I was so excited to talk about chemical peels on Baltimore FoxNews on September 26, 2016! Here is a summary of what I discussed.
Chemical peels have been performed in doctor’s offices for many years and are increasing in popularity. Newer peel options allow for excellent results with less downtime. Conditions that respond well to peels include pigmentation and brown spots, uneven skin tone, acne, aging skin, large pores and fine lines.
We Customize Each Chemical Peel to Meet Your Skin Specific Needs
Commonly used peel agents include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and retinol, which are often blended with other agents to enhance the results. The level, amount and duration of peeling is different with each treatment and also depends on the condition of the skin being treated. In general, lighter peels are recommended to patients who are new to chemical peels, with progression to deeper chemical peels as tolerated.
Chemical Peels Can Enhance Your Skincare Regimen
Chemical peels help to remove the superficial layer of the skin and also help to normalize cell turnover in the outer layers of the skin and increase collagen synthesis. A good skin care regimen can be enhanced with regular use of chemical peels to obtain the best results and maintain healthy skin.
What You Can Expect from Your Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are placed on the skin after the skin has been cleansed and prepped to remove residual oils and makeup on the skin. The process begins when the peeling solution is applied to the skin, and can involve placing multiple layers to the treatment area. Once the solution is applied, there may be a mild stinging or burning sensation which can be alleviated with the use of a fan. Once the treatment is complete, the peel may be neutralized with the use of water or basic solution, or the peel may self-neutralize. After this, calming lotion and sunscreen are placed on the skin and the in-office procedure is then complete.
Peeling generally starts within 2-3 days of the peel placement and is usually complete within 7-10 days. Peels can cause a range of “peeling” from no visible peeling to mild flaking to heavier exfoliation. Emphasis should be placed on proper skin care at this time. Your physician will instruct you on how to care for your skin during the peeling process, often times with the use of cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. In some cases, active ingredients may be recommended to use during this time. Sunscreen is very important during and after the peeling process since the new skin is more sensitive to the sun. The results of the peel can be seen as soon as 1-4 weeks, and multiple treatments may be recommended. Make sure to discuss with your doctor, the best skin care results to use for long term to enhance the results of your peel.
Chemical Peels at Capital Laser & Skin Care
At Capital Laser & Skin Care, both Dr. Tanzi and myself are board certified dermatologists. We look forward to working with you! Please schedule a consultation with us at our Chevy Chase practice to learn more about chemical peels and what they can do for you.
