What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is an acid solution that is applied to the skin to target skin concerns such as pigmentations, aging, sun damage, acne, mild scarring, evening out skin tone, and brightening of the skin. It dissolves the outermost layer of skin cells, which then peels off over the following days to reveal the new, fresher, younger layer below. The peels I perform are light or medium depth peels. Light peels require no down time from work and your normal activities while medium depth peels may require up to a week or so of down time to allow the skin to fully heal.
What is the Depigmentation Bootcamp?
The Depigmentation Bootcamp is a 4-peel series that treats dark spots caused by melasma, hyperpigmentation from acne, and sun damaged skin in a span of 8 weeks. Unlike other TCA peels, Skin Script TCA is formulated with other lightening ingredients. This peel is much more gentle and is safe for ALL ethnicities. Please allow 45-60mins for initial appointment; 30-45 minutes thereafter. The first appointment includes a consultation with photo-documentation, treatment outline (pre booking all appointments), homecare product review followed by a 30 minute treatment. Each session in the treatment series is typically scheduled 1-2 weeks apart, unless stated otherwise. Homecare is a REQUIREMENT for the treatment series and will be INCLUDED with the treatment series price ($229 value).
What is the Acne Bootcamp?
The Acne Bootcamp is a series that consists of eight 30-60 minute treatments focused on addressing pigmentation, acne, texture and overall skin rejuvenation through the use of progressive exfoliation, enzymes, and peels. Please allow 1 hour for initial appointment; 30-60 minutes thereafter. The first appointment includes a thorough 30 minute consultation with photo-documentation, treatment outline, nutritional considerations and homecare product selection followed by a 30 minute treatment. Each session in the treatment series is typically scheduled 1-2 weeks apart, unless stated otherwise. Homecare is a REQUIREMENT for the treatment series. A full skincare regimen suited for your skincare concerns/goals is INCLUDED in the treatment price ($160 value)
How do you prepare for a chemical peel?
It is important to prep the skin with the products suggested for a chemical peel 1-2 weeks prior to performing the first treatment. This will help derive the most benefit from your treatment. I carry Skinscript’s chemical peels which are safe for all Fitzgeralds (aka skin colors) and types.
I use this product line because they believe you can still get results by going the progressive approach versus aggressive approach (ie: fillers, botox, etc) when it comes to treating skin.
If you are taking acne medication, Retin-A or Accutane, I highly encourage you to see your doctor about stopping the medication before (at least 1 week) and during treatment to avoid complications. Otherwise, we will need to opt for another type of facial treatment safe to perform with these medications. If you have a breakout of cold sores or fever blisters on the face before your scheduled appointment, we will need to reschedule the appointment. Avoid sun exposure or sun burning before your scheduled appointment. I will review your intake form prior to your treatment for any other contraindications to determine if a chemical peel is right for you. Be sure to answer all questions honestly and completely on your consultation form prior to your peel.
What to expect during a chemical peel?
The skin is cleansed and prepped by removing surface oils to allow the peel to penetrate the skin evenly. Any sensitive areas that cannot be treated will be protected with a thin film of petroleum jelly. Your eyes will be covered to protect them. One or more chemical mixtures will be applied, such as glycolic acid (from sugar cane), trichloroacetic acid aka TCA (similar to bleach), salicylic acid (salix-willow family), or lactic acid (from milk). The peel will be applied in layers, depending on the depth of penetration intended. The acids react with the skin to produce a “controlled wound,” allowing fresh skin to regenerate and emerge. A tingling, burning or hot sensation is normal but if unable to handle the sensations, a fan will be available for your comfort. Most peels remain on the skin only for a few minutes, and are closely watched. Some peels require a neutralizing solution to stop the activation of peels while other peels are self-neutralizing and will stop on their own.
What do you expect after a chemical peel?
After most peels, the skin will be pink to red, and look shiny and tight. It is CRUCIAL to reapply sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater to the skin for the next 48 hours, minimum. You must also stay out of the sun, as your skin will be very sensitive to UV rays and could be damaged by sun exposure. For medium depth peels, the skin will begin to flake or peel within 2–3 days after the treatment. Sun-damaged areas of your skin will appear darker at first, then will lighten. THIS IS NORMAL. Deeper peels can produce peeling for a week or more. To assist in removing the flaking skin, an enzyme peel or light microdermabrasion treatment is sometimes scheduled a week or so after the initial peel. For maximum results, a series of peels is usually recommended, and may be necessary for treating challenging issues such as hyperpigmentation.
What to expect after a salicylic or TCA peel:
Day 1: Pink to red skin.
Day 2: Skin looks normal but starting to look brown.
Day 3: Skin looks brown, wrinkly. This is the effect of the chemical peel; it will flake off!
Day 4: Skin is beginning to crack, and the start of peeling occurs. Do not pick.
Days 5-7: Skin is flaking and peeling off. Do not pick. New, fresh skin is revealed.
Days 8-10: Cheeks and forehead will continue to slough, but the results of the peel are being seen with fresh, healthy skin
How do I take care of my skin at home?
For the next week or two following your peel, I will recommend healing products that will soothe and nourish your skin, and aid in its recovery. Both the Acne Bootcamp and Depigmentation Bootcamp include all aftercare products.
Usually it is best to avoid makeup during this time, to allow the skin to heal and function without interference. However, if you must wear makeup, mineral makeup will not adversely affect the skin.