CHEMICAL PEELS
Skin Resurfacing Light Peels
Mandelic, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Radiance & Renewal Peels
For the fastest, most effective results try our progressive peel series along with your home skin care regime. In a progressive series each peel increases in levels to achieve optimal results! Recommended treatment schedule for your treatment series is every 4-6 weeks
Chemical Peels:
Chemical peels are effective for anti aging skin care (treat wrinkles, lines, crow's feet, dull skin tones), to treat acne and acne scars, minimize pores, loosen blackheads, treat sun damaged skin, improve the appearance of stretch marks, fade age spots and general hyperpigmentaton, to rejuvenate and improve the tone and texture of your skin.
Mandelic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid derived from the bitter almond nut. This is a gentle acid which exfoliates the skin with very little topical discomfort. Excellent for inhibiting the formation of brown spots, and hyperpigmentation. Will not cause unwanted lightening of the skin in darker skin tones. Treat acne, melasma, sun damaged skin, large pores, blackheads, wrinkles, dull, sallow skin.
Lactic acid: Derived from milk, milder than glycolic acid, and typically better for working on hyperpigmentation problems. Our formulation contains licorice extract, an effective skin lightening additive. Appropriate for dry skin or oily skin. An alpha hydroxy, this peel penetrates the epidermis-only. A great "first peel" for oily, dry, normal and sensitive skin types. The inherent properties of this peel make it ideal for clients with uneven skin tones and general hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic acid: A bit more aggressive than lactic acids, this is also an alpha hydroxy peel and will penetrate the epidermis. Glycolic acid is a good all-around acid for normal-oily skin types to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, as well as addressing the issues of acne, acne scarring, wrinkles and fine lines.
Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy): Oil soluble, thus making these acids perfect for oily/acne skin that needs deep pore cleansing and loosening of blackheads. Use this as a "first-step" when using alpha hydroxy acid peels to remove all oils from the skin, or use alone 3/4 times per week for oil/blackhead control. A beta-hydroxy, this acid penetrates the upper layers of the epidermis only. For a stronger treatment, use our 15% salicylic acid peel once a week.
TCA: Deeper peeling class of acids excellent for acne, lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, stretch marks, sun damage, lip lines, age spots and general scarring. Longer lasting results, more intensive. This peel penetrates the epidermis, into the upper layers of the dermis, thus producing a more effective peeling experience.
Jessner's: A peel that is layered until it frosts, it contains alpha and beta hydroxies along with resorcinol. This peel is ideal for clients with cystic acne.
Non Acid Enzyme Peels: All natural enzymes safely dissolve surface skin debris and leave skin feeling soft, cleansed and refreshed. Our enzyme peels are professional strength, exactly what you would get in a very high-end salon. Use enzymes if you have sensitive skin that is non-tolerant of acid usage.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a controlled burning of the skin, via an acid (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic or tartaric), a fruit or vegetable enzyme or the combination of both in order to exfoliate the top layer(s) of the skin.
Peels are divided into levels according to the warmth it will create on the customer’s skin as well as the difference between a slight exfoliate versus a deep peel, in which one or more layers of the epidermis will “peel off”.
A level 1 peel is mild and will give a very slight exfoliation to the skin. Level 2 will give a stronger exfoliation. A level 3 creates more of a peel than an exfoliant; there is usually minimum or no down time Level 4 has the potential for more peel and can feel very warm on the skin. Level 5 is a deep peel usually performed at a doctor’s office or a medispa, not recommended as a first peel.
For the fastest, most effective results try our progressive peel series along with your home skin care regime. In a progressive series each peel increases in levels to achieve optimal results! Recommended treatment schedule for your treatment series is every 2-4 weeks
Enzyme Peels (levels 2 or 3) $65.00
Different enzymes are available, such as: Raspberries, papaya & pineapple (bromelain), or pumpkin.
