Friday, February 7, 2014

What to know about Chemical Peels

chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother, brighter and clearer. 


Types

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels (AHAs)
Are natural occuring acids such as glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, tartaric etc Each are derived from nature such as sugar cane, sour milk, citrus fruits etc
These are superficial peels to help tarded minor imperfections such as dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. They give a vibrancy and brightness to the skin. 
They may cause a stinging, milkd redness and irritation and dryness. 

Jessner Peels
These peels are a combination of 14% salicylcic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol. They are used to break down the skin further than an AHA peel, to eliminate acne, target fine lines and wrinkles, and lift pigmentation. 
It is difficult to "overpeel" the skin due to mild percentages, but will give a noticeable result. 
Visible peeling will occur in 3-4 days after the peel was performed. 

Retinoic Acid Peel
This is a deeper peel than Jesser and AHA. It is only performed in a Physicians office to help remove acne scars, lift deeper pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin. It is usually performed in conjunction with a Jessner peel in the same appointment. 
Peeling occurs in about 3 days following the treatment. For more dramatic changes to the skin, multiple treatments are required. 

Trichloroacetic Acid Peels (TCA)
An intermediate to deep peel, ranging in percentage of 20-50%. They are used to smooth out fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes, correct skin pigmentation. Multiple treatments may be required. Peeling occurs on the 3rd day post treatment. 

Guelph Medical Laser offers all 4 of these peels! Book your consultation know to figure out which one is best for your skin type and concerns!