A power peel is a nonsurgical procedure that involves using micro-dermabrasion methods to improve skin texture. It is considered a very safe treatment with minimal side effects. Ideal candidates for this procedure include healthy women and men who possess expectations that are realistic, and an even skin tone. The power peel treatment is also ideal for those candidates who cannot miss too much time from work, active people who need to resume social and outdoor activities, those with sensitive skin, those with acne-prone skin, and younger individuals with early skin developments. Benefits of Procedure In the power peel technique, the use of anesthetics is not mandatory. For deeper peels, a topical cream is usually given beforehand. It treats all skin types safely. Some light irritation may occur on very sensitive skin. The power peel clears up sun damaged skin and lightens up acne and post surgical scars. Skin is left feeling smoother and softer. Procedure A technician administers the skin polishing using a hand held device, held at a precise angle. The tech will use micro-crystals that are suctioned from the device onto the skin. It is mildly abrasive and lasts only twenty minutes. Treatments are usually repeated once a week. Two to twelve sessions are recommended for maximum results. Results Results can be seen after the initial power peel and skin will appear to be a pinkish color. Acne scars should be less visual. Fine lines and age spots will be smoothed away, revealing younger-appearing skin. TCA Peeling For those who have experienced previous peel treatments, and wish for a deeper peel, TCA, or Trichloroacetic Acid Peel, is...
A chemical peel, also known as a chemexfoliation, is a cosmetic and medical procedure designed to improve the appearance of a patient’s skin (usually the face), as well as to treat certain dermatological disorders such as acne. There are many different types of chemical peels, but each involve the application of an acidic solution which “burns” the upper layers of skin away, thereby allowing new, healthier looking skin to surface. The process of removing old, desiccated skin is a natural occurrence; a chemical peel simply speeds this process up. Because the solution stings when applied, patients are advised to take an over-the-counter pain killer prior to the treatment. Chemical Peel Solutions Alpha-hydroxy Acid One of the most popular solutions for a chemical peel is known as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), and is commonly sold in stores for home use; albeit, in concentrations of less than 10 percent, significantly lower than what a medical professional would use on a patient. One type of AHA is known as Glycolic Acid, a natural substance found in sugarcane and many types of fruit. It’s typically used in concentrations of 20 to 80 percent; the stronger concentration offering the most benefits. Alpha-hydroxy acid peels are best as an acne treatment, but are somewhat beneficial as a treatment for fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and deep wrinkles. The risks are generally low, and the recovery time is short. Immediately following the chemical peel, patients can expect peeling and redness which can last between one and three weeks. The effects of the treatment generally last between one and three months, with another treatment being necessary to maintain skin...
Glycolic acid peels slough away the upper layer of dead skin cells, allowing anti-aging skin benefits. It is a mild chemical peel that is generally applied to the face, but is also used to improve skin care appearance of the hands, upper chest, neck and arms. Glycolic peels treat pigmentation problems, removes freckles and acne, and treats sun-damage. It can also stimulate the production of new collagen, improving skin texture. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from fruit and sugar cane. Procedure The glycolic peel process only takes about twenty minutes. The patient’s face is first washed and cleansed, and then the glycolic acid solution is applied for several minutes. The gylcolic peel will sting, so an over-the-counter painkiller is recommended before the treatment begins. Finally, the glycolic peel is neutralized with an alkaline substance such as sodium bicarbonate or washed away with water. When the treatment is complete, the skin will appear to be pinkish in color. Cost The cost is variable and depends on the depth of the glycolic peel and how many peels are necessary. Cost per glycolic peel can range from hundreds to a thousand dollars. On the average, cost is about $375. Side Effects Chemical peel procedures often have few side effects other than a minimal risk of complication and the expected peeling process. However, in less than 2% of those who have endured the experience, complications have included scarring, a re-activation of cold sores, and permanent or temporary changes in the color of the skin. Prior to a glycolic peel, a small area can be tested if there are any concerns about the...
