Peels

A peel improves skin’s texture and tone by chemically resurfacing the skin using an acid derived from a natural source such as milk, fruit, or sugar, is applied to the face, neck, décolleté or back to remove the top layers of the epidermis. The goal of chemical peeling is to remove a controlled uniform thickness of damaged skin to improve and smooth the texture by removing the superficial layers and stimulating a wound healing response. Peels can be used to treat acne, age or sun spots, wrinkles, and sun damage.

Q: Peels seem to come in an endless variety? What’s the difference between a fruit acid peel and a glycolic peel?

A: Many different acids can be used in peels—phenol, salicylic, citric, glycolic, tricholoracetic, and lactic, to name just a few. The most important variable when comparing peels isn’t the kind of acid, but its strength.

Q: What is the difference between a light peel and a deep peel?

A: Peels come in different strengths that determine how deeply they act on the skin. What makes a peel “light” or “deep” depends on the concentration of acid. Light peels have a lower concentration of acid and have a more superficial action. They carry a low risk of complication, have little or no downtime, and produce results that last approximately one to three months. Peels with a higher concentration of acid work at a deeper level, and while they can correct deeper wrinkles, scars, and marks, there are risks associated with their use. Their results can last a long time but and they also have a recovery period of a week or more

Q: Are the peels at SkinSmart the same as those I can get at a day spa?

A: No, a day spa can only offer very light peels that do not penetrate deeply enough to bring about lasting results. At SkinSmart Dermatology, we offer a variety of peels from light formulations that illuminate the skin to more progressive peels that re-texturize. Although our aestheticians perform a variety of superficial peels, Dr. Callahan performs the medium-depth peels including 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for more dramatic resurfacing.

Q: What conditions does a light peel treat?

A: These peels are suitable for fine lines, acne-prone skin, enlarged pores, sun or age spots and irregular texture.

Q: What conditions does a medium-depth peel treat?

A: These physician administered applications using 35% tricholoracetic acid (TCA) correct deeper wrinkles, scars, liver spots, freckles and dark patches due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills (melasma).

Q: Which peel would be best for me?

A: At your aesthetic skincare consultation, our paramedical aesthetician will help you decide the correct peel for you depending on your skin’s type, condition and desired results.

Q: What is the downtime from a deeper peel like?

A: Depending on the strength, some peels will result in at least a small amount of downtime, where the dead skin will visibly flake and peel off. Following this stage, the “new” skin will appear smoother and more even in texture and tone. These peels will help with acne, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles and blotchy, uneven pigmentation, as well as stimulate new cell growth.