You have a choice of treatments for improving the appearance of skin. Whether it’s prematurely aging due to wrinkles, superficial lines, brown spots, or other persistent issues like acne, a Chemical Peel treats damaged and aged skin, acne, and/or rosacea.
The board-certified dermatologists and skin care professionals at Pima Dermatology are experts at treating prematurely aging skin as well as acne and rosacea and understand how these common conditions can adversely impact one’s self-esteem. You could be an excellent candidate for a freshening peel to enhance your appearance while healing damaged or inflamed skin.
What’s a Freshening Peel?
A freshening peel (also called a chemical peel) is a treatment in which a solution is applied to the skin to improve the appearance of:
The freshening peel is typically performed in less than an hour in the comfort of our office, allowing you to return home, resume work or school, or continue your normal day without downtime. Once the solution is applied to the skin, dead skin cells are removed, allowing the next layer of skin to develop and eventually replace the previous layer. The result is glowing, firmer skin with fewer wrinkles, less acne, and clearer skin.
During a consultation with the specialists at Pima Dermatology, we will determine the best type of peel for your unique skincare needs and goals. Everyone is different, which means there’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment for your skincare needs!
How Do Superficial and Medium Peels Differ?
In general, peels are divided into two types – superficial and medium. How deep the peel penetrates depends on the solution, its strength, and the amount needed for it to interact with the skin.
Let’s take a closer look at the two different types of freshening peels offered at Pima Dermatology.
Superficial Peels
Superficial peels are light, mild peels that have minimal downtime. Though their results are usually subtle, they’re very effective at removing the upper layer of dead skin, resulting in a smoother, younger-looking appearance
A superficial peel is most effective as a series of 4-6 sessions at intervals of 2-4 weeks. For many patients, it can be the starting point of a personal skin care program. Following treatment, it’s necessary to apply sunscreen of SPF 30+ daily.
Types of Superficial Peels
- A Mandelic Acid Peel is an ideal first-time peel, providing light exfoliation to address rosacea, sensitive or redness-prone skin, and acne. It also removes the dull, dead surface layers of skin.
- A Glycolic Acid Peel is effective for wrinkles and acne.
- A Salicylic Acid Peel penetrates into the pores and provides exfoliation for skin with blemishes, brown spots, and acne. It’s also effective for oily and/or congested skin.
For a superficial peel, the effects are immediate – typically a smoother, softer, more radiant complexion.
Medium-Depth Peels
A Medium-Depth Peel can significantly rejuvenate sun-damaged skin. As a result, it typically takes longer to perform than a superficial peel. It’s also more irritating and results in more skin redness.
Once your in-office treatment session is complete, you’ll have to avoid the sun and heavy exercise for up to 1 week, as there is usually mild to moderate peeling. A medium peel is ideal for sun-damaged skin with blotchiness, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, and uneven skin tone.
After treatment, a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher is mandatory.
Medium-Depth Peel Types:
- A Vitalize Peel helps improve your overall appearance by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening pores, and improving skin texture. It’s effective for sun damage, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- A TCA+ Jessner’s Peel provides moderate general skin rejuvenation and exfoliation to address melasma, actinic damage, pigmentation, surface wrinkles, acne, and other pronounced challenges.
What are the Benefits of Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel can be tailored to meet your goals and needs, including the following:
- Smoother, softer skin
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
- Improved skin tone and balance
- Minimized superficial acne or acne scars
- Rejuvenated skin
Who Should Consider a Freshening Peel?
At Pima Dermatology, we effectively correct a variety of skin conditions with a freshening peel, particularly if you want to improve premature aging, dull, or rough skin in the following areas:
- Face
- Neck
- Hands
- Chest
- Arms
Possible Complications
Most patients experience satisfactory results, but there is a chance of complications or side effects, particularly from the deeper peels. Some common complications include the following:
- Pigmentation changes (lightening or darkening)
- Prolonged redness
- The heightened prominence of small blood vessels
- Flare-ups of facial cold sores
To Learn More About Custom Skin Treatments, Contact Pima Dermatology
Pima Dermatology offers freshening peels to rejuvenate skin that’s become dull or appears to be prematurely aging. It can be tailored to fit your budget and meet your aesthetic goals, so schedule a consultation with us today to learn how we can help you!
Next, read about dermal fillers.
