Visit a Doctor to Minimize Side Effects

A chemical face peel is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive choice for treating a number of facial problems and enhances the beauty of a person’s skin. Chemical peels are a great alternative to surgical facial betterment procedures for many patients. The function of a chemical peel is to penetrate the skin at to a certain depth in order to remove the damaged layers to expose smoother, healthy, and more radiant skin.

The deeper the chemical peel penetrates, the greater is the risk of a few side effects which may result if the patient is not careful. This happens because the action of a deep chemical peel is quite high and is a lot more dramatic than the action of a light chemical peel. In case with deeper peels, more of the skin gets affected so that it may lead to quite serious side effects of this chemical peels. No matter how mild it is, any chemical peel is associated with some degree risk of side effects. That is why you should go to a doctor. A common side effect of a chemical face peel that may occur during recovery includes stinging, tight skin, redness, something like a sun burn, and irritation. These side effects of chemical face peels are quite mild and do subside within a few days. It is very rare, although it does happen, that the side effects of chemical face peels can include infection and scarring.

The light peels pose lesser risk of side effects of chemical face peels, though patients might still experience some of these side effects of chemical face peels. Alphahydroxy acid chemical peels and similar mild peels can cause slight stinging, redness, irritation, and crusting, especially after the first few days of treatment. These side effects though subside without too complication within a few days.

Medium depth chemical peels come with a greater risk for side effects than the mild chemical face peels. People who undergo TCA treatment may experience unintended color changes to their skin, called hyper pigmentation and hypo pigmentation. Deep chemical peels carry the greatest risk of side effects as they impact a lot more than the others. Phenol treatments might actually result in a patient’s inability to produce any pigment in the skin. The side effects of such peels can also result pigment imperfections and demarcating lines which don’t look pretty. All chemical peel patients must avoid the sun as far as possible and comply with all care instructions to mitigate the risks of side effects.

Always go to licensed practitioners. Make sure to check up on the rates being fair, and validate their licenses. This is also applicable for salons which let their esthetician’s to have their own clients. Some of the salons employ estheticians and give them only a tiny percentage of the profits. And that will ultimately lead to lesser care being taken on their part while they are tending to you. This is why you should go and look out for experienced, private practicing experts.

How to Prepare Your Skin for a Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel

Preparing for a glycolic acid chemical peel can be a longer process than you expected. Whether it is your first chemical peel or just one of many, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk for side effects and give your chemical peel the best chance for rejuvenating your skin.

Before you decide to have a glycolic acid chemical peel, consult a doctor or dermatologist. Even if you are administering the chemical peel in your own home, it is important to talk with a medical professional first. Your doctor will help you have realistic expectations about the chemical peel’s results, counsel you about any possible interactions the peel will have with your medication and let you know what to expect during recovery.

Glycolic acid chemical peels are part of a larger group of chemical peels known as Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels. These peels are usually used on a client’s entire face, with the exception of the eyes and around the lips. Light chemical peels are simple, quick and have the lowest recovery time. They will smooth rough or dry skin, improve sun damage and even out pigmentation problems. Some people even use these chemical peels to prepare for medium and deep peels.

Occasionally, clients will use Retin-A cream to get ready for their glycolic acid chemical peels. Retin-A is a form of vitamin A and will help the glycolic acid penetrate farther into the skin and remove more imperfections. If the client is using the glycolic acid peel to lighten his or her skin, applying bleaching cream before the procedure may make the peel more effective. The bleaching cream will be especially useful if the client needs a spot treatment on blotchy areas of the face.

For two to three weeks before the peel is applied, clients should try to eat as healthy a diet as possible, get as much sleeps as they can, reduce stress levels and drink plenty of water. Each of these steps will help the client recover from the chemical peel much faster.

Directly before the peel is applied, clients should remove all makeup and oils from their face. The chemical peel will still penetrate the skin when oils are present, however a layer of oil and makeup in between the peel and the skin will greatly reduce its effectiveness. The client should also be prepared with Vaseline or an oil-based ointment that can be applied to the skin directly after the chemical peel is neutralized. While there should be no pain after a glycolic acid chemical peel, the Vaseline and ointment can fast track the healing process.

