Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are topically applied acids and retinoids that aid in the restoration and rejuvenation of the skin. They can affect the outer layer of skin and deeper layers. Chemical peels activate fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin to minimize wrinkles and accelerate the production of new healthy skin cells. 

Peel Away the Dullness to Reveal Your Natural Beauty

Chemical peels are increasingly popular with those who are unhappy about acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, age spots, freckles, fine lines, rough skin texture, and uneven pigmentation.

Men and women alike share a common desire to have healthy, youthful skin. Exposure to the sun and the elements in combination with unfortunate lifestyle habits contribute to the appearance of our skin. A chemical peel is not limited to the face. It can be performed on the neck, chest, hands, arms, shoulders and legs – just about anywhere!

Alyce Versagli is a registered nurse with emergency room training. She is an expert in skin care. She is an active member of the Society of Plastic Surgery Skin Care Specialists and has specialized in skincare solutions for years. To learn more about chemical peels and if they can help you, book an appointment with Alyce today or call our Wyomissing office at (610) 685-2575.

About Chemical Peels in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania

Chemical peels have a long history. Some sources indicate chemical peels date back to ancient Egypt.^[1] Cleopatra was said to bathe in sour milk (lactic acid) to keep her skin smooth and clear. A chemical peel fulfills two purposes. First, it removes the dull layer of cellular debris that serves no purpose for us. Second, it triggers our bodies to begin producing more elastin and collagen.  

Long-Lasting Benefits

Chemical peels achieve several benefits for our appearance without the need for invasive surgery. They remove the unnecessary layer of dead skin that dulls our complexion. This removal provides an immediate benefit akin to polishing the dust off a wood table to reveal the clear texture underneath. Dead skin layers can also clog our pores and increase the chance of acne or ingrown hairs. Chemical peels also initiate a process of boosting collagen and elastin which provides continual improvement. In general, chemical peels will enhance skin tone and skin texture, improve the complexion, and assist in regenerating the skin.

Suitable Candidates

Candidates for chemical peels should be in good health and typically have a lighter complexion. Chemical peels can treat some people with darker skin tones, but it depends on the condition that needs treating. Some chemical peels will function better on darker skin tones. Certain medical conditions, such as a history of cold sores, may also impact the efficacy of a chemical peel. The best way to determine exactly which chemical peel is right for you is to schedule a consultation.

Conditions Chemical Peels Can Help Treat

Your Free Consultation With Alyce

A consultation is necessary if you’re considering a chemical peel. During your private consultation, we can determine which type of peel will best treat your skin. Chemical peels are customized to each individual. There is no universal chemical peel effective for every skin type and every skin condition. To achieve a desired and realistic result, your skin care practitioner will decide with you what types of acids and their combinations are most appropriate to treat your skin conditions. 

If you want to learn more about how chemical peels can help you, reach out to Alyce by calling our Wyomissing office at (610) 685-2575 or book an appointment online.

Proper Preparation

A few steps should be taken to prepare properly for your chemical peel. First, stop any home exfoliation procedures you might be using. You want your face clean of any other chemicals when preparing for a professional chemical peel. Refrain from taking any over-the-counter medication such as anti-inflammatories or anti-acne medication. These medications could negatively affect your body’s natural healing process. Depending on your situation, you may be asked to take antibiotics or antiviral medication. Make sure to follow all instructions provided to you by Alyce to ensure the best possible results.
What Products Should I Avoid Before a Chemical Peel?

Three days before your chemical peel, you should refrain from taking Retin-A, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide.

Types of Chemical Peels

Your skin has three layers. The outermost layer is the epidermis. The middle layer is the dermis. And the innermost layer is the subcutaneous layer. There are three basic categories of chemical peels based on how deep they penetrate your skin. The different types of acids used determine the depth of the penetration. These acids can be used alone or together and treat multiple skin conditions.

Superficial Peel

This is designed to help smooth coarse, dry skin, improve the texture of sun-damaged skin and even out skin tone. The recovery is generally rapid and usually involves some minor flaking. A series of treatments is recommended to obtain the desired result over a period of time. Typically, there is no downtime and with the appropriate sun protection, you can resume regular activities immediately.

The process for superficial peels is straightforward.

Medium Peel

Medium peels contain stronger acids. Medium peels target the epidermis and upper dermis and cause the skin to slough within 5 to 7 days. Immediately after treatment the skin has a red appearance and is occasionally accompanied by swelling. Within a day the skin turns brown in color and after 3-4 days, the skin initiates the peeling process. Immediately after, there may be redness and sensitivity in the treatment area. 

What is a Jessner Peel?

Jessner peels use a formulation invented over a hundred years ago but still highly popular today. The original formulation uses salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol with an ethanol base. More recently, doctors have modified the Jessner peel to use Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) instead of resorcinol. Jessner and combination peels offer many of the benefits of the Baker-Gordon deep peels with less risk of complications and a wider variety of skin types qualified for treatment. 

Healthy Recovery

Make sure you’ve scheduled your chemical peel at a time when you have a week or two for recovery. You can expect redness or swelling for up to a week after a chemical peel, so don’t schedule one right before a wedding! Chemical peels flake away from your face during the first few days following the procedure. The level of aftercare will depend on the intensity of the treatment. But whichever peel you’ve received, it’s also best to avoid sun exposure for a few months. You want to protect your beautiful, refreshed skin. Follow any additional instructions provided by Nurse Alyce. 

FAQ

References

1. Rajanala S, Vashi NA. (2017). Cleopatra and Sour Milk—The Ancient Practice of Chemical Peeling. JAMA Dermatol. 2017;153(10):1006. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3393
2. Rendon, M. I., Berson, D. S., Cohen, J. L., Roberts, W. E., Starker, I., & Wang, B. (2010). Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 3(7), 32–43. PMID: 20725555
3. Starkman SJ, Mangat DS. Chemical Peels: Deep, Medium, and Light. Facial Plast Surg. 2019;35(3):239-247. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1688944