About Chemical Peels Performed at Innovative Aesthetics

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers.  Chemical peels can be used to treat acne, uneven pigmentation, mild scarring, fine wrinkling, dry skin, rough skin and sun damaged skin.  The peels we use are alphahydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic or fruit acids), Jessner’s, trichloracetic acid (TCA), Refinity and Vitalize Peel®.

An AHA peel can smooth rough, dry skin, can help with acne and can help correct pigment problems.  An AHA peel is one of the mildest peels.

 A Jessner’s peel is used to treat acne, discoloration, mild wrinkling and sun damage.  A Jessner’s peel combines salicylic acid (beta hydroxyl acid), lactic acid and resorcinol for a deeper penetration and, usually, greater exfoliation.  The Jessner’s peel is excellent for all skin types and is can benefit those with acne, oily or thicker skin.

A TCA peel smooths fine surface wrinkles, removes surface blemishes and corrects pigment problems.

A Refinity peel is an AHA peel formulated with COSMEDERM-7, an anti-irritant which provides comfort while delivering medical strength results.  A Refinity peel can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin’s color, tone and texture.

A Vitalize Peel® is a blend of AHA’s, beta hydroxyl acids, resorcinol and retinoic acid.  A Vitalize Peel® is a superficial peel suitable for all skin types.  This peel is used to treat photoaging, acne-related hyperpigmentation and melasma.

This may vary from peel to peel.  In general, the skin is cleaned.  In some instances, i.e., TCA peels, a topical anesthetic may be applied.  The chemical solution is applied to the skin and left on the skin for varying periods of time.  Sometimes a neutralizing solution or water will be used to remove the chemical solution.  In some instances, the chemical solution is left on the skin.  It will self-neutralize.  A moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied.

You may or may not peel and flake for a period up to 7 days.  There will be some redness or brown afterwards.  Temporary dryness is common as well. 

All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk.  A chemical peel is normally a safe procedure.  However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.

Pre-treatment procedures vary from peel to peel.  In some instances, you will be asked to pre-treat with products containing Retin A and hydroquinone.  With other peels, we will ask that you discontinue products like these 2 days prior to the peel.

With a mild acid peel, you should be able to work and continue your normal activities.  With a TCA peel, you may have moderate discomfort and some swelling and may have some “down time.”  It is important to keep the skin moist and adequately protected from UVA and UVB rays.  Sunscreen is critical.  Your new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to injury.  Harsh topical skin care products should be avoided for a minimum of 5 days in most instances.

The clinician will give you specific pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions.  It is essential that you follow these instructions in order to minimize side effects and to heal properly.