Despite most people’s concern for the health of the economy, patients want to look their best to bolster their self-confidence and to feel secure in the workplace. In general, patients are choosing less expensive procedures and those with minimal downtime. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons the top minimally invasive procedures in 2008 were Botox Cosmetic, dermal fillers, and chemical peels.
Facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation are conditions which can be improved by chemical peels. Chemical peels use a solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Well-formulated blended chemical peel solutions work by breaking down the bonds between the surface cells to allowing them to be more effectively exfoliated. Improved exfoliation allows fresh cells to arise to the surface and leaves skin with an even and fresh appearance. Chemical peels are relatively inexpensive procedures, require minimal recovery time and provide excellent results for patients with all skin types and skin tones, improving the health, function and appearance of the skin.
Peeling the skin has long been a tool for improving its appearance. The use of milk, limestone, sulfur mustard, and even urine was documented for this purpose as early as 3150 BC. Most options available until the late 1800s were highly acidic or alkaline substances that worked purely as corrosives. It was not until around 1850 that physicians began using phenol, salicylic acid, resorcinol and TCA (trichloroacetic acid) for skin lightening and the improvement of skin texture. These procedures were highly invasive and presented dangers of toxicity. During the 1950s and 1960’s the concepts of blending acids as a way to reduce this toxicity came about. In the mid 1970s fruit acids (AHA’s) gained popularity, and since then many options have become available. Superficial blended chemical peels are now the standard of care and offer excellent outcomes, little or no discomfort or down-time.
Using blends of peeling ingredients gives superior results compared to straight acid peels. These newer peels do not cause surface irritation or burns. They allow topical skincare products to penetrate more effectively to strengthen, smooth and brighten the skin. The addition of Vitamin C and other collagen stimulating ingredients, along with skin brighteners increases the excellent outcomes of these peel treatments. These newer blended peels also minimize post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which was a common negative side effect of performing chemical peels on patients with darker skin tones.
The correct peel for each patient is determined based on the condition being treated. These peels are noninvasive, exfoliating treatments that rely on fruit acids, vitamins, herbs, antioxidants and pigment suppressing agents to loosen the “glue” that binds dead cells to skin’s surface. Superficial blended peels are available for every skin type and condition. They are used for the treatment of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, acne scars, acne, rosacea and discoloration. They promote the growth of new skin and collagen with an improved texture and radiance that is noticeable in just a few days. The result is smoother, tighter, more hydrated new skin, ultimately, leaving you with a clearer, more youthful complexion.
**A variety of superficial blended chemical peels are available at Cosmetic Laser MD***
