​Medical Grade

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a popular, excellent and easy way to brighten your complexion and solve common skin problems. A medical grade chemical peel exfoliates the skin on a deeper level than topical exfoliation, which can create microscopic tears in the skin. It rejuvenates and produces new skin by removing the top layer of skin, unclogging pores and improving skin texture by increasing skin cell turnover.

Acid formulas have been refined since the 90's and no longer hurt or leave your skin raw. There are three different classes of peels, all of which are formulated with acid, ranging from superficial to deep: Glycolic, salicylic, and trichloroacetic acid (or TCA).

​However, just one peel won't solve your acne problems or fix your dull skin forever. You'll need a series of peels to get the best results.

Jessner

The Jessner Peel was designed to remove superficial layers of skin, dry out active acne, dislodge blackheads, reduce shallow scarring as well as wrinkling, help lighten hyper pigmentation and improve the overall appearance and health in sun-damaged, acne prone, aging skin. Jessner is considered "medium-depth" and is composed of Salicylic Acid (14%), Lactic Acid (14%), Resorcinol (14%). This cocktail of acids has many benefits including slowing production of sebum, controlling proliferation of bacteria, and softening hyperpigmentation. The solution involves the upper layer of the dermis, designed to address more aggressive acne issues.

Indications:

• Cystic acne
• Blackheads & whiteheads
• Back acne
• Chest acne
• Acne scars
• Large pores
• Sun damage
• Fine lines
• Dull skin
• Age spots
• Uneven skin tone
  
  What to expect:
  
  Treatment
  This procedure generally takes 10-15 minutes. The solution is applied in layers using gauze until your skin observes the appropriate response. The Jessner solution is a leave-in solution that is self neutralizing and takes several days to complete the peeling process. The goal isn't so much to cause visible peeling as it is to infuse the skin with ingredients that diminish lines, build collagen, and improve tone. Most people will start to peel or flake between days 2-4 and will finish in 6-7 days. Chemical peel does not always result in the skin peeling.
  
  Results
  ​​You will notice results after one peel, but for best results, you will need a series of 3 to 6 peels over a period of time. Immediately following the procedure, skin may become pink-red and feel tight. You should avoid applying water or oil to the skin for a minimum of 6-8 hours after the treatment to allow for the full benefit.
  
  Downtime 
  ​​There is virtually no downtime.
  
  Side Effects 
  The major complication of this peel is hyperpigmentation from UV radiation, so it is important to avoid direct sunlight.
  
  Prep: Optional. If you have melasma, have darker skin or have a tan, outcomes are more favorable with first treating the pigment with a bleaching/fading gel for at least 4-6 weeks prior to peel usage to avoid hyper or hypo-pigmentation.
  

​TCA Peel 

Trichloroacetic (TCA) Peels are considered "medium-deep" strength, making them a good choice for a wide range of skin concerns. TCA peels are derived from acetic acid, a derivative of vinegar and penetrate deeper than the glycolic or salicylic acid peels. Concentrations range from 15–70%; lower concentrations provide more subtle changes in the skin, while higher concentrations significantly improve overall skin tone and texture, removing scars, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. TCA peels are most commonly used on the face, but can be used on the chest, neck, back, legs, and arms. 

TCA chemically exfoliates the skin by removing the top layer, revealing healthier, smoother skin underneath. It is a particularly effective treatment for post-acne scarring, working to smooth the skin’s texture while removing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the dark spots of discoloration that appear after a blemish has healed. One study found that TCA was more effective than microdermabrasion, microneedling and glycolic acid at removing acne scars.


Indications:

• Acne scarring
• Age spots
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Sun spots
• Hyperpigmentation
• Uneven skin
• Melasma
• Rough skin texture
  
  
  What to expect:
  
  Treatment
  After the skin is cleansed, gauze is used to apply the peel solution to the skin in layers. The process takes about 10-15 minutes total. TCA peels can burn or sting, but the pain doesn’t usually last beyond the duration of the treatment. The TCA peels will cause redness a few days after use. TCA peels should only be done in the doctor's office under the supervision of a doctor.
  
  Results
  TCA is stronger than other peeling agents such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid and therefore has greater ability to resurface skin with just one treatment. Over the course of several days, you will see the layers of damaged skin peel away, becoming lighter in color leaving healthier, smoother skin underneath. As the skin heals, new collagen is created. Multiple sessions are usually necessary to see significant changes in the appearance of skin.
  
  Downtime 
  ​​Downtime can vary from none at all to three weeks, depending on the depth of the peel. Generally, non-facial areas will take longer to heal and multiple body areas should not be done concurrently. You should always wait for your body to heal after receiving a TCA peel before undergoing another treatment.
  
  Side Effects 
  Some of the temporary side effects can include redness, itching, swelling, lightening or darkening of the skin. You will want to wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun for a few months after your treatments to protect your new top skin layers. There are however serious complications that can happen such as permanent skin discoloration and scarring and for this reason it is important this procedure is done by a licensed physician so as to greatly reduce the risk. Also, one known side effect of TCA peels is the possible reappearance of cold sores. If you experience frequent cold sores, you will be prescribed an antiviral to avoid a flare-up after treatment.

Contraindications 
Contraindications for chemical peels include the tendency to form keloid scars, taking medication that makes your skin light sensitive and any active bacterial, fungal or viral infection. 

If your skin cannot tolerate a TCA chemical peel, alternatives for treating minor skin issues such as hyperpigmentation include glycolic acid or salicylic acid peels, microdermabrasion and microneedling. More severe skin damage and signs of aging can be treated with laser skin resurfacing.