What is more a•peel•ing then looking like a more luminous you?

Get ready to slough off the summer photodamage with a Physician Grade Chemical Peel  and welcome fall with refreshed, even-toned, glowing, and tighter appearing skin.  Daily assaults on our skin including ultraviolet rays and environmental pollutants degrade molecular structures in the skin resulting in sunspots, wrinkles, blemishes, and other imperfections.  Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of skin cells that can dull the skin, penetrate the dermis to increase collagen synthesis, shrink oil glands, and makes the skin more receptive to your current skincare regimen.  Although most popular for the face, peels can actually be applied to any part of the body.  In fact, they are AMAZING right before a vacation or spray tan, and can help improve dry, bumpy skin on the arms and legs.

We find most people are nervous about chemical peels, thanks to unforgettable images of Samantha in the infamous episode of Sex in the City.  But at The Derm Institute, Physician-Grade Peels can be customized by Dr. Chiu from light, no downtime, to deeper, more aggressive peels, all depending on your goals. The word “chemical” in Chemical peels is really a misnomer, as most peel solutions are derived from combinations of fruit acids, milk acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  These ingredients essentially loosen the “glue” between the dead cells on the top layers of the skin, promoting improved skin renewal.  The natural cycle of skin renewal slows as we age. Babies shed superficial skin cells every 14 days, teenagers every 21-28 days, middle aged adults every 28-42 days, and after age 50, it takes an average of 50 days for skin rejuvenation.

Get knowledgeable on the Peel Process and some common ingredients of Physician-Grade Peels:

Timeline:

Gentle peels such as our Red Carpet Peel give an immediate result of glowing, dewy skin, often popular amongst our patients for a night out, photoshoots, or even the day before weddings.  This peel smooths and tightens the skin, allowing makeup to go on flawlessly immediately after.  For those who are looking to treat fine lines, discolorations, or unevenness in the skin, deeper peels that have downtimes ranging from a couple days of dry flaky skin, to a week of peeling can be applied.  Typically, the first one to two days post peel reveals tighter, glowing skin.  On days 3, 4, and 5, there can be mild to moderate flaking and dryness of the skin.  By day 7, fresh new, soft and radiant skin is revealed.

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels are light to moderate peels most commonly based on glycolic or lactic acids. Although very popular, higher percentage glycolic peels need to be used with caution as it can cause inflammation, especially in darker skin types.  AHA peels are utilized to minimize fine lines, and to improve tone and texture.

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels are also mild to moderate peels most commonly consisting of Salicylic acid.  Salicylic acid works well to penetrate oil glands and declog pores, making it a popular ingredient for peels that treat acne.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are considered moderate grade peels.  They work beautifully to correct fine lines, pigmentation, decrease pore size, and boost collagen production.

Carbolic Acid or Phenol peels are considered the deepest form of chemical peels.  They promote collagen growth by penetrating the deeper layers of the dermis, and the results can rival CO2 ablative laser resurfacing.  These are used for deeper, etched wrinkles, especially those around the eyes or mouth area.

Most Physician Grade Peels offered at The Derm Institute are customized and blended for each individual client.  Different acids may be layered to achieve the desired depth of peel, and often ingredients such as retinol, Vitamin C, or other botanical extracts are used to boost the radiance of our peels.  Lighter peels are more effective in a series, while deeper peels can be beneficial about once or twice a year.  Weekly Glow Pads are fabulous to maintain the improvements of your newly refreshed skin.    We also offer complimentary hydration masks after deeper peels to promote the sloughing of dull skin.

So come explore the beauty of “aPeeling” skin, our own staff here at TDI are addicted to them!  Oh-and don’t forget to always use a SPF 30 or greater to maintain your refreshed and gorgeous skin.  My personal fav:  Colorescience’s Sunforgettable SPF 50 Brush, available at our skin boutique . . .

. . . Shared by Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team

*Special thanks to Gabbie Wei for research contributing to this article.  Youtube video of her peel experience coming soon . . .