Skin Peel

Chemical Peels Throughout Time

2010-08-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Chemical Skin peels are used these days to improve the skin’s overall appearance, by removing the initial surface of the skin, allowing rejuvenated smoother skin to grow in its place. But were they using them in the old days?

In Ancient times, Cleopatra was known for bathing in sour milk. This practice was common in that time. Why sour milk? Sour milk contains lactic acid, one of the ingredients used in chemical peels today. The Egyptians were also known for bathing in old wine to achieve the same effect. The old wine contains a tartaric acid. This fruit acid is used in skin peels now a days.

From the 15th Century on, pale skin became a fad, which in turn made skin whitening creams and chemical peels very popular. They began using these creams and peels after the Greeks introduced the effective ingredient lead oxide in these products.

In the 1950’s dermatologists began administering medium depth, and deep peels which weren’t available until this time. When they administered these peels they used ingredients such as trichloroacetic acid, resorcinol, salicylic acid and phenol. These ingredients are still used today in chemical peels.

Chemical peels have been around forever and there is only one reason why: They work. Try one today and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, even pigmentation, and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin!

WHAT ARE CHEMICAL ACID PEELS?

2010-07-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Chemical acid peels are a classification for different types of chemical treatments that are used to remove dead skin cell and make the skin smoother.

Despite the word “peel” nothing peels off during the procedure. The chemical solution that is applied to the skin dissolves the upper layer of the skin. As this tissue is dissolved, a wound forms this causes new tissue to grow in response to the body’s natural healing process.

The type of acids used in a chemical peel can include trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). The type of acid used is determined according to the individual patient’s needs and wishes.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic and fruit acids can produce the lightest of the peels as they are the mildest form of acid. These acid peels are normally used to treat fine wrinkles, dryness and uneven skin pigment. AHA acids are often mixed in less concentrated forms with a cream or lotion that can be used on a daily basis. AHA peels include AHA Kojic, Glycolic Acid, and Lactic Acid.

Medium-depth peels use Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). A TCA chemical peel works well for stretch marks, mild acne scars and can be used to remove mild acne. With TCA peels sometimes more than one peel is needed to get the results that are desired.

TCA peels are the best to treat acne scars. The chemicals in this are stronger than other acids such as lactic and work on the deeper layers of the skin. When peels are used to treat acne scars, a qualified estethician should be consulted.

AHA peels can cause redness, irritation and stinging which disappears in a few days. TCA peels will not bleach the skin but patients are advised to avoid exposure to the sun for several months to protect the new skin. Patients are also advised to avoid sun exposure.A person who has frequent blisters or cold sores may not be a candidate for a chemical peel.

The results from peels can last anywhere from six months to one year. This depends on the type of peel and the area covered. If acne scars are treated or a large portion of the skin is treated additional treatments may be needed and these are usually performed about three months apart. Find all types of at-home chemical skin peels at Skin-peel.com.

Chemical Peeling vs. Other Treatments

2010-06-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Chemical peeling is a popular way to rejuvenate the skin. It can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, remove blemishes like sun spots and melasma, and treat acne and other skin conditions. The procedure is fast, with few side effects and a short recovery time.

Other dermatological treatments, like microdermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing, offer results and benefits similar to those of chemical peeling. Let's take a look at how chemical peelings compares to some of these other treatments.

Chemical Peels and How They Work

Chemical peels use a layer of gentle chemicals to melt away dead cells from the surface of the skin, leaving skin smoother, lighter, and younger in appearance. Chemical peels of varying strengths are used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, acne and acne scarring, melasma, age spots, sun spots and precancerous growths.

Chemical peels come in three different strengths, mild, medium-depth and deep. Each one penetrates a little further into the skin to more effectively treat blemishes, scars and irregularities in skin tone.

Chemical Peels vs. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is another way to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Rather than using chemicals to melt away dead cells from the skin's surface, dermabrasion uses surgical tools to scrape them away. Like chemical peels, dermabrasion can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, age spots, sun spots, melasma and precancerous growths.

