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Cosmetic Services > Chemical Peels
Questions and AnswersPeels are a chemical technique used to rejuvenate skin.
Back to topPeels work in part by producing a controlled chemical burn to the skin. The injured skin "peels" off and is replaced by healthier skin.
There are three categories of peels: superficial, medium, and deep. The vast majority of peels that we do are in the superficial category.
Superficial peels barely cause any "peeling".
Medium depth peels use trichloroacetic acid to cause significant "peeling" and require 7-10 days of healing time. We do a few of these.
Deep peels use phenol to cause deep injury. They require 20-30 days for healing. We don't do these peels. Not many places offer deep peels anymore. They have been replaced by laser resurfacing, because the depth of injury is precisely controllable with lasers.
The more severe the problem being treated, the deeper the peel needed. The deeper the peel, the longer is the healing and the higher are the risks.
Back to topSuperficial peels are used to produce an improvement in overall skin health and appearance. Over the course of several treatments, a gradual improvement will occur in the color of skin, as uneven pigmentation decreases. You may also notice an improvement in texture with reduction of fine lines. Your skin should feel smoother.
Deeper peels can significantly reduce acne scarring and deep wrinkles.
Back to topAt York Vein and Laser Clinic, we offer two types of superficial peels: the Clay Peel and the Vitalize Peel. These peels are both quite mild natured. They both have potent anti-oxidant properties.
We don't use it, but you have probably heard of the Glycolic Peel. It is the most common superficial peel. This is a mild alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peel. Glycolic acid 5-10% is added to many home skin care products as an exfoliant. For in-office procedures, 20-30% glycolic acid is used. This peel will improve skin color and texture over the course of several treatments. Peeling is none to mild, so there is no downtime. It is therefore a very popular peel.
The Clay Peel takes the glycolic (AHA) peel one step further. This peel uses AFAs (amino-acid based fillagrin antioxidants). They have mild acid properties like AHAs, but unlike all other peels, they have very potent antioxidant properties. They are therefore much better for your skin.
The Vitalize Peel is one step higher in strength than the Clay Peel, but it is still a supericial peel. It uses retinoic acid (vitamin A acid) at three times the concentration of the strongest available prescription cream. It will result in flaking and peeling starting about three days after the treatment. It is an excellent treatment for acne, because vitamin A acid dries up the oil glands that cause acne. It will also improve pigmentation and texture.
A single peel will leave your skin looking and feeling more alive, but, as with all superficial peels, they must be done in a series to get the maximum benefit for skin color and texture. They should then be continued as a regular skin maintenance procedure.
Back to topAny skin can be treated, but the most common areas treated are the face, neck, chest, and hands.
Back to topAlmost everyone from 20 to 80 could benefit from peels. However, advanced age, smoking, and excessive sun exposure can leave skin severely damaged, and superficial peels are not very effective in these cases. Peels should be thought of as partially restorative (returning skin to better health) but mostly a maintenance technique.
Back to topThis is a two step procedure. The first step prepares the skin for the actual peel. After cleansing the skin, the clay mask is applied. This is left on for a few minutes and then cleaned off.
In the second step, the AFAs are applied, left in place for about two minutes, then washed off.
An optional purifying mask can then be applied to soothe the skin.
Treating the entire face takes 20-30 minutes.
Back to topWhen done properly, superficial peels are painless. People describe a mild tingle or sting during treatment.
Back to topMost people have no problems following peels. No downtime is expected.
There may be some dryness and flaking. There may be some redness and irritation. The tingling felt during treatment may continue into the following day.
Back to topBeneficial effects of microdermabrasion can be seen following the first treatment, but the results improve with each treatment. Most people require 4-8 treatments for maximum benefit. Peels do not provide permanent improvement and maintenance treatments are suggested at 3-6 month intervals.
Back to topSuperficial peels are very safe.
If the procedure is overly aggressive, there may be skin breakage and bleeding.
Consequently, there is a chance of skin infection.
Rarely, overly aggressive treatment can actually increase pigmentation.
Peels can trigger cold sores.
Rarely, patients experience an exuberant reaction in which there is redness and swelling and skin irritation that might persist for a week.
Back to topThere are several treatment options that can improve your skin, depending on the nature of the problem, including cosmeceuticals, photorejuvenation (IPL), microdermabrasion, aptos thread nonsurgical facelifts, laser skin resurfacing, and surgical facelifts. You should also stop smoking, start using cosmeceuticals regularly, and wear sunscreen!
Back to topWe require 48 hours notice for cancellation of your consultation or treatment, in order to fill the appointment time. If sufficient notice is not given, the full value of the treatment to be done may be charged, with the minimum charge being $100 (one hundred dollars). If you have purchased a package, and you miss an appointment without providing sufficient notice, then that treatment is deemed to have been given, and you will receive one less treatment than you paid for.
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