Chemical Peels

Dermatologists have been using the TCA peel for over twenty years to treat sun damage, texture issues and uneven skin tone. This technique utilizes a non-toxic chemical to exfoliate and peel off the top layer of skin. Many still prefer this classic option because of its effectiveness and safety when performed by an experienced, licensed esthetician or practitioner. It’s a great solution for people who are experiencing advanced signs of aging and want a deeper treatment.

During a Glow Peel, your licensed esthetician or practitioner will apply a mild glycolic solution to your face for about five minutes. The chemical solution exfoliates away dull and dead skin, as well as stimulates skin cell regeneration deep into the skin. It can help treat the beginning signs of aging, unevenness and acne scarring. This mild to moderate peel is great for people in their 20’s to 30’s who want to brighten up their appearance and improve on their youthful glow.

Patients with sensitive skin can still experience the full benefits of a peel without the harshness of other treatments. We use gentle exfoliating products that contain AHA’s or salicylic acid, but customize the depth of treatment and time length depending on your specific skin sensitivity. The results are glowing and youthful skin without the irritation.

During a chemical peel, a specially formulated chemical solution is applied to the skin. This process exfoliates layers of the skin to reveal newer, younger looking skin. We have several strengths of chemical peels depending on your skin type and your goals for treatment.

You will meet with one of our licensed estheticians or practitioners to discuss your goals for treatment. They will ask you questions about your health and will determine a treatment plan that is best for you.

You may be a candidate for a chemical peel if you have:

• Good general health
• Realistic expectations
• Acne scars
• Aging skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Scars

You may not be a good candidate if you have taken Accutane in the last six months or have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. Patients with light or medium skin tones usually have better results from chemical peels than those with darker skin.

Discontinue the use of skin products containing retinoids, acids or skin lightening agents for at least 48 hours before your procedure. Come to your appointment with a makeup-free face, and do not use lotions or other face treatments.

One of our licensed estheticians or practitioners will cleanse the skin and may apply a topical anesthetic. They will then apply the chemical solution to the skin. You may feel a tingling or stinging sensation, depending on the strength of the peel. After a certain amount of time, the solution is washed off with water and a soothing ointment is applied.

Your recovery time will depend on the strength of your chemical peel. Milder peels require one to seven days to heal. All peels will produce varying degrees of redness and peeling, and stronger peels may produce some blisters and crusting. Dr. Oser may prescribe an ointment to keep the skin protected and hydrated for some time. Deep peels may require bandaging and soaking treatments, followed by the application of mild creams. Dr. Oser may prescribe anti-viral medication as well. This type of peel takes up to 21 days to heal. For deep peels, avoid sun exposure for three to six months.

Patients who undergo a facial peel will enjoy younger looking, more vibrant skin with less visible wrinkles.