A simple treatment for a variety of facial skin problems, chemical peels are one of the most popular skin rejuvenation procedures available. This treatment involves the discarding of the epidermal layer, and this stimulates rapid creation of replacement cells. The new layer of skin will be healthier than what it replaced. Several different types of peel treatments are available, and the one chosen by the dermatologist and the client is dependent on the skin problems being addressed.
Mild peel treatments are superficial in nature and do not affect the lower dermal layers. Deeper peels address such problems as mild wrinkling, brittleness of the skin, and subsurface discolorations. After consulting with you, we will recommend a specific treatment and give you complete information on what to expect.
How Chemical Peels Work
A sunburn is damaging to your skin because the rays from the sun negatively affect all of the dermal layers. Because a lot of heat energy is absorbed by the dermis, the skin cannot heal properly without medication. On the other hand, a chemical peel targets the epidermal layer and perhaps the upper portion of the dermal layer without the effects of sunlight energy. Think of chemical peels as skin ablation without the harmful effects of heat energy.
When an acid is applied to the skin surface, it literally burns away the epidermis. This upper layer of skin dries up after a few days and flakes away. The exposed dermis triggers a response by the body. New skin cells are formed at an accelerated rate, and this means that a lot of nutrients are rushed to the area being treated. When the new layer of skin forms, it’s smoother, moisture rich, and even in tone.
What Do Chemical Peels Treat?
A mild, superficial peel treats uneven pigmentation, dryness, and surface wrinkling. A deeper peel treatment addresses subsurface blemishes such as injury or acne scarring, and it can also improve reddened skin due to an overabundance of capillaries. Peel treatments can also improve dull skin caused by years of sun exposure. Chemical peels cannot help with deep scarring or skin that is folded or creased.
What to Expect
When we consult with you, we will recommend a specific type of treatment based on your skin tone, skin thickness, and the depth of any scarring or blemishing. The treatment itself is a rather simple procedure. After we wash the skin, we apply a special chemical solution. If we’re performing a mild peel treatment, we’ll use glycolic acid or something similar. A stronger acid is used for a deep peel treatment. After the chemical sets on the skin for a few minutes, we wash it off using a special solvent. You then go home and watch as the results unfold.
Over the next few days, the epidermis will dry up. It soon flakes off, and the newly exposed dermis will begin to transform. After another week, you have a new epidermal layer, and it appears radiant, even in tone, and without noticeable wrinkling.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
Many of our patients choose to have chemical peels performed a few times per year in order to maintain a youthful appearance. You too can enjoy smoother, evenly toned skin. To learn more, feel free to make an appointment with Eva Claiborne Beauty and Wellness. At our convenient location in Tiburon, CA, you’ll learn all about the positive results you can expect from this simple, noninvasive skin treatment. Contact us today to set up your consultation; we look forward to speaking with you!
