Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Chemical Peels


Lets Start with realist goals off chemical peels:
  • they can help to even out skin tone
  • correct mild sun damage 
  • reduce mid scarring
  • make wrinkles and fine lines less noticeable
  • help with the removal of stubborn blackheads and excess oil
  • temporarily help to tighten pores and decrease oil

Unrealistic Goals:
  • will not get rid of keloidal type or deep acne scarring (try laser)
  • will not reduce the appearance of blood vessels and broken capillaries 
  • get rid of all your wrinkles =(
  • sorry... its not a face lift either
  • and it is impossible to change the diameter of your pore size... it only helps pores to appear tighter and less pronounced

These are some of the active ingredients used for mild to moderate strength chemical peels (they are used alone or in combination with one another)
  • Glycolic Acid (an AHA or alpha hydroxy acid derived from plant sugars, this AHA has the smallest molecule and is one of the most popular for this reason) 
  • Lactic Acid (AHA derived from sour milk)
  • Malic (AHA derived from apples)
  • Citric Acid (AHA derived from citrus fruits)
  • Tartaric (AHA derived from grapes or wine sediment)
  • Salicylic Acid (BHA or Beta Hydroxy acid)
  • Jessner's Peel
  • ( a combination of salicyclic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid mixed in ethanol)
  • Resorcinol
  • TCA (Trichloracetic Acid)
  • TCA is used in a variety of peeling regimens such as the Obagi Blue Peel.
I will go in to detail about each acid in later blogs, since there is so much info

*Aside from the active ingredients, many spa grade, organic and home peels use other ingredients such as antioxidants, and stimulants to enhance the peel!...  
Burke Williams SPA has a great 4 Layer Resurfacing Peel, which utilizes a variety of enzymes, a high % glycolic acid, and a AHA/BHA blueberry detox mask (very stimulating!!!) Its a must try
There are different levels of peeling, depending on the % of acid and the chemical agent being used. Most home peels have a very low % and are considered very superficial peels. Some Day Spas offer mild to border line medium superficial peels, where as you may find a deeper peel at a medical spas or doctors office. 
A good home peel to try 
  • Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel 30


1 comment:

  1. For both the at-home and professional peels, how often can they be done?

    ReplyDelete