Chemical Peels Offered At Medical Spas Can Make You Look Years Younger

One of the most popular procedures offered at medical spas is the chemical peel. There are many different types, each addressing different concerns. Mild forms of chemical peels can even be purchased over the counter or at a medical spa for home usage.

Higher concentrations of acids that reach deeper into the skin will require a professional such as a plastic surgeon to safely apply the product. Here are some of the popular options available at most medical spas.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peel

This popular treatment can range from extremely mild, many of which are available for in-home use and over the counter or more intense formulas that need to be administered by a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or trained aesthetician at a medical spa. The chemicals found in these peels are naturally occurring and are derived from such ingredients as sour milk and tomato juice.

This chemical peel is primarily used for controlling acne, reducing fine lines and uneven pigment, smoothing rough texture due to sun damage or ageing, and for treating excessive dryness. Side effects include mild irritation such as temporary redness and stinging. Optimum results will require regular treatment.

The primary use for this treatment is in reduction and control of acne. Many facial cleansers and acne-fighting products available over the counter contain small amounts of salicylic acid. There are more intensive peels available for those with severe or persistent acne.

This option is not suitable for addressing other skin conditions, but can sometimes improve age spots. Salicylic acid can be harsh on some skin types, causing redness, drying, or irritation. Regular treatment is recommended to help prevent future breakouts.

Trichloroacetic Acid Peels

The TCA peel can range from a medium level of intensity to deeper. It can be used on just the first few superficial layers of skin, or a more concentrated solution can be applied in order to penetrate blemishes that lie deeper. This treatment is most effective on diminishing age spots, in both mild and intense concentrations; however, it can also slightly improve acne scarring, fine lines, and uneven skin pigmentation.

In order to successfully undergo a TCA peel pre-treatment is often required in the form of regular application of AHA creams. Recovery will take a few days, which means you may appear red and blotchy until the skin has fully healed. It is also necessary to wear sun block regularly after treatment as your skin will be more prone to burning. Regular sessions over a period of time will have the best results.

The strongest of all treatments, phenol peels can correct problems that lie deep under the skin’s surface, with results that last up to a year or even longer in some cases. Application can be painful, which is why it should be performed by a plastic surgeon in office or at a medical spa under general anesthesia. Phenol peels treat almost every skin condition from sun and age spots to deep wrinkles to pre-cancerous growths.

The risks of this procedure include unwanted permanent effects such as loss of freckles and lightening of skin pigment and cardiac problems. The recovery period is generally longer than other peels, possibly taking several months for full healing. The results, however, are dramatic and one session is generally all that is needed to correct blemishes or other problems.