“Never dull your shine for somebody else.” – Tyra Banks
Chemical Peels
Unlock the brilliance and vibrancy of your complexion. Step into a world where your skin radiates with youthful splendor, and your confidence soars to new heights.
The story our skin tells is important. Your skin should look radiant and healthy. Buying skin creams for wrinkles, brightening, and color correction often leads to disappointment. Dr. Stephenson offers a superficial, medium and deep chemical peels to rejuvenate your skin’s vibrant glow!To combat dull skin and improve its appearance, consider a chemical peel. This non-surgical treatment effectively addresses wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation, giving you smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin. Chemical peels come in light, medium, and deep options, allowing for customized results. Restore your skin’s health and vitality with a chemical peel.
Glycolic Acid Peel
This popular AHA peel exfoliates the skin and boosts collagen production. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid has a small molecular structure that penetrates the skin layers. It comes in different strengths to balance exfoliation and sensitivity.
Salicylic Acid Peel
Ideal for reducing blemishes and congested skin, this BHA peel has a lipid base that reaches deeper layers of the skin. Salicylic acid, the main component, clears out pores and has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce acne-related irritation.
Lactic Acid Peel
Best for sensitive skin, lactic acid peels deliver similar benefits to other peels but in a milder form. They can diminish fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and oily skin. Dry skin can also benefit as lactic acid restores pH levels and boosts moisture absorption.
Mandelic Acid Peel
This AHA-based facial peel unclogs pores, exfoliates dead skin cells, and improves the skin’s appearance and tone. While there is typically no peeling, some may experience flaking post-treatment. The most noticeable result is a radiant glow.
Jessner’s & Retinoic Acid Peel
Jessner’s peels vary in strength based on the percentages of lactic acid and salicylic acid used. They can also include additional acids like mandelic acid for anti-inflammatory benefits, phytic acid for sensitive skin, or lactic acid for brightening and hydration. These peels can address various skin concerns, such as acne/acne scars, age spots/melasma, dull complexion, fine lines, freckles/sun damage, and rough skin.
TCA Chemical Peel
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main ingredient in medium strength chemical peels. It effectively treats blemishes, wrinkles, and sun damage by penetrating the skin deeply. TCA peels are ideal for visible signs of aging, such as scarring or pigmentation issues. The concentration and strength of TCA peels can vary based on factors like patient age, treatment area, and number of layers applied.
The Process
Chemical peeling involves the use of a solution to remove dead skin cells and prepare the skin for treatment. Prior to the chemical peel treatment, it is important to cleanse the skin and remove makeup. A prep solution is then applied to remove barriers and ensure an even peel application. Some clients may experience a warm or stinging sensation during the peel, which can be relieved by using a fan. After the chemical is applied, the skin may appear white and frosted, but this fades within a few hours. Over the next few days, the skin will become red and gradually peel. It is important not to pick or peel the skin. Sunblock should be applied before sun exposure, and subsequent peels should be spaced at least four weeks apart. The number of peels needed varies for each client.
A client on Accutane or Retin-A must have discontinued use of these medications for at least six (6) weeks prior to a chemical peel.
All skin diseases (other than acne or razor bumps) and infections, including herpes or cold sores.
Patients with eczema, severe distended capillaries, dark skin, aspirin allergy, and unrealistic expectations should not get this peel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel, a non-surgical aesthetic procedure that revitalizes your skin. Our chemical peels utilize safe and effective acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), derived from natural sources like fruits and trees.
By applying an acidic solution, the outer layer of dead skin cells is gently removed, revealing fresh and rejuvenated skin. This process stimulates the development of new skin cells and enhances collagen production.What do chemical peels treat?
Whether you want to diminish wrinkles, acne scarring, uneven pigment, or sunspots, our tailored solutions address your specific needs. With different categories of peels available, ranging from superficial to deep, Dr. Stephenson can customize the treatment to match the severity of your skin condition.
Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?
There is a chemical peel for almost all skin types. However, patients with sensitive or darker skin tones may want to avoid deeper peels though may still benefit from light peels. Dr. Stephenson will advise you on which chemical peel or acidic solution is right for you. He will examine your skin and thoroughly discuss with you your skin goals. Factors that your provider will take into consideration are your skin tone, skin thickness, and type of skin damage that you wish to improve. Prior history of skin conditions and treatments will also be elicited. As with any aesthetic procedure, a consultation is required prior to booking in for a chemical peel.
What is the safety record for chemical peels?
Clients who have skin of color can safely have a chemical peel — but they should see a plastic surgeon who has expertise using chemical peels to treat darker skin tones. Without this knowledge, clients of color (i.e., African American, Asian, Latino) can develop permanent pigment problems.
Are chemical peel treatments painful?
Our superficial and medium peels offer a shorter application time, with optional numbing cream for your comfort. Expect a gentle tingling sensation as the peel works its magic. Deep peels may require anesthesia and medication, ensuring your utmost comfort during and after treatment.
