Chemical peels are an effective solution for fine wrinkling, uneven pigmentation, dryness and acne; making them suitable for skin of any type.
Dr. Green tailors her treatments to each patient’s skin type, tone, and condition to find an individualized peel that best meets their needs.
Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel
Glycolic acid peels, part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family, can help improve uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, clogged pores and early precancerous lesions on skin. They also stimulate production of new collagen and elastin which leaves skin looking younger overall.
These peels work to exfoliate the surface of your skin by separating dead cells from healthy ones and can even help diminish sun damage or acne scarring.
Fusco advises starting slowly by starting with lower concentration peels, then gradually increasing frequency and acid percentage as your skin adjusts to them.
Light chemical peels will leave your skin red, dry and slightly irritated for several days after application of protective ointment such as petroleum jelly. A protective barrier like petroleum jelly will help ease irritation and dryness as the redness slowly fades over time; makeup should still be wearable at this point; peeling may occur.
Salicylic Acid Chemical Peel
Salicylic acid peels are one of the most popular light chemical peels, offering deep penetration into pores for oily skin types and antifungal properties that make it effective against fungal infections such as ringworm. Furthermore, salicylic acid peels break down dead skin cells to reduce oil production, making it great for those suffering from acne-prone complexions.
Acne and comedone-prone clients tend to benefit most from its use. Furthermore, it can help treat dark spots caused by acne scarring as well.
Prior to beginning treatment, it’s essential to refrain from shaving, facial masks, scrubs and hair-straightening treatments. Moisturizing and applying sunscreen are also recommended as it will take several sessions before you see noticeable results; you may experience slight stinging sensations during these sessions which is normal; many patients describe this feeling similar to having sunburn; however it should never be painful.
Lactic Acid Peel
Lactic acid peels are gentle chemical treatments designed to gently exfoliate and smoothen skin, revealing newer, brighter and smoother layers underneath. Lactic acid peels may help improve pigmentation levels, fade dark spots and treat uneven skin tone as well as dryness or fine lines and wrinkles; making these ideal treatments for both dry and mature skin types; they may even assist in managing acne or melasma conditions.
Light chemical peels typically only require a few hours of downtime and are performed in your doctor’s office or clinic. After cleansing and drying your face, an acid solution will be applied and left on for several minutes before beginning to break down surface cells.
Your treatment may cause some mild stinging during the procedure. Once completed, your skin will likely appear reddened and flake slightly; at which time your doctor may apply protective ointment such as petroleum jelly for added protection. It will typically take one to seven days for your treated skin to heal fully; until that point you should limit sun exposure.
Vitamin C Peel
Light peels use medical-grade ingredients to target specific skin issues, including uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, oiliness and acne. A series of these treatments may even lighten age spots and sun damage.
Light chemical peels use alpha or beta hydroxy acids that are milder alternatives than medium chemical peels to safely and gently exfoliate and rejuvenate the epidermis, or outer layer, of skin to exfoliate and give your face a radiant appearance. Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids are often chosen for this type of light peel treatment.
Once your skin is cleansed, a chemical solution is brushed on and left for several minutes before being washed off with neutralizer. Depending on which peel is chosen, mild redness may occur afterward; this should usually be covered with makeup until it fades within several days. It’s essential to protect this new, vulnerable skin with sunscreen and avoid harsh scrubs which could sting or cause flaking.