CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peels offer a highly effective way to rejuvenate the skin by addressing common concerns like dullness, fine lines, acne scars and sun damage. Patients can enjoy smoother, more radiant skin with long-lasting improvements and little to no downtime. At Be CLINICAL, we use safe, medical-grade chemical peel solutions and a personalized approach to meet each individual's specific skincare goals.
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing the outer layers to peel away. This process promotes the regeneration of new, healthier skin. Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin by addressing concerns like fine lines, acne scars, uneven pigmentation, and sun damage.
Chemical peels gently exfoliate and renew the skin, revealing a smoother, brighter, and more youthful complexion.
During a chemical peel, a specific type of acid—depending on the peel’s depth—is applied to the skin. The solution penetrates the skin and exfoliates the outer layers, triggering the body’s natural healing process. As the skin sheds, new skin cells are generated, leading to a smoother, fresher complexion.
THREE TYPES OF PEELS
There are different types of chemical peels, each with varying strengths designed to address different skin concerns. The three main types are superficial, medium, and deep peels, and they target different layers of the skin to achieve specific results.
Superficial Peels
Strength: The mildest form of chemical peel.
How it works: Uses mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) to exfoliate only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis).
Concerns Addressed: Fine lines, mild acne, dry skin, and uneven skin tone.
Benefits: Brightens skin, improves texture, and refreshes the complexion with minimal downtime.
Recovery: Little to no downtime; mild redness and slight flaking may occur for a few days.
Medium Peels
Strength: Stronger than superficial peels.
How it works: Uses chemicals like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin.
Concerns Addressed: Deeper wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.
Benefits: Stimulates collagen production and promotes greater skin cell turnover for smoother, more youthful skin.
Recovery: Redness, swelling, and flaking for 7 to 14 days; requires sun protection and proper aftercare.
Deep Peels
Strength: The most intense type of chemical peel.
How it works: Uses strong acids like phenol to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.
Concerns Addressed: Severe wrinkles, deep acne scars and significant sun damage.
Benefits: Provides dramatic, long-lasting results, smoothing out deep lines and significantly rejuvenating the skin.
Recovery: Extended downtime (up to several weeks); involves redness, peeling, and the need for careful aftercare. Not recommended for darker skin tones due to the risk of pigmentation changes.
TREATMENT BENEFITS
Chemical peels offer a non-invasive way to significantly improve skin tone, texture, and clarity. At Be CLINICAL, our patients rave about the results!
Chemical peels smooth the skin, helping to reduce roughness and uneven patches.
Peels stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer, younger-looking skin.
Peels can fade hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage.
By promoting skin cell turnover, chemical peels can reduce the appearance of acne scars and other blemishes.
As the old skin peels away, the underlying fresh skin reveals a more youthful and glowing appearance.
SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR SKIN
Here’s an expanded explanation of each chemical peel ingredient, how they benefit the skin, and the types of issues they best address:
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It’s known for its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin deeply. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the surface by loosening dead skin cells, promoting new cell turnover, and providing moisture to the skin. It also stimulates collagen production, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Ideal for treating fine lines, mild hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and uneven texture, making it suitable for those with aging or sun-damaged skin.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a natural skin lightening agent derived from fungi. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, which reduces dark spots and pigmentation. It also has anti-microbial and anti-aging properties, helping to reduce the appearance of age spots, acne scars, and pigmentation caused by sun damage.
Effective for individuals with hyperpigmentation, melasma, or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid, another AHA, is derived from milk. It exfoliates the surface by breaking down dead skin cells and improving skin hydration. Lactic acid is milder than glycolic acid, making it a great option for sensitive skin. It encourages the growth of new, healthier skin cells while retaining moisture.
Perfect for sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, or individuals dealing with dryness, fine lines, or mild discoloration.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
TCA is a strong peeling agent that penetrates deeply into the skin to treat more significant skin concerns. It exfoliates the outer layers of the skin and stimulates cell turnover. Over the days following the application, the top layers of skin peel away to reveal smoother, more youthful skin beneath.
Most effective for treating deep wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Jessner’s Solution
Jessner’s solution is a combination peel containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol, providing both superficial and medium-depth peeling. It works by exfoliating the skin and promoting new cell growth while treating deeper layers for more noticeable skin renewal.
Ideal for individuals with acne scars, moderate pigmentation issues, fine lines, and oily or acne-prone skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that’s oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the pores. It effectively exfoliates the skin, reduces oil production, and unclogs pores. It’s known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a go-to for treating acne.
Ideal for individuals with acne, oily skin, blackheads, or congested pores.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, promote gentle peeling by dissolving the glue-like substances that hold dead skin cells together. This improves skin texture, boosts hydration, and encourages collagen production.
Great for treating fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and sun damage. Mild enough for sensitive skin types.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dullness. It helps to protect the skin from free radicals, stimulates collagen production, and enhances skin radiance.
Effective for brightening the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, and improving skin tone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
During your chemical peel, a Be CLINICAL provider will apply a customized chemical solution based on your skin type and concerns. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes 30 minutes or less. You may experience a mild tingling sensation as the solution works to exfoliate the skin.
Recovery time depends on the strength of the peel. Superficial peels usually have little to no downtime, while medium and deep peels can require up to one to two weeks of healing. Post-treatment, you may experience some redness, dryness, and peeling, which will gradually diminish as your skin renews itself.
The frequency of chemical peels depends on your skin type, concerns, and the strength of the peel. For optimal results, Be CLINICAL typically recommends monthly treatments for superficial peels, while medium peels may be done every few months. Your provider will guide you based on your individual skincare goals.
WHY CHOOSE BE CLINICAL FOR SKIN REJUVENATION?
We invite you to schedule a consultation at Be CLINICAL, where our knowledgeable skincare professionals will assess your unique concerns and goals. Under the guidance of Dr. Fiona Frie, Medical Director, our providers offer personalized recommendations and develop a chemical peel treatment plan that suits your needs.
Contact Be CLINICAL today to take the first step toward a revitalized and youthful complexion.