What Does a Chemical Peel Do?

At Dr. Michael I. Jacobs Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, NY, we know that beautiful skin doesn’t always come easy. It requires daily commitment, consistency, and discipline. However, there are some treatments that you can’t perform at home, which is why you need an expert who can help you achieve your skin goals. For that reason, we offer the chemical peel, an effective in-office exfoliating treatment that will help target aging, address skin conditions, and resolve imperfections.

What Does a Chemical Peel Do?

A chemical peel exfoliates the skin with a combination of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids. When the solution is applied to the skin’s surface, it dissolves the dead skin cells preventing the vibrant and more youthful layer from shining through. Once the dead skin cells are dissolved, your younger, brighter layer of skin will be revealed. This treatment can:

• Brighten the skin
• Reduce the appearance of acne scars
• Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Correct hyperpigmentation
• Improve skin tone and texture
• Combat the signs of aging
• Help improve acne-prone skin

Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation

There are two types of exfoliation: chemical and physical. A chemical peel is a form of chemical exfoliation that uses a combination of acids to chemically dissolve the top layer of skin. Physical exfoliation can be performed with many methods, including microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and any soaps or scrubs that physically exfoliate your skin.

While many forms of physical exfoliation methods can be performed at home, attempting to perform a chemical peel on your own is not the best idea. This treatment should be performed by a skilled and experienced esthetician who knows exactly what combination of assets to use on your skin to avoid an adverse reaction. When you choose our office for your chemical peels, we will customize your peel to your skin type and needs.

The Different Types of Peels

There are three types of peels: light, medium, and deep. When you schedule your initial consultation at our office, we will analyze your skin, listen to your concerns, and help determine which of these three peels will help you reach your skin goals.

Some skin types may not tolerate stronger peels; others will require stronger peels to achieve their desired results. You can rest assured that our knowledgeable estheticians will choose the right peel to help combat your skin conditions to help you achieve your best skin to date.

Light Peels

Light peels are best suited for those with sensitive skin or who have never experienced a chemical peel before. These peels help smooth the skin, improve skin texture, and can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars. They can also target fine lines and wrinkles and can improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Light peels can be performed more often than stronger peels because they contain a less concentrated combination of ingredients.

Medium Peels

Medium peels contain a stronger combination of acids than light peels do, and they can help improve the appearance of aging skin by targeting fine lines and wrinkles and lightening age spots. Medium peels can typically be scheduled on a monthly or bi-monthly basis as needed. Consistency and a commitment to scheduling regular peels can help make the most significant and dramatic changes in your skin over time.

Deep Peels

Deep peels are the strongest peels and are often reserved for those who have more severe lines and wrinkles or deeper acne scars. They can also help treat pre-cancerous growths in the treatment area. Typically, deep peels should only be performed once, and additional treatments are not usually necessary. Because these peels contain the highest concentration of ingredients, candidates must meet specific criteria to qualify for these peels.

All About Your Treatment

What To Expect

Knowing what to expect before your appointment can help you walk in with confidence knowing that by the end of your treatment, you will be one step closer to reaching all of your skincare goals. From start to finish, you can expect the entire process to take 30 minutes. Our esthetician will apply the peel to your skin and leave the solution on for a specific amount of time.

Once that time has elapsed, the peel solution will be removed from your skin, and your treatment will be complete. Many patients combine chemical peels with other skincare treatments to achieve the best results. During a consultation, we will create your treatment plan and determine whether you want to add additional treatments to your appointment.

Your Treatment Plan

Typically, patients get the best results from a series of several treatments. Our expert estheticians will help schedule your peels accordingly so that you can maintain beautiful skin and achieve your skincare goals.

Aftercare Instructions

The exfoliation process doesn’t stop in our office. It will continue for a few days after your treatment is over. For this reason, there are some aftercare instructions you must follow to help your skin heal and to ensure you achieve the best results. It’s important that you stay out of the sun after your treatment is complete. This treatment delivers deep exfoliation to reveal a younger layer of skin, but that layer of skin is also more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays.

After your treatment, be sure to apply high-quality sunscreen to the treatment area to avoid sun damage. Also, wear a hat whenever you are exposed to the sun for extra protection. Your best line of defense is avoiding the sun altogether, but for those moments when you cannot avoid it, you must be prepared. Additionally, you should avoid touching your skin to keep bacteria, dirt, or debris from your skin.

The Importance of Moisturizing

As a general rule of thumb, the stronger the peel, the more likely your chance of peeling. Peeling is a completely normal part of this process. It’s important that you don’t pick at your skin, as tempting as it may be, because you could run the risk of infection or scarring.

The best thing you can do for your skin as it heals after your treatment is to moisturize throughout the day. Applying a nutrient-rich, high-quality moisturizer to your treatment area several times a day will help it heal quickly so that you can enjoy your results as soon as possible.

The Benefits

After your treatment is complete, you will notice an immediate improvement in your complexion. Your results will continue to improve within the days following your treatment. You will also notice that all of your skincare products will absorb much better than they did before your treatment. The dead skin cells barrier that kept you from seeing that younger layer of skin will be dissolved, and you will enjoy beautiful results.

These treatments are quick and virtually painless, but they can improve your appearance, help restore that youthful glow, and get you one step closer to reaching your skin goals.

Who Is a Candidate?

If your skin looks and feels dull or you’re not happy with your complexion and want to take your skincare to the next level, you are most likely a good candidate for a chemical peel. Ideal candidates should have realistic expectations about this treatment and understand that it may take several treatments to achieve the best results. Each peel will build upon the results of the one before it to help combat aging and treat your stubborn skin imperfections.

Some patients will not qualify for treatment, which is why an initial consultation is such an important part of this process. Our esthetician will review your skincare goals and determine if this treatment is a safe and effective option for you.

Initiate a Total Skin Transformation

If you want to initiate a total skin transformation, a chemical peel is a perfect place to start. This treatment will deliver some amazing results. Contact us today at Dr. Michael I. Jacobs Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, NY, and schedule your initial consultation to determine if this exfoliating treatment is right for you.