What happens during my chemical peel?
On the day of your peel, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and prepped. For deep peels, general anesthesia ensures a comfortable sleep-like experience. Dr. Stephenson applies the peel evenly, monitoring your skin for optimal timing. Deep peels are performed in a surgical setting, with individual sections treated to minimize impact on vital organs.
After Treatment Care: After the peel, your skin receives tailored treatment. Cool compresses and soothing lotions or creams help calm the skin for medium peels. Deep peels may require a surgical dressing for the treated wound.
What Do I need to do to prepare for a chemical peel?
To achieve stunning results and minimize side effects Dr. Stephenson recommends his simple customized pre-peel skincare plan.
Pre-Peel No No’s: Avoid over-exfoliation by refraining from using retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliants 48 hours prior to your chemical peel. Keep your skin hydrated and plump by using a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer the day before your peel.
Sun Protection: Shield your skin from harmful rays by applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even if you’re not planning to be outdoors extensively.
What Do I need to avoid Before my Chemical Peel?
No to Shaving or Waxing: Give your skin a break and avoid shaving or waxing the treatment area 24 hours before your chemical peel.
Steer Clear of Tanning Beds and Self-Tanners: Embrace your natural beauty by refraining from using tanning beds or self-tanners for two weeks prior to your chemical peel.
Hands Off Your Skin: Show your skin some love and resist the urge to pick, scratch, or irritate it before your chemical peel.
Gentle Skincare Only: Prioritize your skin’s well-being by skipping harsh or abrasive skincare products, like scrubs or toners, for at least 48 hours before your chemical peel.
Natural Glow: On the day of your chemical peel, let your skin breathe and avoid applying any makeup, lotion, or other products.r chemical peel, avoid applying any makeup, lotion, or other products to your skin.
What to expect after a Superficial Peel chemical peels?
Gylcolic, Salicylic, Mandelic, Lactic Acid Peels (Superficial Peel)
Healing time: 1 to 7 days. Skin will be red. After the redness disappears, scaling may develop, which lasts 3 to 7 days.
At-home care: Lotion or cream applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen.
When to wear makeup: 48 hours after the treatment
Follow-up visit: Yes. Dr. Stephenson will want to see you one week after treatment. 3 to 5 peels may be necessary to give you the desired results. These peels may be repeated every 2 to 5 weeks.
What to expect after a Medium Peel chemical peels?
Jessner’s & Retinoic Acid and 25-40% TCA (Medium Peel)
Healing time: 7 to 14 days. Skin will be red and swollen. Swelling worsens for 48 hours. Eyelids may swell. Blisters can form and break open. Skin crusts and peels off in 7 to 14 days.
At-home care: Daily soaks for a specified period. Apply ointment after each soak. Take an antiviral medication for 10 to 14 days. Apply lotion or cream.
When to wear makeup: After 5 to 7 days, you can wear camouflaging makeup.
Total avoidance of the sun until skin heals.Follow-up visit: Yes. Follow-up visit required with Dr. Stephenson after the procedure.
What to expect after a Deep Peel chemical peels?
50% TCA (Deep Peel)
Healing time: 14 to 21 days. Area will be bandaged.At-home care: 4 to 6 daily soaks while healing. For 14 days, apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, apply thick moisturizer as directed. Take an antiviral medication for 10 to 14 days. After your skin heals, apply sunscreen every day. This will help you maintain results.
When to wear makeup: At least 14 days before you can apply makeup.
Prolonged sun avoidance for 3 to 6 months.
Follow-up visit: Yes. 24 hrs after treatment, Dr. Stephenson will want to see you. Several follow-up visits are required during the first week.
Is there downtime?
A medium or deep peel will require downtime. A deep chemical peel requires recuperation at home for 2 to 3 weeks.
When will I see the results?
Once your skin heals, you will see the results. Healing time ranges from 1 day for a refreshing or lunchtime peel to 14 days or longer for a deep peel. To get the results you seek from a refreshing peel or lunchtime peel, you may need to have 3 to 5 peels.
How long will the results last?
Most results are not permanent because our skin continues to age. If you have lots of sun-damaged skin or precancerous skin growths called Actinic Keratosis (AKs), you will likely continue to see new spots and growths on your skin.
What are the possible side effects?
Dr.Stephenson has extensive experience with chemical peels but side effects can occur but to be mild. Some clients may develop:
– Persistent redness that may last for months.
– Temporary darkening of the skin.
– Lighter skin color (medium and deep peels).
– Scarring (very rare). Risk for developing an infection or scarring increase dramatically if you:
– Failure to skin from the sun.
– Failure to care for skin as instructed.
– Scratching the treated skin or picking off a scabs.
– Applying makeup before your skin heals.
– Using a tanning bed or other type of indoor taWhen is it safe to have another chemical peel?
To maintain results, you can repeat mild and medium chemical peels. Dr. Stephenson will advise you how often you can have a repeat treatment. A client can have only one deep peel.