We all have imperfections we see in the mirror we’d like to address. There are many treatments available to address various areas of concern, but if you’re dealing with multiple signs of aging, chemical peels or facial peels may be the right option for you. Call Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL to talk about the versatility of facial peels.
What Are Facial Peels?
Facial peels or chemical peels are facial resurfacing treatments that remove the top layer of skin to reveal brighter and revitalized skin. Chemical peels are one of the most versatile treatments we offer because we can tailor the strength of each peel to match your areas of concern and your expectation of results.
FAQ About Facial Peels
What Levels of Peels Are Available?
We have two levels of intensity available to our clients. The first is our light peel, and it removes the very outer layer of skin known as the epidermis. These peels are mild and can be done every two to four weeks depending on your skin’s condition. This works well for:
- Fine lines
- Acne
- Uneven skin tone
- Dryness and rough patches
Our second peel is medium strength. This treatment removes cells from the top layer and cells from the middle layer or dermis. Because this addresses concerns on a deeper level, it can only be done every three to nine months or as recommended. This is a stronger peel that can address:
- Wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Hyperpigmentation
- Minor skin laxity
What Are Chemical Peels Make Of?
Light peels are a mixture of glycolic or salicylic acids. Our medium peels also contain glycolic acid and may have trichloroacetic acid for a deeper exfoliation.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
When we apply the mild chemical peel to your face, it goes to work gently removing skin cells. Your top layer of skin has a barrier of dead and dull skin cells that can dull your complexion. The peel dissolves that layer of dead skin. Afterward, you may see a light peeling of the dead skin cells, revealing brighter and healthier-looking skin beneath.
The medium peel does the same thing on a deeper level. When your skin flakes off, you’re revealing skin further down. This triggers your body’s natural healing response, which is to increase its production of collagen. When collagen rebuilds, your skin becomes stronger and smoother.
Collagen
Collagen is the building block of skin. When we’re young, our dermis is filled with this fibrous protein. As we age, our production declines and that middle layer weakens in areas forming crevices that the top layer of skin falls into. This creates visible lines and wrinkles.
Our skin dispatches collagen to rebuild injured skin. With chemical peels, the body builds stronger layers of skin from the inside out. When collagen builds up, wrinkles and lines fill in, and their appearance softens. The same is true of acne scars. The pits left behind from cystic acne fill in as new collagen is produced. The result is a smoother surface and less pronounced scarring.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
Both our peels are described as very comfortable by our clients. When you arrive, we apply the peel with cotton pads and let it settle on your skin for the appropriate amount of time for your skin, your history with chemical peels and the results you’re looking for. When time is up, we neutralize the peel and wash it off.
We’ll apply a barrier cream and sunscreen to keep your face protected. Each client will have a set of post-care instructions unique to their skincare needs, but everyone will be advised to stay out of the sun for a few weeks. Most clients can return to their daily routines with no downtime.
When Will I See Results?
You should see an immediate brightening because that first layer of dull and dead skin cells will be sloughed away. The real results come a few weeks later as collagen builds up the deeper layers of skin. That underlying strength will come through and optimal results should be seen by the four-week mark. Clients can expect to see:
- Improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Lightening of age spots and sun damage
- Improvement in the appearance of acne scars
- Evening of skin tone and texture
- Brightening of complexion
- Tightening of minor skin laxity
Results are different for each client and depend on the condition of your skin, your age and the depth of peel chosen.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
If you have imperfections you’d like addressed, only a consultation with us can help us decide if a facial peel is the right option for you, your areas of concern and the results you’d like to see. If you’re in generally good health with no active skin infections or cold sores, this could be a good treatment for you.
Have More Questions?
If you have more questions or would like to discuss whether a chemical peel or facial peels is the right option for you, contact Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL for a free consultation. We’ll examine your skin and talk through your areas of concern and the realistic results you can expect from treatment. We have an unwavering commitment to providing each of our clients in Elgin, South Elgin, West Dundee, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, St Charles, and Geneva with unparalleled care and service while helping them achieve all their aesthetic goals.
