Chemical Peels

You can keep the healthy glow of younger looking skin, and fight the effects of time, the sun and the seasons.

Peels improve the texture of the skin and increase the CRF (cell turnover rate), hydration, intracellular lipids, barrier function, moisture retention, elastin, and collagen production. Peels also reduce fine line wrinkles and pigmentation.

Glycolic Acid is the peel of choice – it is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in sugar cane. It works by deeply penetrating the skin’s surface and loosening the top layer of dull, damaged skin cells to leave you with smoother, younger-looking skin.

Due to the fact that glycolic acid has a smaller molecular weight size than any other alpha hydroxy acid, it does the best job of penetrating into the epidermis to loosen the bonds between cells, thus promoting a very effective peel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a peel and how does it benefit my skin?
A peel is the process of applying a high concentration of glycolic acid to your skin for roughly 1 to 3 minutes, and then rinsing off the solution. You may experience a tingling sensation, slight stinging, or mild redness that may last for several minutes. The immediate result is a softer feel of your skin. A series of peels used over weeks or months, along with a daily skin care regimen, sloughs away the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresher, healthier skin.

What kinds of improvement can I expect with a peel treatment?
Improvements will vary from person to person. In general you will notice:

  • Smoother skin texture and tone
  • Diminished fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reduction in brown (age) spots
  • Control of excess oil
  • Restored vitality
  • Reduction in blemishes

How soon will I notice results? How long does the program last?
You will feel an improvement in the softness of your skin in as little as 1 week. As the treatments progress, you will notice a difference in the overall appearance of your skin. The peel program generally consists of a series of peels given every 2 weeks. The length of the program and frequency of visits, however, will be determined by your individual skin care needs. An at-home regimen provides daily exfoliation and maximizes the benefits of your peels. Keep in mind that it will take several months of treatment before you see the optimal skin rejuvenation benefits.

Can men or younger adults benefit from glycolic acid peels?
Yes! Glycolic acid provides the same exfoliation benefits for men as it does for women, including helping to slough away dead skin cells to reveal healthier skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, glycolic acid may minimize razor bumps and shaving irritation.

For teens with acne-prone skin, glycolic acid can help to eliminate oil and reduce further oil production.

Is a glycolic acid facial peel uncomfortable?
It is not unusual to experience a tingling sensation, a slight stinging or mild redness lasting for several minutes. This is how a peel works, dissolving the chemical bonds to release the dead cells from the skin’s outermost layer.

Each person’s tolerance for this sensation is different. Those wanting a more aggressive schedule will experience some irritation and redness. Those choosing more time between visits and milder formulations naturally will experience less or none. The initial consultation with your doctor will help both of you select the best schedule for you.

Does the use of glycolic acid make the skin more sun sensitive?
Because all AHAs gently exfoliate the skin, sun sensitivity does increase. Always protect your skin before going out during the day. Use a sunscreen with at least a SPF 25 rating.

Can I change my schedule if I am uncomfortable?
Yes, that’s one of the great features of the glycolic acid peel program. It can be tailored to any skin need or personal preference and still achieve the same ultimate goal. Some who express a willingness to tolerate a more aggressive schedule later decide to back off to milder formulations with a longer time frame. Others, who are at first timid, decide to step up to a more aggressive schedule with stronger products.

What if I am currently using Retin A®, Renova® or topical antibiotics?
Under most conditions you will discontinue use of these several days prior to your peel. Each person’s skin is different so you will need to talk it over with you skin care specialist to find out what would be best for you.

Should there be a waiting period between using Accutane® and glycolic acid products?
Yes – 6 months. Because Accutane is a systemic skin drug, many changes occur to the structure of the skin. Scarring may increase because of the sensitive nature of the skin’s structure caused by Accutane. After 6 months, the majority of skin changes will have taken place and skin will be able to handle the exfoliating effect of the glycolic acid peels.

RetinA® and Renova® are registered trademarks of Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Accutane® is a registered trademark of Roche Pharmaceutical.