After the chemical peel is neutralized, clients should stay out of the sun as much as possible. The sun’s UV rays can increase the skin’s sensitivity and as well as amplify risks for adverse effects. Sunlight can even cause skin discoloration during the healing process. To avoid the effects of UV rays, clients should use makeup or sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

Glycolic acid chemical peels are a great way to remove blemishes and other minor skin problems. To give the chemical peel the best chance for success, it is important to follow certain skin care tips and techniques. By following our advice, your skin will be properly prepared for the chemical peel.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a great way to rejuvenate your skin and give it that fresh look you want. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what a chemical peel can and cannot do. Here, we hope to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about chemical peels and help you decide that a chemical peel is right for you.

What are Chemical Peels?
One of the most common questions is what exactly is a chemical peel. Well, they are exactly what they sound like! Chemical peels are treatments that improve the skin by peeling away its top layers. Peels promote the growth of new skin, collagen and elastin. Chemical peels are only superficial fixes, which means you will have to have repeated peels. No peel – no matter how strong it is – can be a permanent fix to your skin woes.

What are Chemical Peels Used for?
The most common uses for chemical peels are treatments to superficial skin problems. This can include anything from sun damage and scars to wrinkles, fine lines and lesions. Most chemical peels will also even out pigmentation problems.

Are All Chemical Peels the Same?
There are three different kinds of chemical peels – light, medium and deep – each of these peels offers different benefits and has different characteristics. Light peels improve rough, dry skin and uneven pigmentation. They can also reduce the appearance of sunspots and control acne. Light chemical peels are the mildest form of peel and penetrate only the low levels of the skin. Medium peels will smooth fine lines and wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and even out pigmentation problems. Medium peels can be used on any part of the body.
Deep chemical peels remove major blotchiness, age spots, sun damage and spots caused by birth control pills. These peels are only used on the face and are not right for everyone. Clients should consult a doctor before having a deep chemical peel, and should only have these peels performed by a professional.

How May Peels will I Need?
The number of peels a client chooses to have depends on his or her individual goals. The bigger your skin goals, the more chemical peels you will likely need. Often, clients need several chemical peels performed over the course of a few months to realize their final goals. Lighter peels will need to be performed more often and deeper peels have longer lasting results. Remember, deeper peels may last longer, but they will also have a longer recovery time.

How are Chemical Peels Performed?
Most chemical peels are administered the same way. The skin is cleansed and exfoliated directly before the peel is applied. Usually, the chemical peel is applied with a cotton ball or cotton swab, and then it is allowed to remain on the skin for the appropriate amount of time. The chemical peel can be neutralized quickly with a water solution and the skin is moisturized with Vaseline or ointment.

Now that you understand the basics of a chemical peel, it should be easier to decide which kind of peel is best for your skin type and unique skin problems. Finding the right chemical peel for you should not be difficult; after your research is complete the correct peel should be easy to spot.

Frequently Asked Questions about TCA Peels

When trying to decide the right chemical peel for your skin, you may hear a lot of talk about TCA chemical peels. These are part of the medium chemical peel family and can remove scars, age spots and wrinkles. You can encounter a number of myths about TCA peels and it may make you wonder what is true and what is not. Hopefully, we can answer some of your questions about TCA chemical peels and help you decide if they are the right choice for your skin.

Am I a Good Candidate for a TCA Chemical Peel?
Before you decide what kind of peel to use, consult your doctor or dermatologist. Even if you plan to administer the chemical peel at home, you should talk with a doctor about your unique medical history, the medications you are taking and your skin type. The doctor should be able to guide you to the best chemical peel for your skin and let you know whether a TCA chemical peel will interact with medications you are taking.

Is a TCA Chemical Peel Safe for People of Any Skin Color?
TCA chemical peels do not penetrate the skin to the pigmentation layer, which means they will not cause permanent changes to your skin color. TCA chemical peels are useful to even out uneven pigmentation, but they are not strong enough to cause permanent discoloration. After the chemical peel is neutralized, the new skin may be lighter than your other skin, but this will normalize soon.

