If you're considering chemical peel...

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your Esthetician will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds.

Peel formulas at a glance

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)

Uses:

• Smoothes rough, dry skin
• Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
• Aids in control of acne
• Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
• Can be used as TCA pre-treatment

Considerations:

• A series of peels may be needed
• As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

Uses:

• Smoothes out fine surface wrinkles
• Removes superficial blemishes
• Corrects pigment problems

Considerations:

• Can be used on neck or other body areas
• May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
• Treatment takes only 10-15 minutes
• Preferred for darker-skinned patients
• Peel depth can be adjusted
• Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
• Sunblock must be used for several months
• Healing is usually quick

PEELS

PCA Skin is widely acknowledged as the originator of advanced blended chemical peel formulations and is the trusted industry leader.

The range of peel options includes Sensi Peel, Pumpkin Peel Treatment, Ultra I, Forte and II, PCA with or without hydroquinone and Esthetique Peel. All offer easy application, no down time and excellent visible results.

The formulations contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids, trichloracetic acid (TCA) with vitamins, tyrosinase inhibitors, and collagen building ingredients deliver unique and highly effective options for treating all skin conditions and visible signs of aging.

Obagi Blue Peel is a unique procedure to precisely control the depth of TCA peels. Obagi Blue Peel uses 15% to 20% TCA combines with blue base for effective correction of several skin conditions including fine to moderate wrinkles, significant sun damage, hyperpigmentation and melasma.

Planning for a chemical peel

It is very important that you find an Esthetician who has adequate training and experience in skin resurfacing. Your Esthetician may offer you a choice of peel techniques or suggest a combination of peels to obtain the best result for you.

During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with your Esthetician. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Expect your Esthetician to explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. If you have a history of herpes, you should inform your Esthetician prior to the procedure. Remember, chemical peel treatments are usually not covered by medical insurance.

Preparing for a Chemical Peel

Your Esthetician will instruct you on how to prepare for your peel treatment.

Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your actual peel.

After your treatment

After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.

A TCA peel may cause moderate to significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used.

Getting back to normal

With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your Esthetician recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.