Chemical peels and resurfacing agents have been around since the time of Cleopatra. Historical evidence shows that Cleopatra enjoyed a daily bath in milk to refresh her skin. The lactic acid in dairy products have been shown to be a very beneficial peeling agent by helping patients achieve smooth, even toned skin. Since the time of Cleopatra, science and nature have provided us with many more beneficial peeling agents.

How Do Chemicals Peels Work?
Please note that we would like to make a distinction between peeling and resurfacing as many patients are misled by the term “chemical peel”, and assume that peeling of the skin will always occur. In fact, in many instances the product has resurfaced the skin (gently removed the top most layers of dead skin cells-stratum corneum) and no peeling is perceived by the patient. All peeling/resurfacing solutions work on the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells from the stratum corneum. This calls into action a number of responses from our skin. The basal cell layer begins increasing the production of new skin cells (keratinocytes), thus increasing skin cell turnover. The skin cell turnover rate from the birth of a new skin cell; to its migration through the epidermis; and then to its final arrival in the stratum corneum is 28 days. However, as we age and are exposed to UV radiation from the sun, that rate begins to slow down. By the time we are 50 years old the skin cell turnover rate has increased to 44 days. The slowing of cell turnover can lead to an appearance of rough textured skin, uneven skin tone, and a dull appearance of the skin. Chemical peels can help exfoliate the layers of dead skin cells; stimulate the production of collagen; decongest and decrease pore size; break-up and disperse pigment in melasma, sun and age spots; and increase the cell turnover rate. Thus, revitalizing skin to a more youthful state.

What Kind of Resurfacing Agents Do You Use?
Our office uses superficial resurfacing agents, which allows us to improve the skin’s appearance without any significant “down” time for healing.

Salicylic/Mandelic Acids
Combined, salicylic and mandelic acid work synergistically to exfoliate the skin while decongesting pores and reducing skin irritation. Although one of the strongest AHAs, mandelic acid’s large molecular structure and even penetration help prevent inflammation and irritation that can sometimes occur with AHA use. Mandelic acid is derived from almonds. Salicylic acid is a lipid soluble BHA (beta hydroxyl acid) that penetrates pores to dissolve sebum (oil) and cellular debris. Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark, and also exhibits antimicrobial activity against the bacteria that causes acne breakouts. By accelerating the cell renewal process, stimulating collagen synthesis, and improving elastin fibers in the dermis, this light chemical peel revitalizes acne prone skin. This peel is appropriate for serial applications ever 1-2 weeks, and as a companion treatment for microdermabrasion or IPL.

Dissolves sebum and cellular debris in pores due to lipid-solubility of salicylic acid
Exfoliates skin without irritation
Improves collagen synthesis and remodels existing collagen fibers
Improves elastin fibers in the dermis
Increases cellular renewal
Improves the appearance of skin discolorations by dispersing melanin granules more evenly in epidermis
Increases ceramide levels in the stratum corneum
Softens and invigorates the skin
Demonstrates anti-bacterial properties again the P. Acnes bacteria that is responsible for acne breakouts

Recommended for:
Acne
Sensitive skin
Aging skin
Hyperpigmentation
Sun damaged skin

Glycolic/Lactic Acids
Combined, glycolic and lactic acids work synergistically to exfoliate the skin while reducing irritation and dryness. Because of glycolic acid’s molecular structure, it penetrates quicker and deeper than other AHAs, to perform at all levels of the skin. Glycolic acid is derived from the sugar cane plant. Lactic acid is an effective yet gentle AHA that increases moisture levels in the skin by stimulating the production of glycoasminoglycans. By accelerating the cellular renewal process, stimulating collagen synthesis, and improving elastin fibers in the dermis, this superficial chemical peel revitalizes sun damaged skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic acid also is an excellent treatment modality for the clearing of hyperpigmentation associated with melasma, sun/age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Lactic acid will help to disperse and eliminate the pigment that is responsible for the uneven skin tone without excessive skin irritation. Our office also offers two additional strengths of lactic acid for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. These peels are appropriate for serial treatments every 1-2 weeks, and as a companion treatment for microdermabrasion or IPL.

Provides superior exfoliation due to glycolic acid. Improves hydration due to lactic acid
      stimulating glycoaminoglycan production in the epidermal and dermal levels.
Less irritating than a pure glycolic peel
Improves collagen synthesis and remodeling
Improves elastin fibers in the dermis
Increases cellular renewal
Improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation
Increases ceramide levels in the stratum corneum

Recommended For:
Sun damaged skin
Rough skin texture
Aging skin
Sun and age spots
Fine lines and wrinkles
Melasma
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

What Side Effects Can I Expect?
Complications resulting during the applications or after a superficial chemical peel are extremely rare. Possible side effects during the peel may include burning, itching and redness. Side effects observed occasionally after on peel or a series of peels are:

Redness, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours.
       Most patients experience very little redness after their treatment.
Peeling. This is typically very mild and lasts only 1-3 days.
       However, with some of the higher concentrations of lactic acid, the peeling can be more noticeable.

How Many Peels Will I Need?
The answer to this question depends upon several factors including; severity of the skin condition that we are treating (i.e. melasma and other deeper forms of hyperpigmentation may require more treatments for optimal results); the type of resurfacing agent used; and the desired results. Most patients that we treat will have excellent results after 6 treatments. Once a patient has completed the necessary number of treatments for optimal results, we recommend a maintenance chemical peel every 8-12 weeks. We will also provide each patient with a personalized home skin care regimen, so that they can continue to enjoy healthy radiant skin.

What Is The Benefit Of Having A Microdermabrasion And Chemical Peel Done At The Time?
Microdermabrasion removes the outer layers of skin and encourages collagen production. On its own, the process helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but in combination with a chemical peel, it allows any peel to penetrate further and make skin even brighter. In the treatment of acne, adding a microdermabrasion to a chemical peel can help clear the debris from pores as well as reducing pore size and smoothing acne scars. Microdermabrasion with a chemical peel is best suited for those who have:

Sun-damaged skin
Hyperpigmentation
Rough, thick skin
Large, congested pores
Comeodonal acne and shallow acne scars

Expect to leave your appointment looking and feeling great! Again, redness is the most common and predictable side effect. For most patients the redness is resolved by the end of the day. Some people may also experience mild peeling for 2-3 days afterwards. For maximum results, we recommend a series of 5 microdermabrasions together with chemical peels done at intervals of every 1-3 weeks. The treatments will give your skin a natural healthy glow!