Chemical Peelings

Chemical Peelings are one of the fastest ways to improve the skin’s appearance. During of the treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which actually will break up, dissolve the bonds between the skin cells and eventually these will peel off in a variable amount of time. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:

• Reduce fine lines under the eyes  and around the >mouth
• Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
• Improve the appearance of mild scars
• Treat certain types of acne
• Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma or chloasma)
• Improve the look and feel of skin
• Areas of sun damage may improve after chemical peeling

Before you get a chemical peel, is important to know if you have any history of scarring, cold sores, facial X-rays, IPL or Laser treatments. Before you get a chemical peel, your skin specialist may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin by applying of some products for 1 or 2 weeks before your treatment for optimal results.

The PCA peels are known as superficial peels. This means they target the top layers of your skin, with little recovery time. There are different formulas for a variety of skin types. The PCA peels contain ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid.

Superficial peels will have some immediate results, while others may require a series of treatments.

Here’s what to expect during a PCA skin peel procedure.

A peeling session actually is very simple. First, your skin will be clean to remove any signs of oiliness, sebum or impurities. Then the chemical solution will be applied. Superficial PCA skin peels are applied in layers and left on your skin. They’re not timed and removed like deeper chemical peels. The strength of a superficial PCA peel is controlled by the number of layers applied. A calming topical lotion with broad-spectrum SPF protection on top of your final layer will be applied before sending you home.

After your peel you will receive instructions on how to care for your skin immediately after the procedure, such as how soon you may wash your face after the chemical peel and what products to apply. Be sure to follow these instructions.

Superficial chemical peels may require very little following the procedure. Within the first 2 days of your procedure, you should avoid:

• overheating
• hot showers, baths, and other hot steam
• hair dryers near the treated area
• swimming
• activities that result in a lot of sweating
• exfoliating the treated skin
• icing or heating the treated area

After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should be a physical sunscreen and be above SPF 30. Anyhow is important during of a series of chemical peelings or even after only one session to limit your time in the sun, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

You should also use some products following the procedure as recommended and may include a gentle skin cleanser and a noncomedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.

Most PCA peels target only the first layer of skin. That’s why the recovery time is much shorter than for a medium or deep peel and why the procedure causes very few side effects.

Side effects from a superficial peel will affect the treated skin and typically include:

• shedding or flaking
• redness
• tightness
• dryness

Superficial PCA peels are intended to be used in a series, typically 3 to 4 weeks apart. The results are depending on how many sessions are you taking and following of aftercare advice

Contraindications for Peelings:

• Active bacterial, viral, fungal, or herpetic infection
• Open wounds
• History of drugs with photosensitizing potential
• Preexisting inflammatory conditions (eg, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis)
• Facial cancers, especially facial melanoma.