Recommended to exfoliate, rejuvenate and strengthen the skin. Light to medium peels. May contain lactic acid to promote cell turnover, helps brighten discolorations and even skin tone. Blue agave extract has energy and nutrients. Bromelain exfoliates and moisturizes the skin. Numerous antioxidants, such as Allantoin, Bilberry extract and Wild Yam extract which maintain the health of the moist tissue of the skin. This product may contain an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which will increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Sun block must be used daily and sun exposure limited 2 weeks after the treatment. Cannot be performed on customers using Retin-A or blood thinners.
Hyper-pigmentation Peel (level 3) $65.00
For sun damaged or pigmented skin due to hormones. Best results with a home regime of skin lightening products and/or 2% HQ bleaching agent. Daily use of sun block a must!
7 weekly peels $425.00
For faster results combine with a microdermabrasion treatment. $100.00
Salicylic Acid Peel (level 3) $65.00
For oily/acne skin. Cannot be performed if customer is allergic to aspirin. Contains salicylic and glycolic acids which will help dry acne breakouts. Very warm on skin.
Jessner Peel (level 4/5)
Deepest peel available in a day spa. Not recommended as a first peel. Skin must be prepared by receiving a level 2 or 3 peel one or two weeks before to prepare skin for this deeper peel. Contains L-lactic acid, Resorcinol, Salicylic acid, red wine and Lycopene for cell turnover, softening and antioxidant properties. Jessner peel must remain on skin for 2 hours before rinsing off. Expect some down time, skin will look sun/wind burnt for about one week. A microdermabrasion treatment to be performed 8 to 10 days later.
Sun block with Titanium Dioxide must be purchased here or brought to the spa by the customer in order to receive a chemical peel.
No chemical peel can be performed on customers using Retin-A or Accutane. Must be off them for at least 6 months.
Glycolic Peel 40 minutes, 115
A natural acid peel leaves the skin younger and free of fine lines, pigmentation and other signs of premature aging. Achieve optimal results with a series of six treatments.
Mandelic, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Radiance & Renewal Peels
For the fastest, most effective results try our progressive peel series along with your home skin care regime. In a progressive series each peel increases in levels to achieve optimal results! Recommended treatment schedule for your treatment series is every 4-6 weeks
Chemical Peels:
Chemical peels are effective for anti aging skin care (treat wrinkles, lines, crow's feet, dull skin tones), to treat acne and acne scars, minimize pores, loosen blackheads, treat sun damaged skin, improve the appearance of stretch marks, fade age spots and general hyperpigmentaton, to rejuvenate and improve the tone and texture of your skin.
Mandelic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid derived from the bitter almond nut. This is a gentle acid which exfoliates the skin with very little topical discomfort. Excellent for inhibiting the formation of brown spots, and hyperpigmentation. Will not cause unwanted lightening of the skin in darker skin tones. Treat acne, melasma, sun damaged skin, large pores, blackheads, wrinkles, dull, sallow skin.
Lactic acid: Derived from milk, milder than glycolic acid, and typically better for working on hyperpigmentation problems. Our formulation contains licorice extract, an effective skin lightening additive. Appropriate for dry skin or oily skin. An alpha hydroxy, this peel penetrates the epidermis-only. A great "first peel" for oily, dry, normal and sensitive skin types. The inherent properties of this peel make it ideal for clients with uneven skin tones and general hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic acid: A bit more aggressive than lactic acids, this is also an alpha hydroxy peel and will penetrate the epidermis. Glycolic acid is a good all-around acid for normal-oily skin types to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, as well as addressing the issues of acne, acne scarring, wrinkles and fine lines.
Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy): Oil soluble, thus making these acids perfect for oily/acne skin that needs deep pore cleansing and loosening of blackheads. Use this as a "first-step" when using alpha hydroxy acid peels to remove all oils from the skin, or use alone 3/4 times per week for oil/blackhead control. A beta-hydroxy, this acid penetrates the upper layers of the epidermis only. For a stronger treatment, use our 15% salicylic acid peel once a week.
TCA: Deeper peeling class of acids excellent for acne, lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, stretch marks, sun damage, lip lines, age spots and general scarring. Longer lasting results, more intensive. This peel penetrates the epidermis, into the upper layers of the dermis, thus producing a more effective peeling experience.