Do I Need to Take Time off for a TCA Chemical Peel?
TCA chemical peels are stronger than light peels, but not quite as strong as a deep peel. Your skin will be red and tender after the peel is neutralized and you could see your skin peel for four to seven days. For this reason, you may want to schedule a few days off of work and avoid some social events until after your skin stops peeling. Many people simply choose to reschedule client meetings or important presentations, but still feel comfortable going into work.

How Often Can I Repeat a Chemical Peel?
TCA chemical peels should only be repeated every four to six weeks. Refer to the packaging on your specific TCA peel to determine exactly how often you can repeat the procedure. Depending on your skin goals, you may only need to repeat TCA peels once or twice.

How Should I Prepare for My TCA Peel?
About two weeks before your chemical peel, you should begin applying an Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) cream. This cream will help the chemical peel penetrate deeper levels of your skin and will make it more effective. Try to stay out of the sun and always apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when you need to spend extended periods of time outside. The chemical peel will make your skin sensitive and exposure to UVA and UVB rays could irritate your skin more easily. At this time, you should also stop using hair removal products and harsh exfoliates.

TCA peels are not for everyone. Make sure you have the right expectations of the procedure, are prepared for the recovery time and know how to safely administer your chemical peel. Keep our frequently asked questions in mind and your chemical peel will be a successful one!

How to Administer an At-Home TCA Chemical Peel

The roller coaster economy does not seem to be getting on track any time soon, and we are all looking to save money wherever we can. One of the best ways to reduce your beauty bill – without sacrificing your good looks – is administering your own TCA chemical peel.

TCA Chemical peels are widely available online. Make sure you do your research on a company and read product reviews before purchasing a chemical peel. If a company is not reputable or the chemical peels get poor reviews, you are only wasting your money by purchasing the product.

When your TCA chemical peel arrives in the mail, do a spot test on the inside of your arm. Not only is this skin sensitive like the skin on your face, it is easy to hide in case you have a bad reaction to the peel. Leave the chemical peel on for a few minutes then neutralize it and wash it away with water. Observe the area for about one day; if you do not see any adverse reactions you are probably okay to use it on your face.

As soon as you are ready to apply your chemical peel, cleanse your face thoroughly. Do not use a harsh exfoliate, but make sure to clean your face completely. Any residual oils or makeup will only get in between your chemical peel and your skin, which may cause the peel to be less effective. Dab the chemical peel on your face with a cotton ball or cotton swab. Make sure you apply an even layer on your entire face, or you could see blotchiness when the chemical peel is removed. The peel will start working as soon as it is applied – the process will be quick and efficient.

Leave the TCA chemical peel in place for 1-2 minutes. Check the packaging to make sure you do not leave the chemical peel on your face too long. Leaving it in place for more than the recommended time could cause permanent scarring and discoloration. If you feel any discomfort after the peel is neutralized – such as mild burning or stinging – use a saline and ice solution on the area and the discomfort will disappear. Apply Vaseline or an oil-based ointment to your skin to keep it moisturized.

Depending on the depth of your peel, you will recover immediately or within a few days. Refer to the packaging to see exactly how long your recovery time will be. Until your skin is fully recovered from the chemical peel, cleanse your face with soap and water only, harsh chemicals and exfoliates can irritate your skin. Try to avoid extended time in the sun. The sun’s rays are one the biggest causes of skin damage, and they can be especially damaging when your skin is vulnerable after a TCA chemical peel. Always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before you leave your home. If you plan to spend extended time in the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses and carry an umbrella to protect your skin.

At-home TCA chemical peels are just as safe as those that are applied in a dermatologist or doctor’s office. If you do your research and follow the directions, you will experience the same results that you could get from a professional chemical peel!

TCA Peels for New Moms

Motherhood comes with a number of small joys – your baby’s first smile, first steps and first word are only a few. However, stretch marks are one part of motherhood every women hopes to avoid.

Stretch marks are small streaks that are depressed into the skin. They are most likely to appear later in the pregnancy as the stomach grows more quickly. Some women will see these marks form on their buttocks, hips, breasts and thighs as well. When stretch marks are first visible they can be pink, red, brown, purple or dark brown. Often, the marks will fade over time, but rarely will they completely disappear.

