Understanding the Different Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are one of the most popular aesthetic treatments among our Clinton Township and Sterling Heights patients. This is because peels are an affordable alternative to laser skin treatments, while still being highly effective at rejuvenating and resurfacing facial skin.
One of the best things about chemical peels is that they are customizable to the needs of each individual patient’s skin – depending on their skin type, skin tone, and skin issues or concerns. Peels can be formulated to help eliminate acne, or to reduce the appearance of scarring, fine lines, wrinkles or pigmentation. Peels can also be an ideal and affordable way to achieve a smooth, glowing complexion before a special event or occasion by reducing pore size and removing the outer layer of dead, dull skin cells to reveal fresh, rejuvenated skin.
How Chemical Peels Improve Skin Texture & Tone
Chemical peels improve skin quality, texture, and appearance three ways. First, they exfoliate the skin, removing the top layer of dead, dull skin cells to reveal the fresh, younger skin beneath. This process also removes old, dirt and debris that clog pores and cause pimples to erupt. As an added benefit, pores shrink for a flawless glass-like complexion and perfect makeup application.
Secondly, deeper chemical peels activate the body’s own natural skin rejuvenation process by inducing a controlled “skin injury” with the application of caustic substances. The “damage” caused by the peel stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing processes – which causes the body to increase production of new collagen and elastin fibers. This builds firmer, plumper skin for a smoother and younger appearance.
Finally, every peel we offer at Advanced Laser Skin Care and Spa in the Sterling Heights area includes the application of specially curated serums that nourish the skin with a specially chosen formula of clinical grade nutrients. These are carefully selected and customized for each individual patient’s unique skin concerns.
Understanding Chemical Peel Depth
At Advanced Laser & Skincare Spa in the Sterling Heights area we offer chemical peel depths that can be customized for each patient. Peels can be light (superficial), medium or deep, depending upon the chemical agent(s) used and the application technique. The deeper the facial peel, the more profound the improvement to the skin, but the longer the downtime. Our skilled aestheticians will help you select the peel depth that is right for you.
Your chemical peel strength will be determined by your degree of sun damage, wrinkles, roughness, scarring or pigmentation – as well as by how much downtime you can tolerate.
Light or Superficial Chemical Peels
Light or “superficial” chemical affect only the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). So, they are very comfortable and there is virtually no downtime after your facial peel. Light peels include glycolic acid, Jessner Peels, and 10% to 25% TCA peels.
Light chemical peels can brighten skin and even out skin color and texture. They are ideal for mild acne, as well as for minimizing superficial melasma, freckles, and sun spots.
Light chemical peels can be an ideal way to refresh your complexion before a big event or occasion – without risking prolonged redness, peeling, or downtime. Our Sterling Heights chemical peel patients love the “glow” they get from a light chemical peel, and rely on them to look their best for parties, job interviews, work presentations, or even date-night with that special someone.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium to deep chemical peels remove the top layer of skin down to the level of the papillary dermis. A combination chemical peel using Jessner solution and 30-35% trichloroacetic acid, is an example of a medium peel. There will typically be a few days of redness and peeling after a medium to deep peel – depending on the strength. So some patients prefer to stay home from work for at least a coupled days.
These chemical peels can help reverse the signs of prolonged sun exposure, as well as dermal (deep layer) melasma, actinic keratosis, and acne scars.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels are a more intensive skin rejuvenation treatment compared to light or medium peels, offered at Advanced Laser Skin Care and Spa in Sterling Heights. Unlike lighter peels that primarily target the outer layers of skin, deep peels penetrate deeper into the dermis, the middle layer of skin. This deeper penetration allows for more dramatic results in addressing deeper wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation issues.
The benefits of a deep chemical peel include a significant reduction in the appearance of deep wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars. It can also dramatically improve skin texture and tone, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion. However, it’s important to understand that deep peels require a more significant amount of downtime.
The treated area will typically be red and swollen for several days after a deep chemical peel – and it may take up to two weeks for the skin to fully heal. So patients need to schedule their activities accordingly.