Jessner's: A peel that is layered until it frosts, it contains alpha and beta hydroxies along with resorcinol. This peel is ideal for clients with cystic acne.
Non Acid Enzyme Peels: All natural enzymes safely dissolve surface skin debris and leave skin feeling soft, cleansed and refreshed. Our enzyme peels are professional strength, exactly what you would get in a very high-end salon. Use enzymes if you have sensitive skin that is non-tolerant of acid usage.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a controlled burning of the skin, via an acid (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic or tartaric), a fruit or vegetable enzyme or the combination of both in order to exfoliate the top layer(s) of the skin.
Peels are divided into levels according to the warmth it will create on the customer’s skin as well as the difference between a slight exfoliate versus a deep peel, in which one or more layers of the epidermis will “peel off”.
A level 1 peel is mild and will give a very slight exfoliation to the skin. Level 2 will give a stronger exfoliation. A level 3 creates more of a peel than an exfoliant; there is usually minimum or no down time Level 4 has the potential for more peel and can feel very warm on the skin. Level 5 is a deep peel usually performed at a doctor’s office or a medispa, not recommended as a first peel.
For the fastest, most effective results try our progressive peel series along with your home skin care regime. In a progressive series each peel increases in levels to achieve optimal results! Recommended treatment schedule for your treatment series is every 2-4 weeks
Enzyme Peels (levels 2 or 3) $65.00
Different enzymes are available, such as: Raspberries, papaya & pineapple (bromelain), or pumpkin.
Recommended to exfoliate, rejuvenate and strengthen the skin. Light to medium peels. May contain lactic acid to promote cell turnover, helps brighten discolorations and even skin tone. Blue agave extract has energy and nutrients. Bromelain exfoliates and moisturizes the skin. Numerous antioxidants, such as Allantoin, Bilberry extract and Wild Yam extract which maintain the health of the moist tissue of the skin. This product may contain an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which will increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Sun block must be used daily and sun exposure limited 2 weeks after the treatment. Cannot be performed on customers using Retin-A or blood thinners.
Hyper-pigmentation Peel (level 3) $65.00
For sun damaged or pigmented skin due to hormones. Best results with a home regime of skin lightening products and/or 2% HQ bleaching agent. Daily use of sun block a must!
7 weekly peels $425.00
For faster results combine with a microdermabrasion treatment. $100.00
Salicylic Acid Peel (level 3) $65.00
For oily/acne skin. Cannot be performed if customer is allergic to aspirin. Contains salicylic and glycolic acids which will help dry acne breakouts. Very warm on skin.
Jessner Peel (level 4/5)
Deepest peel available in a day spa. Not recommended as a first peel. Skin must be prepared by receiving a level 2 or 3 peel one or two weeks before to prepare skin for this deeper peel. Contains L-lactic acid, Resorcinol, Salicylic acid, red wine and Lycopene for cell turnover, softening and antioxidant properties. Jessner peel must remain on skin for 2 hours before rinsing off. Expect some down time, skin will look sun/wind burnt for about one week. A microdermabrasion treatment to be performed 8 to 10 days later.
Sun block with Titanium Dioxide must be purchased here or brought to the spa by the customer in order to receive a chemical peel.
No chemical peel can be performed on customers using Retin-A or Accutane. Must be off them for at least 6 months.
Glycolic Peel 40 minutes, 115
A natural acid peel leaves the skin younger and free of fine lines, pigmentation and other signs of premature aging. Achieve optimal results with a series of six treatments.
About Chemical Peels...
If you're considering chemical peel...
Peel Formulas at a Glance
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids, (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs.
Deciding if chemical peel is right for you Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually four days.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced physician. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside. Your skin will feel as though you have a sunburn until it starts to peel usually 48 hours from the time of your peel.
The skin peels in most cases for 48 hours revealing a new youthful skin which appears pink and smooth initially. The skin then appears slightly bumpy for a day or so as new collagen is formed resulting in tightening of the skin.
