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Chemical Peels

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is an in-office procedure during which an acid solution is applied to the surface of the face. The solution is left on for a few minutes, after which time it is removed or neutralized. Most people experience some mild tingling during a chemical peel, which usually takes only a few minutes to complete. Following a chemical peel, the skin may ‘flake off’ for a couple of days before revealing newer, healthier looking skin beneath the surface. Chemical peels are useful for improving the appearance of the skin and conditions like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, sun damage, acne scars and age spots.

Did you know…

That the skin begins to lose its glow over time? This is because the skin’s natural shedding of dead cells slows with age, causing it to appear dull and lackluster. Though new, healthy skin exists below the surface, it is often masked by an old and uneven external layer of skin. Chemical peel treatments help reveal healthy, glowing skin and restore a youthful appearance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why get a chemical peel?

Chemical peels directly exfoliate the top layer of skin to remove dead skin cells and promote a new, healthy skin layer to form. These sessions treat a variety of skin concerns including acne, wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores, skin texture, and more. Other aesthetic and MediSpa treatments can be used at the same time as well, but be sure to consult a dermatologist about combining treatments.

What happens during the treatment?

During the treatment, your skin will first be cleansed and prepared with acetone to remove any excess dirt, oil, or makeup products for better penetration of the chemicals. Then, the provider will gently wipe your skin with a gauze soaked in a chemical solution. The provider begins with the lowest strength in the first treatment to monitor how your skin reacts. Based on the reaction, your provider may or may not continue with a stronger chemical solution. Once the provider is finished with the treatment, a thin layer of Aquaphor will be applied to help reduce any burning and protect the skin from the intense exfoliation. 

When will the results be recognizable?

Up to a week after the treatment, the skin will begin to peel and become red from the chemical exfoliation. Once the skin heals, you will be able to see a brighter and cleaner skin. However, you may need a few treatments before significant progress. If you do not see improvements or 

How long will results last?

The skin continues to age and new layers form constantly, so the results will not be permanent, but you should see a significant improvement with your skin complexion. It is recommended to continue the treatment every 3-5 weeks, depending on your progress.

Types of Peels:
Lactic Peel

If your skin is sensitive, some of the peels on this list may irritate it. You may want to look into a light chemical peel, such as a lactic peel. As the name suggests, lactic peels come from milk. It’s not only gentle on easily irritated skin but also moisturizes dry skin. This is best recommended for acne.

Glycolic Peel

The glycolic peel is great at unclogging pores, reducing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It also reduces dark spots, evening out your skin tone as well. This is best recommended for both acne and dark spot concerns, and is a popular peel patients ask for. 

Jessner’s Peel

A Jessner’s peel is a type of chemical peel to improve the appearance of your skin. Like other chemical peels, a Jessner’s peel breaks down the surface layer of skin. The cells die off and slough away after the peel. Your body then begins a healing response, which brings new, fresher-looking skin to the surface. This is best recommended for an acne treatment.

Salicylic Peel

Unlike other types of chemical peels, salicylic acid gives a gentle exfoliating action. This helps unclog the pores and break the bonds holding the skin’s cells together, causing them to shed away or peel. As the skin regenerates, you will notice that the skin feels softer, smoother, and notice smaller pores. Salicylic acid peels can also brighten your complexion as it sheds away dead skin cells on the surface. Regular salicylic acid peels can help improve both inflammatory acne and comedonal acne.

TCA Peel

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are a type of chemical peel applied to the skin to smooth the surface and remove the top layer of dead skin. This peel also exfoliates the skin, but is generally selected as one of the last peels because its high strength can irritate the skin. This is recommended as a later treatment for acne.

Schedule an appointment with our providers for a consultation for a chemical peel if you have concerns on acne or melasma. Borealis Dermatology offers two convenient locations to provide various treatments for our patients in the Queens and Long Island areas. You can experience the highest medical and aesthetic expertise available through our treatment options by visiting our clinic.