What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate and remove layers of dead skin, promoting the growth of new, healthier skin. It can improve the appearance of the skin by reducing wrinkles, acne scars, discoloration, and sun damage.

There are different types of chemical peels, typically classified by their depth:

1. Superficial Peels: These use mild acids, like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), to gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin. They’re often used to treat minor skin imperfections and uneven skin tone.
2. Medium Peels: These use stronger acids, such as glycolic or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), to reach the middle layers of skin. They’re effective for reducing wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation.
3. Deep Peels: These use strong chemicals like phenol to deeply penetrate the skin. They provide more dramatic results for severe wrinkles, scars, or deep pigmentation issues but require a longer recovery time.

Chemical peels are generally done on the face, but they can also be used on the neck, chest, or hands. After the treatment, the skin may be red and sensitive, and proper aftercare is important to avoid complications.

At Nervana Medical, we carry the Allergan Skin Medica line of Chemical Peels and the BioRePeel. Here is a little more information about each of them!

• SkinMedica: offers three main types of professional-grade chemical peels, each designed for different skin types and concerns. These are the Illuminize Peel, Vitalize Peel, and Rejuvenize Peel:
  1. Illuminize Peel:
     • This is the gentlest peel SkinMedica offers, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
     • It uses a blend of mild acids to gently exfoliate, brightening the skin and providing a more radiant appearance with little to no downtime.
     • It’s ideal for first-time peel users or those looking for a light refresh with minimal peeling.
  2. Vitalize Peel:
     • A medium-strength peel that targets mild-to-moderate skin imperfections, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
     • The Vitalize Peel combines salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol, plus a retinoic acid booster for enhanced exfoliation.
     • Downtime is usually moderate, with some visible peeling over a few days. This peel is great for individuals with mild sun damage, acne scarring, or other signs of aging.
  3. Rejuvenize Peel:
     • This is SkinMedica’s strongest peel, designed for moderate-to-severe skin concerns such as pronounced sun damage, deeper wrinkles, and acne scarring.
     • Rejuvenize PeelIt uses a blend of lactic, salicylic, and TCA acids, providing a deep exfoliation that penetrates multiple layers of skin.
     • Some peeling and redness can be expected, with results showing after one treatment but improving over multiple sessions. It’s best for individuals with more advanced skin aging or those experienced with peels.

BioRePeel is a medical-grade chemical peel developed in Italy, known for its innovative, biostimulating, revitalizing, and peeling effects. Unlike traditional peels, BioRePeel is a non-invasive, no-downtime treatment designed to improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging, and treat issues like acne and hyperpigmentation.

BioRePeel has two primary types:

1. BioRePeelCl3 FND (Face, Neck, Décolleté): Formulated for the delicate skin on the face, neck, and décolleté area.
2. BioRePeelCl3 BODY: A version designed for the body, focusing on areas like the arms, back, hands, and other places that may experience skin texture or pigmentation issues.

Key Benefits and Features of BioRePeel

• Minimal Downtime: This peel is popular for having little to no downtime, making it suitable for those who want to avoid peeling or redness.
• Dual-Phase Technology: The peel contains both hydrophilic and lipophilic components, allowing it to deeply penetrate the skin layers while preserving moisture.
• Key Ingredients: BioRePeel includes a combination of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, lactic acid, and a blend of amino acids and vitamins that promote cellular turnover, improve skin elasticity, and stimulate collagen production.
• Skin Revitalization: It helps reduce signs of aging, brighten the skin, diminish fine lines, and reduce pore size.

Who It’s Suitable For

BioRePeel is versatile and can be used on all skin types and ages. It’s especially helpful for those with:

• Acne and acne scarring
• Hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone
• Sun damage and age spots
• Enlarged pores and rough texture

Since BioRePeel has minimal downtime and works on a range of skin concerns, it’s increasingly popular in aesthetics, especially for individuals seeking a gentle yet effective alternative to traditional peels.

What To Expect

After the initial healing period from a chemical face peel, you will see some early improvements such as tighter-feeling skin, even skin tone and a brighter complexion. With the lighter-medium peels, repeat treatments periodically are often recommended for optimal outcomes. Contact your healthcare provider to find out which is best for your skin type and what the proper chemical peel aftercare is for you. Chemical peel cost may vary.

Pre-Care:

• Follow a gentle skincare routine leading up to the peel. Avoid using harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or other potentially irritating products for at least 3-7 days prior to the treatment.
• Sun protection: Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF daily, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure can increase the risk of post-peel complications such as hyperpigmentation.
• A chemical peel should not be performed on sunburned skin. If your skin is sunburned, your treatment will need to be rescheduled until your skin has fully recovered.
• If you have been using Accutane, it’s essential to stop its use at least 8 months prior to your chemical peel treatment.
• Hydration: Keep your skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the peel. Hydrated skin tends to heal more efficiently.
• Avoid tanning: Refrain from tanning beds or excessive sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the peel, as this can increase the risk of complications and affect the results.

To achieve the best results, a series of 3-6 treatments is recommended and spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart

Post-Care:

• Avoid sun exposure: Protect your skin from the sun by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and other complications. Limit outdoor activities and wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors. It’s critical to avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks after your treatment.
• Moisturize: Keep your skin well-hydrated by applying a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer regularly. Moisturizing helps soothe the skin, reduce dryness, and support the healing process.
• Avoid picking or peeling: Do not pick, peel, or scratch the treated area, as this can lead to scarring, infection, and uneven healing. Let the skin peel naturally and resist the temptation to expedite the process.
• Avoid vigorous exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for 24 hours post-treatment.
• Continue avoiding active skincare products, such as retinol or acids (glycolic/salicylic), for 3-5 days following your treatment.

Read More Here:

Schedule an Esthetician Consult Here: