We’re coming into sweater weather, which means many of us have packed up our summer gear and are looking forward to a reprieve from the heat. When it cools down, we tend to get cozy and comfortable. When it comes to our skin, though, we shouldn’t get too comfortable. Now is a great time to replenish from the sun exposure that could lead to premature signs of aging. At Renaissance Plastic Surgery in St. Peters, MO, one of the ways our patients can keep their skin radiant and resilient is through medical-grade chemical peel treatment. If you don’t have your chemical peel on the books yet, now is a great time to give us a call.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel sounds like a straightforward treatment, right? You visit a provider, they coat your face with some type of chemical, and your skin peels off. Basically, but it’s more nuanced than that. Chemical peels are tailored to the individual. Each is formulated with the appropriate acids and timing to achieve the desired outcome. Some of the chemicals that are used in this service include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol, depending on the patient’s preferences.
Chemical peels are performed as a form of resurfacing. Unlike other services, like microdermabrasion and the micro laser peel, chemical peels slough off dead skin cells through a chemical reaction rather than mechanical technique. This resurfacing technique is good for a variety of concerns, including rough texture, blemishes, and pigment irregularities.
Benefits are achieved via a custom process that may include a:
- Light chemical peel. Often formulated with mild alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids, light chemical peels are gentle enough to have done every month. They produce the fewest side effects (hardly any to speak of) and also the subtlest improvements. Light peels can be done on your lunch hour and may be most appropriate for prevention rather than correction.
- Medium chemical peel. This service has stronger acidic ingredients, like trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid. These absorb more deeply into multiple layers of the skin, so result in some redness and flaking or peeling. Patients often schedule a few days off to allow this process to complete in the comfort of their home. Medium peels are corrective and can brighten and restore the skin.
- Deep chemical peel. Most people do not choose to undergo deep chemical peels anymore, and few doctors perform them. These peels require anesthetic, if not general anesthesia, because they remove multiple layers of the skin at one time. While the results are dramatic, patients may be red for weeks and must take particular care of their skin to avoid complications like infection or scarring.
Our experienced medical spa staff perform several chemical peel services and can help you determine which would best suit your needs. Get your chemical peel scheduled now to have your most radiant skin throughout the upcoming holiday season. Contact us at (636) 896-0600.