Chemical Peels

Light peeling is a chemical treatment designed to remove superficial layers of the skin. It is used to help smooth the skin, to reduce shallow wrinkling and scarring, to help "dry out" active acne and to lighten dark patches on the skin.

Before the chemical solution is applied, your skin is cleansed, removing any makeup on the face prior to treatment. The solution is applied with cotton applicators and there is a light burning sensation that lasts for a few minutes. During this time, you may feel more comfortable with cool air from a hand fan. There is no discomfort following the peel. After application of the chemical, your face may have white-tinged areas. This is caused from the solution, and usually fades within an hour or so. Your face may appear slightly pink to red for some time after treatment and you may also sunburn easier. Please inform the doctor if you have a history of oral herpes (cold sores around the mouth) that may be irritated by the peel.

In most cases, peeling usually occurs between the second and fifth day following treatment. Typically on day three or four your skin will become very dry and some small cracks may develop. You may apply a bland moisturizer and should use mild soap-free cleansers following the treatments. In general, the peel will have the appearance of mild sunburn. You may cover the pinkness with light, water-based makeup if desired. 

The peels are typically spaced at two-week intervals. The number of peels required for any given problem varies with each patient and is determined by the patient and Dermatologist, a medical doctor specializing in skin care. Men, women, and teenagers all have skin conditions that benefit from chemical peels. It is impossible to know in advance how much peeling you can get following each session. It is typical that not all areas of the face peel uniformly. There is no limit to the number of peels a person can receive as long as improvement continues.

Most peel patients are advised to use a facial sun block with adequate UVA and UVB protection everyday. Ask your Dermatologist to recommend a skin care regimen to help maintain the results of the peel. 

For patients with acne, most PPO insurances will cover acne facial treatment, acne extraction, and chemical peels.  Ask a staff member for more details.