Not every pregnant woman will get stretch marks. While it is difficult to predict each woman’s chance of seeing stretch marks form, the risk increases if other women in the family develop them. Overall, the appearance of stretch marks depends on how much and how quickly the mother’s stomach expands. Women are most likely to experience stretch marks if they gain weight rapidly, carry multiple children (i.e. twins or triplets), have a big baby or have excess amniotic fluid.

While there is no real way to prevent stretch marks, women can take steps during their pregnancy to reduce their risk factors. By gaining only 25 to 35 pounds, and gaining that weight slowly, women will be less likely to develop stretch marks.

Many women try to use creams to prevent these marks before they happen. Most of these creams contain soluble collagen and elastin, which will not help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Since these marks occur on a deeper level than the creams reach, they will not be effective. Instead, mothers need to heal complex structures in the skin, and heal them from within the body.

TCA chemical peels are one way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after a woman has given birth. TCA peels will penetrate the skin deeper than alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and can encourage the growth of collagen and elastin. Since stretch marks occur at such a deep level of the skin, young mothers need a deeper reaching peel than a glycolic acid or other light chemical peel. TCA peels will not only reduce the appearance of stretch marks, they will tighten the skin in the affected area.

TCA chemical peels are far superior to deeper peels – such as phenol – to remove stretch marks. Phenol is the deepest and most dangerous of all chemical peels. While it will penetrate deep into the skin to remove damage, it can cause scarring and decrease the hemoglobin in the body’s red blood cells. Phenol could, in fact, cause a more serious problem than the stretch marks.

Chemical peels are one of the best ways to reduce – and even remove – the appearance of the stretch marks that can follow pregnancy. Not only does a TCA chemical peel penetrate the skin to the appropriate level, it has fewer side effects than deeper peels. Young mothers have enough to worry about with their new little one – shouldn’t stretch marks be a concern that’s easily crossed off the list?

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels are one of the most popular ways to keep skin looking young and vibrant. But, when you hear this term being thrown around in conversation – do you really know what it means or how a chemical peel actually works?

Simply put, chemical peels work exactly like they sound! A chemical solution is applied to the skin and after it is neutralized, it helps the skin regenerate itself by peeling away dead and damaged layers. Chemical peels remove imperfections by using the body’s natural rejuvenation process.

The skin is our biggest organ, and the only one that is exposed to the elements. On a daily basis, we allow our skin to come into contact with harsh weather, the sun’s rays and pollutants, and these conditions are the reason we see sunspots, wrinkles and blemishes. Skin problems generally reside in the top layers of the skin, so when a chemical peel removes some of these layers it will remove the imperfections.

When we are young, our skin naturally regenerates itself about one time a month. While we shed old, dead skin cells, new and vibrant ones are waiting just below the surface. As we age, our skin renews itself much more slowly, but chemical peels will speed up this natural process. Even if it takes a few treatments, you will eventually be able to see chemical peels remove these dead layers of skin where blemishes reside and slowly those imperfections will disappear.

There are two common kinds of chemical peels – glycolic acid peels and TCA peels. Glycolic acid chemical peels are the mildest and most popular. Many people consider these peels a more natural option because they are made from sugar cane. Just like all chemical peels, glycolic acid peels are applied to the skin, left on to penetrate it, then neutralized and removed. As the peel gets into the skin’s surface it will break the bonds with dead skin and allow the skin to look healthier when the chemical peel is washed away. Since glycolic acid chemical peels are the mildest option available, you may not see the results you want immediately, but they will appear after a few peels.

TCA chemical peels are considered a medium peel. It penetrates deeper than a glycolic acid peel, but does not go quite as deep as a phenol peel. TCA peels are best to even out skin tone, remove imperfection and smooth out wrinkles. The results of a TCA peel will be more noticeable than a glycolic acid peel, but the recovery time will be longer. TCA peels are perfect for people with darker skin, as it is strong enough to have an impact, but not so strong it will cause permanent discoloration.

Chemical peels are one of the best ways to make your skin look fresh and new. After learning a little more about how chemical peels work and what kind of problems they can treat, you should be able to decide that it is the right facial treatment for you.

What You Need to Know Before Your First Chemical Peel

For people who are getting their first chemical peel, it can sound like a scary process. It can sound like you are submitting your skin to being pulled from your face and hoping the skin underneath will give you that youthful look you crave. Not to worry, we will help you get through your first chemical peel and soon you will be a pro!

