We offer three SkinMedica chemical peel treatments, depending on your skin type and condition, and the degree of improvement you’re looking to achieve. Illuminize Peel is a gentle treatment that enhances skin appearance and texture, Vitalize Peel combats the effects of aging and sun damage, while Rejuvenize Peel is a more aggressive treatment that targets moderate to severe skin imperfections.
We put these notes together to help you understand what happens before, during, and after a chemical peel treatment, noting any differences corresponding to the different peel treatments.
Pre-Treatment
It’s wise to avoid anything that might increase skin sensitivity leading up to a treatment. This includes other chemical treatments, microdermabrasion, hair removal, and sun exposure (including artificial tanning).
We may also recommend avoiding certain medications that might increase light sensitivity or cause skin inflammation, as well as recommending use of moisturizing lotions before treatment, to help speed up recovery afterwards.
Preparation consists of cleansing the skin by removing any oils or makeup from the area to be treated, and (depending on the area being treated) applying protection to any adjacent sensitive areas like the eyes, nose and mouth.
Treatment
The peel chemicals are applied to the skin for a period of between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the type of peel. Your skin will feel warm, and there will be some degree of burning sensation. Cold compresses may be used to reduce any discomfort.
Mild peel chemicals are simply washed off after a treatment, while more aggressive peels may first require that a neutralizing agent is applied to the skin.
The effect of a peel is to dissolve or irritate the outer layers of dead skin, leading to skin regeneration. More aggressive peels simply affect deeper layers of the skin.
Post-Treatment
The degree and length of redness and peeling experienced after a procedure depends on the type of procedure. Illuminize Peel produces little to no redness and peeling, Vitalize peel produces moderate redness and peeling, while Rejuvenize Peel can produce more pronounced effects. Redness and peeling last anywhere from 3 to 5 days.
We may recommend use of skin cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens after a treatment, to speed your recovery and protect your skin while it remains extra sensitive.
You should avoid sun exposure for at least a week after treatment and use broad spectrum sunscreens to allow your skin to complete its recovery.
A chemical skin peel is the least invasive option for treating skin imperfections, as it only affects the outer layers of the skin. In all cases the new skin that regrows will be smoother and less wrinkled than the original skin.
Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.
