Chemical Peels

A chemical peel can be a great way to help improve the appearance of the skin and help treat many different skin conditions. Chemical peels can be used to improve:

  • General appearance of skin
  • Signs of aging and sun damage
  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Hyperpigmentation, including melasma (pregnancy mask)
  • Acne and acne scars

Getting a chemical peel at a board certified dermatologist ensures that you are getting medical grade products that have been clinically tested and that they are being applied by someone with the proper qualifications and training. Chemical peels at a board certified dermatologist use higher concentrations of active ingredients to get better results than over the counter versions.

How Chemical Peels Work

First the skin is cleaned thoroughly and then a chemical solution is applied to peel the top layers of skin off. This helps to reveal underlying layers of skin that are healthier appearing than the top layers of skin. After the age of 30 the skin starts producing less collagen and these outer layers of skin take longer to come off. The slowing of this process and accumulated damage from years of sun exposure combine to give the dull appearance of aging skin. Chemical peels are just one of a number of different options we offer for cosmetic dermatology to make your skin look great.

Types of Chemical Peels Offered by Dermatology Center of Acadiana

Dermatology Center of Acadiana offers a number of different chemical peels. Which chemical peel is most appropriate for you is dependent on your skin type and your goals. One of our dermatologists can help you determine which type of peel is best for you.
We carry Vitality Institute chemical peels for those wanting a stronger peel and salicylic acid chemical peels for those the are looking for a peel that is more mild.

The Number of People Using Chemical Peels is on the Rise

BOTOX Cosmetic dermatology procedure popularity over 10 years and demographics infographic v2Click on the image to take a closer look at the number of people getting chemical peels and how it has increased over 10 years!

 

Vitality Institute Chemical Peels

The Vitality Institute has made their own special blend of acids, phenol and Vitamin C that is formulated specifically to reach maximum effectiveness with minimal downtime and a pain free application. This combination works together to remove the outermost and oldest layers of skin, promote cellular regeneration and improve the health of the surface layer of skin.

Vitality Institute chemical peels can be used to improve overall skin health and reduce or eliminate:

  • Signs of aging
  • Oily skin, enlarged pores, acne and acne scarring
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Age spots, brown spots and sun spots
  • Melasma (pregnancy mask) hyperpigmentation

Vi Peels can be used in numerous places on the body:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Chest
  • Arms
  • Legs
  • Under-eye area (it is the only safe peel for this area!)

Vi Peels are usually pain free but might cause some mild discomfort for people with sensitive skin. After the skin is thoroughly cleansed the peel is applied and will need to stay on for four hours. It usually takes only about 15 minutes for a treatment.

The skin will generally begin to peel after 2-3 days and will stop after about 6-7 days. It usually looks similar to the peeling after a sunburn.

People see noticeable results one week after their first treatment.

VI Peel- lightest version of their specially formulated blend
VI Precision Peel- more concentrated version of the original VI Peel formula
Vi Precision Plus Peel- made specifically to treat sun spots and hyperpigmentation

Salicylic Acid Chemical Peels

We have two chemical peels that utilize salicylic acid in different concentrations. We use salicylic acid because it is one of the lightest forms of chemical peels and is good for treating a range of different skin conditions including:

  • Oily skin, clogged pores, or acne
  • Sun damaged skin
  • Uneven pigmentation
  • Fine lines and wrinkles

Where on the Body You Can Get a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are most commonly done on the face, but they can be done on a number of other areas as well. You can get a salicylic acid chemical peel for your:

  • Face
  • Chest
  • Back
  • Hands

We use two strengths of salicylic acid chemical peels, 20 and 30%.

Salicylic acid peels generally cause flaking for 1-3 days after the peel. If the chemical peel was done to treat acne it may cause a breakout because it brings what is clogging the pores to the surface, but this will only be temporary. Your skin will look and feel noticeably better within a week, but for best results it usually takes about 4-6 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart depending on the person and the skin type.

Common Questions for Chemical Peels

What happens after a chemical peel?

After a chemical peel the top layers of your skin will peel off over the coming week. It is very important to either keep the treated skin out of the sun completely or make sure to be very careful about wearing good quality sunscreen after a chemical peel, as your skin will be much more sensitive. It is still important to be careful about sunscreen after a peel, as fresh skin has come to the surface that will still be more sensitive to sun exposure. With salicylic acid peels your face might be red as if you had a sunburn for 2-3 days afterward.

Do chemical peels hurt?

The VI brand chemical peels are specifically formulated to be as painless and effective as possible. While there is usually a slight burning or stinging sensation to salicylic chemical peels, it is quite tolerable.

Are there people who should not have a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is not appropriate if:

  • A cold sore that is not fully healed
  • Waxing should be avoided for one week prior to treatment with a peel
  • Loofahs and other abrasive items should not be used on the skin right before or after
  • If you have used isotretinoin in the last 6 months
  • If your skin is sunburned
  • If you are pregnant or nursing

Can I peel off the skin once it starts?

Please do not peel off the skin, as you can cause permanent scarring and damage to your skin. The skin will peel off on its own once it is ready, and the natural process is necessary for best results. Keeping your skin well moisturized will help tremendously during this phase.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you will need is dependent on your skin type and your goals. Schedule a consultation with your dermatologist at Dermatology Center of Acadiana and they will be happy to talk to you about what is best for you and your goals.