With February here, we are in the midst of the coldest months of the year. It might be comforting to know that the first day of spring is really only a little more than a month away, but that doesn’t mean our skin should be neglected until the warmer months roll around. In fact, it is best to continuously rejuvenate and be mindful of your skin during Winter, so that you are in better shape in anticipation for summer.
A chemical peel is a great way to rejuvenate your skin or take care of underlying skin issues you have suffered from for many years. By removing the damaged outer layers of skin, a peel can smooth the texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes to produce healthy, glowing skin.
If you are interested in a chemical peel, you should first figure out which peel is right for you, as there are three different types, ranging from mild to strong.
Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs are the mildest version of chemical peels. AHA peels consist of glycolic, lactic and fruit acids that work to not only make the surface of your facial skin smooth, but also brighter. AHA’s are usually applied once a week, with a total treatment time of 10 minutes or less.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
TCAs are used for medium-depth peeling and are recommended if you are looking to treat wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. In some patient cases, two chemical peels can be mixed together. An added bonus of TCAs is that this type of peel can be used on the neck and benefits those with a darker complexion. The TCA treatment takes between 10 and 15 minutes total.
Phenol
Phenol is the strongest of the three chemical peels. Because it is the harshest on the skin, it is used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, pre-cancerous growths, and areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, aging or birth control pills. Unlike TCAs, phenol can only be used on the face and has the ability to lighten skin wherever it is applied, so the patients skin tone is a factor.
When you schedule a consultation with Suffolk Plastic Surgeons, P.C we will determine which chemical peel is appropriate for your skin needs. If you are interested in discussing your options further in regards to a chemical peel, give us a call today!
