Once upon a time chemical peels were the only weapon to combat wrinkles, age spots, discoloration, precancerous skin growths, and superficial scarring. The process is simple; an acid solution is applied to the skin, dissolving skin cells and removing the top layers of the epidermis. Just how deeply the peel penetrates, and the effects, vary depending on the strength of the solution used and the number of passes. Chemical peels can be done on the hands and body as well as the face.
For a superficial peel, medical professionals use alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or salicylic acid, typically in mild 10% to 70% solutions, to remove only the outermost layer of the epidermis. Professional, medical grade peels can improve skin tone, enhance texture, and somewhat minimize fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll be happy with these peels if you have only mildly sun-damaged skin or just want to make your skin look brighter without a dramatic change in appearance. For best results, repeat the treatment monthly for about six months, and then quarterly. At FUZION we often recommend a combination of laser, IPL and chemical peels. By combining treatment modalities we are able to target superficial and deep aspects of damage. These treatments are alternated depending on your specific needs and tolerance. After superficial peels some people with very fair or sensitive skin may have some redness for a few hours, but most people feel comfortable going out in public immediately afterward. Expect to pay about $125–$850 per treatment depending on the type of peel.
If you have more advanced sun damage or if you want a more noticeable improvement to mild wrinkles, skin tone, and coloring, you may consider a stronger peel. Certain medical grade peels, used to treat melasma; and severe hyperpigmentation, are compounded at the time of the procedure. These medications are up to 10 times the strength of other medical peels. Many of our peels are straight from the Organic Chemist’s desk! We have our own chemistry genius working to improve your skin. By compounding the ingredients to meet your needs we can provide more a more effective treatment and more amazing results! This peel, despite the cost, is equivalent to SEVEN lesser effective peels! That makes it MORE cost effective than those seven peels- WITHOUT the pain or burn.
Afterward, you’ll have noticeable shedding and redness, and a few days to a week after the treatment, the superficial skin will darken, turn stiff, and peel off. Your skin may appear flushed for several weeks, but you should not have other side effects. Most people report noticeable improvement in medium-depth lines and wrinkles and coloration. Results last up to two years, but many people get annual repeats before the improvements fade over time.
Because they may lighten skin, they are best reserved for people with fair skin. Afterward, expect mild to severe discomfort and to wear dressings on your skin for a few days.
After any chemical peel, you’ll be more sensitive to sun exposure, so take extra precautions when outdoors.
Daily SPF protection, including physical and chemical properties. This practice should be employed everyday – sun, sleet, snow, rain or clouds! Come into FUZION and have your skin assessed – let the professionals tell you whether a peel would be right for you!