With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. TCA may produce some unintended color changes in the skin. This may be prevented by using a bleaching cream 2-3 weeks prior to treatment and usually occurs with darker skin. Patients should avoid the use of acid, retin A or accutane at least 6 months prior to a peel. Please alert our office if you used accutane recently. You should avoid prolonged sunlight and use a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF following a peel while your skin is healing. Hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera gel , and neosporin ointment may be used to alleviate redness, burning or itching associated with a peel. Chemical peels are not recommended for pregnant women.
PEEL FORMULAS AT A GLANCE
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)
Uses:
Uses:
Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your actual peel. Microdermabrasions may also be used prior to a peel to thin out the skin layer allowing the peel to penetrate.
Top
THE PEEL
AHA peels/treatments: Our doctor or medical assistant will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal. Our physicians may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, your doctor will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.
TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, our physician who will be assisted by a medical assistant will carefully apply the TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass. A fan may be used to help ease the burning during the peel.
A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.
Top
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment. Your skin may also turn black during the peeling process.
After TCA peel, it is essential that you follow our doctor's specific post-operative instructions.
A TCA peel may also cause significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used.
Top
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your doctor to recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.
With a TCA peel, the moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside within the first week. In about a week to ten days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.
You should avoid makeup following a peel for at least a week while the skin is healing. Be sure to ask about mineral makeup which can be used to camouflage the redness following a peel.
Top
YOUR NEW LOOK
Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.
The results of a TCA peel may be more noticeable initially then the AHA peels and may last longer than AHA peels. Your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Our physicians will help you to decide which peel will help you to achieve the results that you want.
Peel Formulas at a Glance
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids, (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs.
Deciding if chemical peel is right for you Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually four days.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced physician. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside. Your skin will feel as though you have a sunburn until it starts to peel usually 48 hours from the time of your peel.
The skin peels in most cases for 48 hours revealing a new youthful skin which appears pink and smooth initially. The skin then appears slightly bumpy for a day or so as new collagen is formed resulting in tightening of the skin.
With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. TCA may produce some unintended color changes in the skin. This may be prevented by using a bleaching cream 2-3 weeks prior to treatment and usually occurs with darker skin. Patients should avoid the use of acid, retin A or accutane at least 6 months prior to a peel. Please alert our office if you used accutane recently. You should avoid prolonged sunlight and use a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF following a peel while your skin is healing. Hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera gel , and neosporin ointment may be used to alleviate redness, burning or itching associated with a peel. Chemical peels are not recommended for pregnant women.
PEEL FORMULAS AT A GLANCE
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)
Uses:
- Smooths rough, dry skin
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Aids in control of acne
- Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
- Can be used as TCA pre-treatment
- A series of peels may be needed
- As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
- Microdermabraisons are recommended in conjunction with this peel to receive optimal results
Uses:
- Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
- Removes superficial blemishes
- Corrects pigment problems
- Can be used on neck or other body areas
- May require pre-treatment with Retin-A , AHA creams or microdermabrasions
- Treatment takes only 10-15 minutes
- Preferred for darker-skinned patients
- Peel depth can be adjusted
- Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
- Sunblock must be used for several months
Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your actual peel. Microdermabrasions may also be used prior to a peel to thin out the skin layer allowing the peel to penetrate.
Top
THE PEEL
AHA peels/treatments: Our doctor or medical assistant will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal. Our physicians may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, your doctor will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.
TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, our physician who will be assisted by a medical assistant will carefully apply the TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass. A fan may be used to help ease the burning during the peel.
A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.
Top
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment. Your skin may also turn black during the peeling process.
After TCA peel, it is essential that you follow our doctor's specific post-operative instructions.
A TCA peel may also cause significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used.
Top
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your doctor to recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.
With a TCA peel, the moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside within the first week. In about a week to ten days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.
You should avoid makeup following a peel for at least a week while the skin is healing. Be sure to ask about mineral makeup which can be used to camouflage the redness following a peel.
Top
YOUR NEW LOOK
Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.
The results of a TCA peel may be more noticeable initially then the AHA peels and may last longer than AHA peels. Your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Our physicians will help you to decide which peel will help you to achieve the results that you want.