Peels
At Mountain View Dermatology & Aesthetics, we have over 25 years of experience in helping patients undergo the right skin peel to solve a particular issue.
Skin peels can greatly smooth and improve the texture of your face’s skin, by using either chemical solutions or lasers to wipe away years of damage from sun exposure and lifestyle neglect.
Skin peels are often used as an anti-aging treatment for skin, especially on the face, and they can also treat acne and reduce scarring. Our practitioners use techniques designed to meet your individual needs.
Chemical peels
There are several different kinds of peels based on various chemicals. These chemicals include glycolic acid which is used for a glycolic peel. Glycolic acid, found naturally in sugar cane, promotes exfoliation of the skin by enhancing cell turnover.Glycolic peels may be pictured as “glue-dissolving” because they weaken the binders that hold skin cells together. The stronger the glycolic acid used in the peel, the deeper the unbonding of the skin cells.
The process stimulates production of new, firm collagen in your skin, which makes it appear tighter and more youthful.
Some skin peels rely on beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid or BHA. This kind of peel is especially helpful for acne-prone or oily skin, because the BHA can penetrate deeply.
All of the above chemical peel take only a short time to apply by our skin care specialist. After 3 to 7 days, depending on the type of peel, your skin will appear smoothier, tighter and radiantly youthful. Generally this peel procedure is done in a series of 3 or 4.The process also treats wrinkles, brown spots or acne.
Some chemical peels rely on trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for treating light scarring, fine wrinkling, pigmentary irregularities, and acne. This type of skin peel is more aggressive and has a longer recover. Generally one treatment with in a 6 month period or longer is necessary. This peel is sure to return a youthful appearance.
And, there are other chemical peel procedures available for a wide range of applications, as well as laser peeling methods.
How do peels work?
A chemical peel may involve a pre-peeling skincare plan for a couple of days to weeks. This may improve results and speed healing. Our dermatologists can tell you if this is needed.Before treatment, your skin is prepped with a thorough cleansing. The peeling chemical is applied to selected treatment areas and observed for the appropriate response.
Beyond chemical peels, we use a variety of laser peeling techniques, including nano peels and micro laser peels, especially for skin rejuvenation. Laser peels use the power of laser energy to remove skin cells and stimulate new skin development.
After a mild-to-deep peels, we cool your skin with cold air for awhile, then we apply a soothing lotion or cream. Your healing time depends on the intensity of the laser peel. We provide the appropriate products to use post treatment.
Skin peels are often used to treat:
- Wrinkles and fine lines, especially on the face
- Mild-to-moderate acne
- Mild-to-moderate acne scarring
- Razor bumps
- Keratosis pillaris (also called “chicken skin”)
- Evens out the skin tone
- Makes enlarged pores appear smaller
- Makes light scars less apparent
Benefits of peels
For those with acne, peeling can clean clogged pores, reduce or prevent scarring, and improve the appearance of acne scars.The benefits of peeling treatments include less pain, and lower costs and risks. And, other kinds of acne therapy can also be used with peeling.
How soon are results visible?
You’ll want to avoid the sun (and tanning beds) until your skin heals. Once it heals, the improved appearance becomes visible. Healing time can range from one day for a mild “lunchtime peel” to a couple of weeks for a deep peel.Because skin keeps aging, most results aren’t permanent long term. Use moisturizers as directed to help keep your skin supple and moist. Dried or cracked skin can scar.
