1. What are the differences between peels?

The biggest difference between different peeling procedures is the depth of the peel. Peels can be divided into superficial, medium and deep. Superficial peels have little “recovery” time, while medium and deep peels usually require a healing period.

2. What are the benefits of a superficial peel?

Superficial peels remove the top layer of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. As a result, the skin appears healthier and more youthful, the skin texture becomes more refined, skin tone evens out and fine lines and wrinkles become less apparent.

3. Are there different peels for different skin types?

Peeling agents work in different ways to exfoliate the skin. Glycolic acid dissolves the glue that holds the skin cells together on the surface, while salicylic acid is also able to penetrate skin follicles. This makes certain glycolic acid peels more suitable for sensitive skin while salicylic acid peels are very helpful in the treatment of acne and clogged pores.

4. What results can I expect after a superficial peel?

Superficial peels are designed to have little down time. Most patients report their skin feels smoother and tighter immediately after treatment. There may be slight redness after the treatment, which usually fades in a few hours. Some patients may experience skin flaking in the few days following the treatment. The degree of peeling can vary from invisible to mild, to noticeable peeling and flaking. It is not necessary to see skin flaking for the peel to be effective.

5. How often should I have a superficial peel?

This depends on your skin type and goals. Typically, a series of 4-6 peels spaced 2-4 weeks apart is ideal for producing maximum results, followed by a maintenance peel every 4-6 weeks. If peels are being used for treatment of pigmentation or acne, a more frequent and/or sustained protocol may be suggested by the doctor.

The dermatologists at Contemporary & Cosmetic Dermatology, PC are available to go over these and any other questions you may have regarding chemical peels.