One of the least invasive of the “non-invasive” skin care treatments is the chemical peel. Unlike BOTOX or the derma fillers, the peel is not used for deep frown lines or to add volume, eliminate sagging or fill hollowed areas around the cheeks or eyes.
But many times, it’s the skin itself, not the surrounding structure, that needs some attention. The chemical peel is used to reduce acne scars, age and sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles, rough patches, skin pigmentation, freckles or other signs of sun exposure.
As the name implies, this procedure “peels” or removes the outer, damaged layer of your skin and reveals a clearer, fresher new layer, below. Within a short period of time, your skin will look smoother, more radiant and years younger.
Your Laser Skin Care is proud to be one of the selected physician’s offices to offer you Skinmedica Chemical Peel products, specially-formulated with three different levels of treatment: Illuminize Peel, Vitalize Peel and Rejuvenize Peel. Owned and produced by Allergan, one of the leading healthcare companies, in the world (and the producers of the leading dermatology drug, BOTOX), Skinmedica is a top-of-the-line chemical peel product.
So how does the peel work? First, the doctor will determine the current type and condition of your skin, your goals and the preferred depth of your treatment. After cleansing, the product will be applied. Cool compresses may also be used to alleviate the short five to ten minutes of a burning or stinging sensation.
Then, depending upon the type of peel, the reaction will be similar to a sunburn. Milder procedures may produce some redness and scaling that will crust and peel within three to seven days. Medium to deeper peels may result in some swelling and blistering that will peel off in about seven to fourteen days.
The doctor will provide you with all the information about precautions you will need to take prior to the procedure and directions for care following your peel. For example, after a chemical peel your skin might be, temporarily, more sensitive to the sun and require a “broad spectrum” sunscreen, applied frequently, throughout the day.