Why You Shouldn't Be Intimidated By Chemical Peels

In our Medical Spa-Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center we see many clients who have never done cosmetic treatments before. I am often asked what is the first treatment I recommend- and it is normally chemical peels or chemical peels combined with laser treatments because they can do so many benefits for the skin. However, a lot of times when I use the words "chemical peel" clients get uneasy and I have often been asked-"Will I look like Samantha from Sex and the City when she couldn't go out for weeks and looked like raw skin". The answer is NO! People are often uneducated about the types of chemical peels and levels as there are light, medium and strong peels and varying strengths within each of those. There are different types of chemical peels to address acne, wrinkles, scars, sun damage, Melasma, fine lines, pore size and texture. Here are some of the most common types of peels: Types of chemical peels Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are a group of mild organic acids most often derived from fruit, sugar cane and milk. AHA peels promote increased epidermal sloughing and are best for clients who want to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and other dark marks. The most common AHAs are glycolic, lactic, tartaric and malic acids. In addition, there are many hybrid AHAs that have emerged in the esthetic marketplace. These acids exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, brighter, younger-looking complexion. Often called a “lunchtime” peel," AHAs are popular because they cause only minimal irritation and require no downtime. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA). BHA (also known as salicylic acid) treats the same skin conditions as AHAs; however, it penetrates the epidermis more deeply than AHA peels. Salicylic acid is found in wintergreen leaves and birch bark, and it has been used for decades to treat conditions, such as acne, warts and psoriasis. BHA peels are considered anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. These peels work well with sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin. It is important to note that because salicylic acid has properties similar to aspirin, it should not be used on clients with aspirin allergies. Jessner’s. Stronger than BHAs, the Jessner’s peel is also good for treating oily skin, acne and fine lines. Still considered a light peel (unless multiple coats are applied, in which case it is a deep peel), Jessner’s often combines salicylic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid in an ethanol solution--depending on the manufacturer. This peel removes dead skin throughout a period of six to 10 days. This treatment works especially well for clients with pigment irregularities, including melasma. Trichloroacetic acid.TCA is a standard agent in medium-level chemicals peels. As TCA is a deeper peel than Jessner’s, it must be performed under a physician’s supervision unless the peel is less than 10% TCA. This peel works to coagulate skin protein in order to treat skin imperfections, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. This peel needs to be used with caution when treating darker skin tones, because there is a risk of the peel causing hyperpigmentation. These are just a few types of chemical peels-there are hundreds of blends and combinations to meet your needs. Find an experienced medical aesthetician and ask for a free consultation. For more information on chemical peels and why to not be intimidated go to www.winterparklaser.com