Skin care advice from our Medical Esthetician, Lindsey:
Why Patients And Professionals Prefer Chemical Peels
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, chemical peels are the second-most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed by medical professionals and clinical estheticians today. This cornerstone of topical treatments offers numerous advantages to the skincare professional and the patient.
Safe And Effective:
When Chemical peels were introduced 50 years ago, the formulations were highly aggressive. Single or multiple acid peels in a carrier base were effective in triggering the regeneration of new skin cells, but were also prone to complications such as irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Newer chemical peel formulations have evolved into skin-friendly blends that include biocompatible lactic and citric acids, buffering agents such as licorice extract and willow bark to minimize irritation to skin, as well as topical antioxidants to infuse the skin with restorative nutrients. The combination of ingredients feeds and strengthens new skin while exfoliating away dead surface cells. The changes often occur at a cellular level, and are not always apparent to the naked eye. This feature makes superficial chemical peels especially popular with busy patients who are seeking effective treatments that can be done quickly with little or no downtime.
Treatable Conditions:
Superficial chemical peels have a proven track record for correcting many difficult skin conditions including acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, psoriasis and skin-fighting degradation from chronological and environmental aging. The variety of blends available allows the skincare professional to customize protocols and effectively address specific skin conditions.
For treating acneic skin types, look for a modified Jessner’s solution with ingredients such as kojic acid for tyrosinase-inhibiting action and antibacterial properties. I recommend our PCA Peel.
For hyperpigmentation, look for lightening ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, L-arbutin, licorice and Rumex crispus. I recommend our Ultra Peel I.
Rosacea requires treatment with milder formulations than other conditions to avoid overheating skin and possibly causing flare-ups. Utilizing formulations containing the effective anti-inflammatory ingredients bisabolol, willowherb and willow bark help keep sensitive skin types calm during and after treatment. I recommend our Ultra Peel II.
Patients who are seeking skin rejuvenation or sun-damage repair, chemical peels with retinol, TCA, chasteberry and soy isoflavones will stimulate cell turnover with minimal irritation and excellent results. I recommend our Ultra Peel Forte.
Once the selected chemical peel has been applied to the skin, the newer cells beneath the impacted stratum corneum (surface skin) are able to more effectively absorb beneficial nutrients needed to even skin tone, stimulate cell turnover and rebuild collagen-the skin’s support system-ultimately improving the overall health and appearance of the skin. Following the loosening of the stratum corneum, it is an ideal time to spot-treat hyperpigmentation and fine lines with tyrosinase inhibitors, peptides and growth factors, as well as infuse weakened skin with restorative antioxidants and polyphenols that combat free-radical damage.
Special:
Come see our esthetician, Lindsey, in February and receive a complete skin evaluation and product consultation with any peel purchase. Receive 25% off any PCA Skin Care Product with a Peel Package of 3 or more.