Chemical Peel - The " Lunchtime" Skin Peel

A Quick & Convenient Way to Enhance Your Appearance

Chemical peels, also known as chemical resurfacing, are chemical treatments to produce an improved appearance of the face. Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and discoloration (or dyschromia). Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin that promotes the growth of new skin with an improved appearance.

Chemical Peels have been used for decades to revitalize and resurface skin. They involve applying a chemical solution to remove the damaged outer layers of skin and reveal a younger, clearer, more radiant complexion. Chemical peels are traditionally performed on the face, hands, neck, back and shoulders, legs and other problem areas to treat fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and skin discoloration. Chemical peels are also effective in treating mild scarring and acne. Treatments usually last from 15 to 20 minutes and are one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate aging skin, and erase the marks of sun damage.

Which Peel is Right For You?

In our practice, we offer four distinctly different types of chemical peeling agents: Refinity 70% glycolic acid (fruit acid), 20-35% tricholocetic acid (TCA) peels, Salicylic Peel & Obagi Blue Peel. Our Staff at DermaVogue Aesthetic Laser Center will help determine which chemical peel is right for you.

Refinity™ 70% Glycolic Peel

Refinity™ is a 70% glycolic peel and it is the only high-performance AHA product proven to be as gentle as it is effective. Refinity™ products let you experience the benefit of medical strength alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) without the skin irritation commonly associated with this type of product. Used together, the Refinity™ in-office treatment and home-use products create visible improvement in skin pigmentation, tone, and texture, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Refinity™ gives you the benefit of six months of Retin A applications in one peel!

After treatment (which usually takes less than half an hour) most patients report that their skin feels softer and smoother, and they're able to resume their normal activities immediately. A slight redness may occur, which can be covered with makeup. Some patients may experience slight skin flaking in the few days following the treatment, however skin flaking is not necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the peel.

DermaVogue Aesthetic Laser Center will be able to advise you on the frequency of our Refinity™ peel treatments. Initially a series of 4-6 peels are recommended for optimal results. For optimal maintenance, a Refinity™ peel can be performed once a month as part of an effective ongoing skin care regimen.

TCA Peels - A Medium Chemical Peel

For those who are looking to improve their overall skin smoothness, and reduce the visibility of fine wrinkles, medium chemical peels are perfect. Medium chemical peels are highly effective in promoting skin smoothness and vitality. They also improve superficial discoloration and eliminate fine wrinkles. They do nothing for acne scarring or dynamic wrinkles. Medium depth peels can be achieved with a variety of chemicals. TCA (trichloro acetic acid) is the most common.

TCA peels may be repeated every three to six months for optimal results. Unlike deep peels, medium peels may be performed safely on people with olive and light brown skin. They may also be used in some people with dark brown skin, although the risk of discoloration is higher.

Salicylic Acid (Light) Chemical Peels

Beta hydroxy, salicylic acid chemical peels are known to have superior exfoliating properties without causing the irritation associated with more aggressive peels. Because salicylic acid peels exfoliate both the surface of the skin and within the pores themselves, they are a perfect option for patients who wish to rid themselves of years of dry, dull skin buildup. Salicylic acid facial peels are a safe and effective way to improve the look of sun-damaged and aging skin, and they are also beneficial in the reduction of mild acne scars.

A salicylic acid peel is stronger than a glycolic chemical peel and can dramatically improve the look of fine lines, pigmentation, and skin texture. Scars will also become less noticeable. Salicylic acid peels may be repeated after six to eight weeks.

For more information about Chemical Peels...

Of course, we'll be glad to answer your Chemical Peel questions, so don't hesitate to call DermaVogue at (843) 357-2444 for our Garden City location or (843) 272-4071 for our North Myrtle Beach location or (843) 236-0000 for our Carolina Forest location. You can also request a Free Chemical Peel Consultation online.