Different Levels of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are one of the simplest, most effective means to rejuvenate the facial skin. Signs of aging skin include brittleness, dull tone, more prominent scarring, and moderate wrinkling. Mature adults don’t produce as much collagen in their skin as they did when they were younger. Aging skin also retains less moisture. Skin cells tend to reproduce themselves exactly, and this makes for increasingly prominent discolorations and areas of hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels act as a sort of kickstart mechanism. After the treatment is performed the body produces healthier replacement tissues. The type of peel treatment chosen by the medical care professional depends on the actual concerns of the client. Choosing the proper peel treatment involves a consultation with an educated member of our team. Below we will outline the different levels of chemical peels and describe what they can correct.
How Do Peels Work?
Basically, chemical peels involve the application of an acid solution to the surface of the skin. The acid dries up the skin it was applied to. After several days, the affected skin layer peels off and flakes away. This causes an acceleration of replacement tissue, and the new skin layer will be healthier than what was removed by the peel treatment. When the body goes into overdrive creating new tissue, collagen production also increases. This helps smooth the new skin surface and erase fine lines and wrinkles.
Light Chemical Peel
This is the most commonly performed chemical peel. A mild acid is applied to the surface. The acid affects only the epidermal layer. The acid is washed off after several minutes. Over the next three or four days, the epidermis dries up and peels away. About a month after treatment, the client enjoys smoother skin. The treatment can be performed in less than 45 minutes, so it’s easy to schedule this procedure around other activities. There’s no downtime for the client after treatment.
Medium Chemical Peel
This treatment addresses the problem of slight discolorations, especially acne and injury scarring located in the epidermis and the upper portion of the dermal layer. A slightly stronger acid is used, and it’s allowed to set on the skin for a longer period of time. The flake-away takes a bit longer, but the results can be quite dramatic. Small areas of hyperpigmentation such as age spots, liver spots, freckles, and thin scars can be made far less visible.
Deep Chemical Peel
This procedure helps to erase evidence of long-term overexposure to the sun. It treats deeper discolorations as well as areas of brittle skin that are dull in appearance. This treatment involves a bit more preparation on the part of the client, and the recovery period is rather extensive, but the resulting smooth, even-toned skin makes this a good choice for those who experience skin problems due to environmental factors.
The Consultation
This is necessary so that we can examine your facial features closely and make the best recommendation for treatment. Many of our clients schedule a light peel treatment about once a year as part of their skin health care regimen. Most often, a superficial peel will produce the desired results. Medium and deep peel treatments are generally performed less often as their effects are more dramatic.
Contact our office today to schedule your chemical peel or to learn more about the different peels we offer! All About Me Medical Day Spa is conveniently located in San Diego, CA.