Ideal candidates for a deep chemical peel generally have fair to medium skin tone and are seeking to address deeper skin concerns. Those with darker skin tones may be at higher risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation. Additionally, individuals with active acne breakouts, cold sores, or certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for our deeper chemical peels.
The skilled and experienced aesthetician at Advanced Laser Skin Care and Spa will examine your skin to determine if a deep peel is right for you. If not, we also offer the widest selection of other skin smoothing and rejuvenation treatments in the Clinton Township and Sterling Heights area that are suitable for virtually every skin type and tone!
Different Peels for Different Conditions
Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) available in clinical-strengths ranging from 20-70%. It can treat for mild sun damage, “refresh” the skin, even out skin tone, unclog and reduce pores, and even improve acne. Glycolic acid must be neutralized after a few minutes, making it important that it only be applied by an experienced aesthetician to avoid side effects or skin damage from the acid.
Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Peels
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a much stronger peeling agent than glycolic acid or salicylic acid. TCA peels can be light / superficial peels (10% – 30%) or medium to deep in depth (35-50%). They are excellent for treating for sun damage and can dramatically improve lines and wrinkles. But remember, deep TCA peels can take up to a week or so to heal, so always plan accordingly!
Beta Lift Facial Peel
The Beta Lift Facial Peel, available at Advanced Laser Skin Care and Spa in the Sterling Heights area, is a type of chemical peel that utilizes beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), primarily salicylic acid. Unlike deeper peels that target the deeper layers of the skin, the Beta Lift Peel focuses on exfoliating the outermost layers, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, brighter skin.
During the procedure, the BHA solution is applied to the skin, gently dissolving dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This exfoliation process helps to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and diminish acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation. The Beta Lift Peel is generally well-tolerated with minimal downtime. Some mild redness and flaking may occur, but these side effects usually subside within a few days.
The Beta Lift Peel is suitable for most skin types, including those with oily, acne-prone skin. However, it may not be appropriate for individuals with very sensitive skin or those with active cold sores. It resurface and tones, and smooths the skin – while also purging the pores, which helps to reduce the appearance of pore size.
Jessner’s Chemical Peel
Jessner’s Facial Peel consists of a blend of salicylic acid, resorcinol, and lactic acid in combination with retinol, for effective skin resurfacing. This peel addresses moderate to severe photo damage, discoloration, texture, clogged and congested skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It stimulates collagen formation for a healthier younger complexion. The antioxidant facial enhancer added to the peel helps to repair and heal the skin.
The Jessner’s Peel, offered at Advanced Laser Skin Care and Spa in the Sterling Heights area, is a medium-depth chemical peel that penetrates deeper into the skin, addressing a wider range of concerns. It can effectively improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
While the Jessner’s Peel provides more dramatic results than lighter peels, it also requires more downtime. Expect some redness, peeling, and dryness for several days following the procedure.
Chemical Peels | Sterling Heights Area
At Advanced Laser Skincare & Spa in the Sterling Heights area our wide array of chemical peels include: the Beta Lift Peel, Glycolic Acid Peel, Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels and the popular Jessner’s Peel. This versatile array of customized facial peels can treat fine and coarse wrinkles, acne and acne scarring, freckles, unwanted pigment, and much more.
You will love the way your skin glows – and makeup applies flawlessly – after any of our chemical peels. And as the results continue to develop over time, you will see a continuing improvement in texture, tone, and smoothness.
The skilled aesthetician at Advanced Laser Skincare & Spa in the Sterling Heights area will consult with you to customize the type of chemical peel that is just right for you! Love the skin your in with a chemical peel at at Advanced Laser Skincare & Spa in the Sterling Heights area!
Chemical Peels – Sterling Heights Area: 586.286.4508
Thank you for visiting Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa’s blog, where we keep patients updated on the latest aesthetic news and events.
Learn about the latest procedures and technologies in medical aesthetics, in our informative articles. Check back often for specials and updates on the latest cosmetic treatments!