Dermabrasion, however, is generally considered a more serious procedure than chemical peeling, because it uses tools to surgically scrape surface skin from your face. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need either local or general anesthetic to under dermabrasion. The procedure itself can last for up to an hour and a half, whereas most mild and medium-depth chemical peels take only about half an hour to administer.

Dermabrasion generally causes more significant side effects than chemical peeling. Your face may be quite inflamed and swollen for as long as a week. It may burn, ache or tingle. You may need to stay at home for at least two weeks and you may need to avoid the sun entirely for at least four weeks. Full recovery could take as long as one year. In comparison, mild and medium-depth chemical peels cause only moderate pain and inflammation for about 24 hours post-procedure, and full recovery usually takes about two weeks.

Chemical Peels vs. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a relatively new skin refinishing technique that promises to smooth skin and even out skin tone with fewer side effects. Laser resurfacing is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, remove acne scars and firm skin. Laser skin resurfacing has minimal side effects including bruising, redness and swelling. Comparatively, they may be slightly more severe than the side effects of chemical peeling. Recovery time for laser resurfacing is longer; one to two weeks, depending on the type of laser used.

Laser resurfacing for your whole face can take as long as two hours, much longer than a mild or medium-depth chemical peel, which usually takes about 30 minutes and almost never takes longer than an hour. You may also need to wear a facial bandage for as many as three days, and use ointment to prevent the formation of a scab. With most chemical peels, bandages and ointments aren't necessary as scabs don't form.

Glycolic 101

2010-06-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Why go Glycolic?

Glycolic acid has long been heralded as a cure-all for dull, lackluster skin. Used in a plethora of skincare products, this natural acid boasts the ability to refine and renew the skin, diminishing fine lines, sun-spots, and acne.

How Glycolic Acid Works?

Glycolic acid is the smallest type of alpha-hydroxy-acid and has many applications in skincare products as a natural skin exfoliant. Its capability to penetrate the skin is key when allowing old, sun-damaged skin cells to shed, renewing the skin’s texture and vitality.

By loosening the glue-like substance that keeps dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, glycolic acid can help you gain back that healthy glow. This exfoliation process may help reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and promote an overall rejuvenated appearance.

Through stimulating new cell and collagen production, fine lines and shallow acne scars are reduced, improving the skin’s tone and texture. As well as promoting new skin cell growth, glycolic acid can also help unclog pores -aiding those with acne prone skin.

Glycolic Acid for at-home Use:

There are many options for using glycolic acid at home. Low concentrate glycolic acid can be found in creams and moisturizers, and unlike regular moisturizers, have the ability to promote the ongoing creation of revitalized skin cells.

Higher glycolic acid content can be found in glycolic acid peels, with results more instantaneous. Peels provide the most effective at-home treatments, as the glycolic acid is formulated in a way that is safe, yet very effective. Non- invasive and non-surgical, glycolic acid peels can refine the skin’s texture, leaving skin younger-looking and rejuvenated.

The lower the pH level of the glycolic peel, the deeper and quicker it will penetrate into the skin. Physician strength peels can have a pH level as low as pH0.6. Though low-level pH peels can be highly beneficial to severely damaged skin, they must be administered by a dermatologist.

While store bought peels are less potent, they are easier to use, safe for use without medical supervision and can garner similar results from the comfort of your own home.

An at home glycolic peel, capable of removing pore-clogging debris, improving skin tone and texture, is thus the perfect, affordable solution to beautiful skin.

Jessner's Solution 101

2010-06-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

Jessner's Solution is a skin peel made with a mixture of AHA Lactic Acid and BHA Salicylic acid with the Phenol derivative of Resocinol. This peel, which has also been known as the Combe's Peel was made popular by Max Jessner, a New York dermatologist. He originally formulated the solution to reduce the toxity and high potency of the individual ingredients.

Skin Conditions Jessner's Solution Treats
This peel is ideal for an extensive range of skin conditions such as lightening hyper-pigmentation areas, treating acne and acne scars, treating aged, photo-damaged and sun-damaged skin. (Darker skin types particularly African American, should proceed with caution due to an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from the Resorcinol exposure).

