Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Ranging from mild to strong, there are several types of chemical peels: alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, or a combination of blened peels. The strength of each peel is tailored to the patient. For a one two puch, peels can be combined with other procedures, such as Botox, microneedling, led, and or IPL, for accelerated results to skin.

Chemical peels are performed in a plastic surgeon's or dermatologist's office, or an outpatient surgical center, or med spa. TCA and phenol have anesthetic properties, and AHA produces only a slight stinging.

Chemical Peel Procedure

During a TCA or phenol peel, the skin is cleansed and the solution is applied, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. Petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape may be put on the skin following a phenol peel. During an AHA peel, the skin is cleansed and the solution applied; there may be need for post-peel ointment or covering. It is recommended an avoidance of sweating and heat post-peel.

Side Effects of Chemical Peels

A phenol or TCA peel can result in tingling or itching, reddened skin, and peeling, these symptoms depending on the strength of the peel used, last 3 days to a week. AHA peels can cause temporary stinging, redness and irritation, as well as flaking or crusting. After a chemical peel, it is essential that the skin be protected from the sun and follow post care instructions.

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Sun Damage

Long term and repeated exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet light, can cause a variety of cosmetic and medical problems related to the skin, commonly referred to as sun damage. Sun damage can affect any area of the skin as a result of excessive exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Sun damage most commonly occurs on the face, hands and arms, and may lead to sun spots, age spots, rough skin and wrinkles. Years of sun exposure can also lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Some individuals may notice skin lesions that are a form of actinic keratosis, which is is a precancerous skin condition that develops from years of sun exposure.

Age Spots

Age spots, also known as brown spots, liver spots and solar lentigines, are a common sign of aging. Flat, oval areas of pigmentation, age spots tend to appear on parts of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, shoulders and feet, that are exposed to the sun. Most common in people older than 40, they can be freckle-sized or more than a half-inch in length, and range in color from light brown to black. When age spots are grouped together, they appear even larger.

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