Laser resurfacing, or a laser peel, is a procedure that involves the treatment of uneven skin tone, wrinkles and acne scars. Laser peeling improves the appearance of the skin, allowing for a smoother, fresh complexion. Procedure Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that utilizes a laser to create a smooth, new skin appearance. The laser will destroy the outer layer of the skin, which has been damaged by age, spots, pigmentation problems, wrinkles, acne, and the sun. A regeneration of new skin cells will occur, creating a smoother finish. The laser will work to even out pits caused by wrinkles and acne scars. The laser peel will precisely pinpoint the exact problem areas and focus only on those. Cost Laser peels, on average, cost $2,222. However, that price will vary depending on the area of the country you live in, the number of sessions required, and the extent of the treatment. Laser skin rejuvenation usually requires only a topical anesthetic, but for deeper treatments, general anesthesia is available. The charge will increase for general anesthesia, and the use of an anesthetist. Additionally, the patient may have to purchase antibiotics, prescription painkillers, special washes, dressings, and ointments if the treatment is a very deep one. Each cosmetic surgeon is different, some charge extra for those items, while others include them in the laser peel price. Because a laser peel is an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by health insurance. However, most doctors offer financing options where the laser peel can be paid over time. Risks and Complications Laser peels often carry some of the same complications as plastic surgery, such as infection, scarring,...
The use of chemicals to exfoliate the skin dates back to the ancient Egyptians who used lactic acid, alabaster, and salt to smooth out the skin. Much later, in the 1800’s, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, resorcinol and phenol were introduced as chemical peeling agents. Today, with the advent of more sophisticated methods of skin resurfacing, chemical peeling still remains one of the most widely performed cosmetic dermatological procedures. Chemical peeling, or chemexfoliation, utilizes chemical solutions to be applied to the skin, causing it to peel off gradually. It enables damaged skin to shed off and be replaced by a healthier-looking skin cells. The efficacy and recovery time will depend on the type of chemical used, its strength, and duration on the skin. Levels of Chemical Peeling Superficial Peeling It exerts its effects on the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis. It is safe for any skin type, with minimal downtime. This is suitable for the following skin conditions: Fine lines due to sun damage Hyper pigmentation or skin discoloration Mild acne scars Dull-looking skin Actinic and seborrheic keratosis Medium-Depth Peeling It affects both the epidermis and the upper part of the dermis. This is also used as a supportive procedure to laser skin resurfacing and deeper chemical peels to blend the demarcation lines between treated and untreated skin. This is best suited for the following skin conditions: Mild to moderate wrinkles due to sun damage Hyper pigmentation Age spots Texture irregularities due to acne scars Actinic keratosis Deep Peels It extends deep into the lower layers of the dermis and yields the most dramatic effect. These are...
What is Glycolic Acid? Glycolic acid belongs to a group of natural chemicals called alpha-hydroxy acids. It is derived from sugar cane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe and grapes. It has varied uses ranging from industrial to cosmetic purposes, depending on its concentration. It is the most popular alpha-hydroxy acid used as a chemical peel agent. Glycolic acid derived from sugar cane has the lowest molecular size which allows it to penetrate the skin faster, giving better results. Glycolic acid is a water soluble cream or lotion of oil in water form is preferred in cosmetic applications. Glycolic Peel The use of glycolic acid as skin exfoliates is due to its high acidity but easy solubility. It goes under the damaged surface of the skin and loosens the bonds holding the dead skin cells, thereby allowing gradual exfoliation. This exposes the fresher layer that is softer, with more even texture. Glycolic acid also has the ability to draw moisturizers into the newly exposed skin surface, which is why it usually comes with moisturizers to counteract its potential corrosive effects. Ideally, the skin is primed a few weeks before the glycholic acid peeling procedure with the use of other AHAs, salicylic acid or retinoic acid to allow the absorption of the glycolic acid peel more rapidly. Glycolic acid peels are available in lower concentrations for home use, while higher concentrations are employed only under the supervision of trained staff in a dermatological clinic or spa. Sessions are usually done once a week, lasting for about 6 weeks or depending on the severity of the condition being treated. The Cosmetic Uses of...