Chemical peels are treatments with acid solutions that are used to remove our damaged outer layers of skin. Light and medium peels will only penetrate a few layers of our skin and are completely safe. Usually men and women choose to have a chemical peel administered to their face, but there are body peels that can be used on legs, arms, the back and the chest. No matter where you problem is, you will be able to find a peel to fix it!

There are four different kinds of chemical peels – each with unique characteristics, qualities and results. Each chemical peel has a specific group of people it will benefit, and it is important for first time chemical peel candidates to understand which peel is best for your skin type and skin problems.

Light Chemical Peel
The light peel family includes glycolic acid and other Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). People with fair skin and light hair will see the best results from these chemical peels. If you have mild skin imperfections or conditions and want to enhance your appearance, but do not have a long time for recovery light chemical peels are perfect for you! These peels can fix problems such as sun damage, mild scars, fine lines and clogged pores.

Medium Chemical Peels
These are best known as “middle of the road” peels. They are stronger than light chemical peels, but have a shorter recovery time than deep peels. The most common medium chemical peel is a TCA peel. It can remove superficial problems, wrinkles, blemishes, scars, uneven pigmentation and even dark circles under the eyes.

Deep Chemical Peels
If you are getting your first chemical peel, you probably will not choose a deep chemical peel. These are not for spot treatments or for people with freckles – unless they want those freckles removed. Deep chemical peels are not approved for people with certain heart conditions or with dark skin. Consider the long-term risks of a deep peel carefully before having one done. These are not at-home procedures and must be completed in a doctor’s office.

Acne Chemical Peels
Acne peels will be able to remove superficial acne scars and are close to a light or medium peel. These peels are not recommended for people with severe acne or with a current breakout.

Chemical peels are safe and will effectively remove many facial problems. Once you decide which chemical peel is right for you, it is time to sit back and just wait for the peel to work. You will be surprised – and pleased – with the beautiful new skin you see appear!

Chemical Peels or Collagen Cream?

Men and women trying to keep their youthful looks are often bombarded by products that offer only empty promises. With so many products on the market that do not work, it can be difficult to decide which ones to trust and which to simply discard. After a closer look at chemical peels and collagen creams, hopefully you will be able to make the best skin care decision to help you stay young!

Collagen Creams
Simply put, collagen creams do not work. If you hear the arguments for they cream, they make sense – as we age our bodies lose collagen and the creams promise to replace it. Collagen is a protein that maintains skin firmness, elasticity and tone, and lost collagen is one of the biggest causes for fine lines and wrinkles.

No matter how many amazing promises collagen creams make, they simply cannot deliver the results you want. What the collagen ads fail to tell you is only natural collagen will help our skin, but collagen creams come from bovine and avian sources. Collagen molecules from these sources are too large for our skin to absorb. Our skin will not only refuse to absorb the collagen molecules, you can even experience an allergic reaction. Even “bio-available” creams, or creams made with collagen found in nature, are not effective. These collagen molecules are smaller than those found in other creams, but our skin needs a product that will stimulate natural collagen growth.

Collagen creams will only rest on the surface of your skin, instead of penetrate deep below the surface where the problems lie. The epidermis, or top four to five layers of skin, does not contain any collagen – and no cream will be able to penetrate the skin deeper than these layers.

The bottom line in effective anti-aging products is the rate at which our skin sheds and regenerates itself. When we are young our skin regenerates itself almost monthly, but as we age the process slows. Collagen creams will not increase this process – and they are absolutely ineffective.

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels will help you start looking younger immediately. Peels work by removing a layer of dead skin cells and forcing your skin to regenerate itself. During the regeneration process, your skin will naturally produce more collagen.

As soon as a chemical peel is applied, it goes to work penetrating the layers of dead skin on your face. After the appropriate time has passed and you neutralize the peel, it will hold onto that dead skin like glue and remove it from your face. Depending on the depth of your peel, you can see results immediately or it may take a few days to weeks of recovery before your skin takes on a healthy new glow.

When trying to make your skin look younger, you can confidently pass shelves of collagen cream without giving them a second look. Instead, invest in a chemical peel. If you administer the peel correctly, you are sure to be happy with the results!