VI Peel at Samson Aesthetics
Peels are a popular option for people looking to improve upon the appearance of their skin through chemical exfoliation. If you’re interested in brightening your complexion or diminishing the look of fine lines or uneven skin tone, acne scarring, or current acne activity, there are a few things you ought to know about chemical exfoliation, such as A VI Peel, which can improve your the health of your skin.
- Chemical peels address a number of skin concerns
Chemical exfoliation can address a wide range of surface-level skin concerns. They’re especially popular for people who are interested in lessening the look of acne scarring or other sorts of uneven skin tone caused by aging or sun damage. Depending on the strength and number of applications, chemical exfoliation can also be used to address fine lines and wrinkles.
- Chemical peels aren’t only cosmetic
In addition to being used for cosmetic purposes, chemical peels are also sometimes recommended for medical purposes.
People who have spent a great deal of time in the sun are prone to precancerous lesions called actinic keratosis, which manifest as rough, scaly patches of skin that are often a shade or two darker than a person’s regular skin tone. These spots don’t always lead to cancer but can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, especially when left untreated.
For patients who have patches of actinic keratosis, physicians might recommend a chemical peel to address damaged cells and reduce the likelihood of cancer developing.
- There are several types of peels
Generally, chemical peels are grouped into three types.
The light peel is sometimes called the “lunchtime peel” because you can have the procedure over your lunch break and return to work with no noticeable signs. These peels offer subtle improvements that show additional progress with subsequent applications. These lighter peels are done using milder chemicals such as alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid.
A medium chemical peel is often used to lessen acne scars, uneven skin pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. These peels usually result in skin that is noticeably smoother and fresher looking using trichloroacetic or salicylic acid, which can slough off skin cells from both the epidermis and the dermis.
The more intense peels address deeper wrinkles, sun-damage, significantly blotchy skin and heavier scarring. This type of peel may require a local anesthetic and a sedative to manage discomfort. Stronger chemicals — phenol, trichloroacetic acid and croton oil — penetrate to the lower dermal layer of the skin.
- You should prepare for a peel
For lighter peels, like the kind you might get from an aesthetician at a spa, preparation is minimal when compared to the type a person would get as a part of medical treatment, though many of the principles are the same.
You’ll want to make sure your skin is hydrated and healthy and not irritated from sun exposure or a breakout. Depending on the peel, it might not be recommended for people with conditions such as dermatitis or rosacea or those on medications that increase skin sensitivity. You should also refrain from using any at-home products that might have an exfoliating effect.
- What to expect after a chemical peel
Your recovery time after a chemical peel will vary based on the type of peel you’ve had.
After a lighter cosmetic peel, you might experience some redness, light flaking or irritation for a few days. A medium peel will result in similar symptoms, but the peeling, swelling and redness will last a few more days, or up to a week. It’s important to avoid wearing heavy makeup, and you should wear sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids as your skin recovers.
Medical peels may require several weeks or more of recovery time, during which you’ll need to follow specific care instructions that will likely include the application of additional topical treatments to help your skin fully heal itself. Hydration and sunscreen will be an absolute must, and you might be told to avoid the sun altogether.
No matter what your aesthetic, Samson Aesthetics offers a full range of cosmetic surgery services to clients in the Port Orange area and a long and successful track record in performing chemical peels to address a variety of skin concerns. Visit us online at samsonaesthetics.com or call us at 386-756-9400 to set up an appointment.