Application
However, the Jessner's Solution should only be applied by experience professionals. When the professional is applying the solution, they will gently paint onto the skin (it can be layered). Up to 4-6 coats are applied until a white frost develops (this means the peel is getting rid of your dead, dull skin) or until the pain sensation is too intense.

Then rinse your face throughly with cool water and pat dry. Be sure to wear a light moisturizer or a sunscreen for a few days following the Jessner's Solution Peel treatment.

The three individual ingredients, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Resorcinol in the Jessner's Solution work together to give you the best results.

Lactic Acid
The Lactic Acid in the peel accelerates the skin’s cells renewal rate which then softens the epidermis and stimulates collagen growth.

Salicylic Acid

The Salicylic Acid exfoliates deep into the lining of the pores to rid of dirt, sebum and debris that can cause blackheads, whiteheads and enlarged pores.

Resorcinol
The Resorcinol breaks down dead, uneven and rough skin due to it's anti-septic properties it actively sterilizes bacteria upon contact. Combination of these three ingredients in the Jessner's Solution result in a even toned, clear complexion.

Jessner’s Solution can be used in conjunction with other peels, such as Glycolic peels, and TCA peels to enhance the effectiveness of the peel.

TCA Peels 101

2010-06-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) is an effective chemical agent used to exfoliate and renew the skin on a more superficial level. TCA is most frequently applied to the face, neck, chest, and hands. In addition, TCA is also an excellent “spot treatment” and can be used to exclusively peel isolated areas of the skin.

The range of depth that the TCA peel achieves varies according to concentration potency(available strengths range from 10% -30%), application methods: time and pressure, and of course skin type. When applied, the solution penetrates deep into the skin continually seeking protein to neutralize itself.

Unlike the progressive peels such as Glycolic or Salicylic, TCA Peels exfoliate the skin more rapidly upon initial contact.The long-lasting results make it an ideal peel for those who prefer less peeling sessions at the cost of moderate downtime.

TCA’s ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions makes it the perfect chemical peel for individuals with multiple concerns.

Skin types/conditions treated by TCA Peels:

Melanoma
Fine lines and wrinkles
Hyper-pigmentation
Stretch marks
Acne
Uneven skin tone
Due to it's antibacterial properties, the TCA Peel is an excellent choice for individuals suffering from chronic acne vulgaris as well as the above.

TCA Peels 10%-30%

TCA 10% Light Peel- looking to make minor improvements to your skin
TCA 20% Medium Strength Peel- Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven and blotchy complexion
TCA 30% Deep Strength Peel- removes “permanent” skin fixtures such as unwanted freckles, birthmarks, and tattoos.

(Like all TCA peels, it is best suited for experienced users who have tolerated acids in the past.)

Keep in mind:
Darker skin types (particularly African American) should proceed with caution due to an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

If you have any further questions please leave a comment and we will provide the best answer possible.

AHA Kojic Acid Peel 101

2010-06-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Kojic Acid is a powerful skin-brightening agent that is naturally derived mostly from the fermentation of sake. Yes, I am talking about the Japanese wine we shoot back with sushi, from time to time. Kojic Acid is also known as the healthier alternative to harsh bleaching agents such as Hydroquinone.

In the AHA Kojic Acid Peel there are a wide range of exfoliating, highly water-soluble ingredients such as Glycolic and Lactic Acid (AHA's) that help get rid of that annoying acne.

The AHA Kojic Peel inhibits melanin production while simultaneously reducing disorders such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

This peel is ideal for multiple skin types:

-Normal

-Sensitive

-Dry

-Hyper-pigmented

-Sun-damaged

-Dull

-Uneven

It is also suitable for those of you who are new to chemical peels. While there are some side effects such as a slight stinging sensation, a heightened skin sensitivity, flaking, minor redness, and a downtime of 7-10 days, the benefits far outway the negative.

The benefits that result from the AHA Kojic Peel is improved skin tone, texture and clarity, reductions of acne, clogged pores, shallow wrinkles, fine lines, melasma, and hyper-pigmentation. It also increases collagen and elastin production.

