Facial peels, also known as chemical peels, improve the appearance of your facial skin by removing damaged tissues. As we age and mature, our facial skin shows more wrinkling, more prominent age spots and other blemishes, and larger regions of uneven tone. This is caused by environmental factors as well as a decreased ability for the skin to retain moisture. One way to combat these visual signs of aging is to stimulate healthy replacement tissue, and that’s exactly what facial peels do.
Several types of peel treatments are available, and each of them targets specific problems. Some facial peels require a little downtime, others don’t require any. Depending on the texture and tone of your facial skin, the amount of wrinkling, and the depth of any hyperpigmentation, we will recommend one of these treatment types.
Superficial Facial Peels
This is the most commonly performed peel treatment. It helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and creases on the skin surface, and it will also help to reduce the prominence of near-surface blemishes such as acne scars.
We apply a very mild acid to the skin surface and allow it to set for about five minutes. We then wash off the acid solution using a special type of solvent. After about three days, the epidermis has dried up and begins to flake away. The body responds to this by rushing nutrients to the dermal layers. Quickly, a new epidermal layer is formed, and these cells are much healthier than what they replaced. The eventual result is smoother, more radiant skin. A superficial peel treatment can be completed in less than 45 minutes, and there’s no downtime after treatment.
Medium-Depth Peel Treatment
Deeper-level injury scars and moderate wrinkling can be treated with a more advanced and aggressive peel treatment. Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is used, and it’s allowed to set on the skin surface for a longer period of time. The acid penetrates a bit further down below the epidermal layer.
We apply a cool saline compress to neutralize the acid after it has set for about 10 minutes. We give the client a special moisturizer to use at home for the next week or so. Once the dried skin has peeled away, the surface is much smoother and significantly more even in overall tone. The client may have to miss a day or two from work, but the results of a medium-depth peel treatment can be quite positively dramatic.
Deep Facial Peels
We will recommend this treatment only if the concern is severe sun damage that has resulted in very brittle skin. Blotchy patches and in some cases melasma can be made far less noticeable after a deep facial peel has been performed. This treatment requires several weeks of preparation on the part of the client. Certain medications being taken may have to be put on hold, and there may also be some dietary restrictions. A strong acid is applied to the skin, and it seeps far down into the dermal layers. The peeling and flaking process takes longer, and the client may have to wear bandages for a week or more. However, the results are generally quite satisfying, and these results last for a very long time.
Which Option Is Right For Me?
That’s what we’ll find out during your consultation. We will determine the best type of peel procedure to correct the problems that concern you, and we’ll describe the different types of facial peels in more detail. Contact Lakeside Dermatology today to schedule your consultation! We are conveniently located in Sebring and Winter Haven, FL.
