Chemical Peels

Chemical peels offer numerous benefits for the skin, including:

• Improved Skin Texture: Chemical peels exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, which can result in smoother, softer skin.
• Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Certain types of chemical peels, such as those containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
• Treatment of Acne and Acne Scars: Chemical peels can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and fade acne scars, making them an effective treatment option for individuals with acne-prone skin.
• Evening out Skin Tone: Chemical peels can lighten hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and uneven skin tone, resulting in a more uniform complexion.
• Stimulation of Collagen Production: Chemical peels stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which can help improve skin elasticity and firmness over time.
• Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products: By removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells, chemical peels allow skincare products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, maximizing their effectiveness.

The chemical peel procedure typically involves the following steps:

• Consultation: During an initial consultation, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt will review your skin concerns, medical history, and skincare routine to determine the most appropriate type of chemical peel.
• Preparation: Before the peel, the skin is cleansed thoroughly to remove any makeup, oil, or debris. The team at Apex Skin Center may also apply a pre-peel solution to degrease the skin and enhance peel penetration.
• Application: The chemical peel solution is carefully applied to the skin using a brush, cotton pad, or sponge. The skin’s reaction is monitored and the peel’s strength or duration may be adjusted based on the patient’s tolerance and desired results.
• Chemical peels are generally categorized by the strength of the peel and the desired treatment depth.
  • Superficial Peels: Also known as light peels, superficial peels use mild acids such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. These peels are suitable for treating minor skin imperfections and require little to no downtime.
  • Medium Peels: Medium peels penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels, targeting the middle layers of the dermis. They typically contain trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a combination of TCA and other acids. Medium peels are effective for addressing moderate skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, and may require several days of downtime for recovery.
  • Deep Peels: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance, however this procedure comes with significant ‘downtime’.
• Neutralization: After the appropriate amount of time has elapsed, the peel solution is neutralized using a neutralizing solution or water to stop the exfoliation process.
• Post-Peel Care: Patients are instructed to follow a specific post-peel skincare regimen, which may include gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection to promote healing and minimize side effects.

After a chemical peel, patients may experience temporary side effects such as redness, peeling, mild swelling, and sensitivity. It’s essential to follow Apex Skin Center’s post-peel instructions carefully and avoid sun exposure, harsh skincare products, and picking or scratching the treated area during the recovery period. Patients should also use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect the skin from UV damage and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• Superficial peels require one to seven days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and may scale. Lotion or cream should be applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can usually be worn the next day.
• Medium peels require seven to 14 days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and swollen. Swelling worsens for the first 48 hours. Eyelids may swell shut. Blisters may form and break. Skin crusts and peels off in seven to 14 days. Skin must be soaked daily for a specified period, followed by ointment application. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days if there is a risk of reactivating cold sores. Mild lotion or cream may be applied. All sun exposure should be avoided until healing is complete. Camouflage makeup may be worn after five to seven days. A follow-up appointment will be necessary to monitor progress.
• Deep peels require 14 to 21 days to heal. The treated area will be bandaged. Skin must be soaked four to six times daily, followed by ointment application for the first 14 days. Afterwards a thick moisturizer is applied for the next 14 days. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream may be applied. Avoid all sun exposure for three to six months. Camouflage makeup may be worn after 14 days. Several follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor progress.