So next time your skin needs a re-vamp and some brightening use an AHA Kojic Peel!

Salicylic Peels for Acne-Prone Skin

2010-05-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Salicylic Acid Peel

Salicylic acid is a powerful tool to fight acne and wrinkles. Despite its dramatic results, the salicylic acid chemical peel retains a mild and extraordinarily non-irritating approach to skin restoration. The well-rounded composition of salicylic acid eliminates skin abnormalities including an excess of dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria.

For Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is a multi-staged and progressive skin condition involving three critical factors: clogged pores, bacteria and inflammation. The salicylic acid peel counteracts all three by targeting each individually:

Clogged Pores: Clogged pores don’t stand a chance against beta hydroxy acid, which exfoliates excess dead skin in and around the pore lining.
Bacteria: The antimicrobial properties of salicylic acid render it highly effective against the acne bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne. In addition, eliminating bacteria will substantially minimize any existing inflammation.
Inflammation: Due to its close relation to the popular anti-inflammatory aspirin, salicylic acid also functions as a potent anti-inflammatory.

From both a preventative and curative standpoint, the salicylic acid peel is clearly a triple threat against acne. By and large, salicylic acid peels are considered a “textbook option” for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions related to a surplus of bacteria, dead skin and/or sebum. It is no wonder the FDA approved the use of salicylic acid as an OTC acne medication!

Chemical Peels 101

2010-05-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

A Chemical peel or skin peel involves:

The application of a specific solution to the surface of the skin to peel away the outermost layers, revealing the fresh skin beneath. This skin peeling method is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, fine wrinkling, blotchy pigmentation, ingrown hairs, yellow complexion and dry skin. Chemical peels are most often performed on the face but may also be beneficial on the neck, chest, back, hands, arms and legs.

Why Use A Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels, also known as chemical resurfacing, are chemical treatments to produce an improved appearance of the face. Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, pre-cancerous lesions, and discoloration (dyschromia) or uneven skin tone. Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin to promote the growth of new skin with an improved appearance.

Many different chemicals are used including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, “Jessners“ solution, and phenol. The different chemicals produce different degrees of injury to the skin.

The Many Layers Of Skin

There are two layers of the skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis and the inner layer, the dermis.
Superficial peels (e.g. glycolic acid) produce very superficial injury, confined to the epidermis. Superficial peels can help improve conditions, such as acne and dyschromia. Deeper peels, (e.g. phenol peels) produce injury within the dermis and can reverse moderate-to-severe photoaging and wrinkles. In general, the deeper peels offer the most dramatic results but require longer recovery periods and carry a higher risk of complications.

The depth of chemical peeling

....depends on the type of chemical used. It's best not to assume that a low % of acid is less abrasive than a higher percentage. For example: Salicylic Acid 20% is almost as strong as Glycolic 50%. TCA 30% is a completely different peeling agent and can penetrate into the upper layers of the dermis, causing burns if not used properly.

If you want to learn more about chemical skin peels please leave a comment with your questions. If you have specific questions and would like to speak with a skincare professional we are happy to help just call toll free 1-866-468-4771

Welcome To Our Blog

2010-05-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is our very first post and we are excited to share all our tips, tricks and advice on skin peel products.

Skin-peel.com was established by skin care professionals to provide high quality, specialized skin peels and skin care treatments, with a focus towards expedited delivery and exemplary customer service. Our team is dedicated to providing an outstanding experience when choosing from our product line.

Our shipping department is on site and committed to chasing down the UPS truck to make sure your package ships as promised. All skin peels and corresponding products are kept in stock to ensure we can deliver next business day when your order is submitted by 4p.m. EST (1p.m. PST) on a business day.

Our product range is formulated in a GMP and FDA compliant laboratory and quality control is maintained according to industry operating procedures. We have the benefit of many years of experience practicing skin care along with a highly qualified group of estheticians and physicians who have tested and continue to use our products.

Peels for spas, physicians and salons.
All peels are available, in stock, for next day delivery.
Low pH levels are listed accurately.
Paraben-Free and chemical additive free.