TCA provides a deep chemical peel for improvement in deep wrinkles and skin tightening.
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are naturally occurring substances derived from foods. For example, citric acid is found in citrus fruits, and lactic acid is found in sour milk. They exfoliate the skin by loosening the surface layers. AHAs are useful for the treatment of uneven skin tone, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
The amount of downtime needed for a chemical peel depends on the strength of the peel. For example, a superficial peel can have a quick recovery time of under a week. However, a more aggressive peel that treats deeper layers of the skin may require one to two weeks of recovery time. During your recovery period, your skin may become dry, peel, or get irritated. Because of this, we recommend scheduling your chemical peel several weeks in advance of big social events.
Typically 3-4 treatments are recommended 4-6 weeks apart, however more may be needed due to your specific skin concern and current condition. Your HOME skincare regimen is just as important as these aesthetic treatments.
When recovering from a chemical peel, your skin will be very vulnerable to the UV rays of the sun. Because of this, it’s important to take steps to protect your skin from these harmful rays. We recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 50, and avoiding direct strong sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.
If you’re interested in getting a chemical peel, or have other skincare questions, contact us today. Our friendly staff would be happy to meet with you at a consultation appointment to discuss your skincare needs