Types of Chemical Skin Peels

We use proven chemicals for our peels:

Alphahydroxy acid chemical peel

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are:

• Created from milk and fruit sugars, producing glycolic, lactic or fruit acids
• The mildest of the formulas, giving light peels that often provide smoother, brighter-looking skin
• Easily tolerated — generally, no anesthesia is needed for these peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation

Protecting skin from the sun is important following AHA peels.

Tricholoracetic acid chemical peel

Tricholoracetic acids (TCAs):

• Come in many concentrations
• May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
• Act as an anesthetic, so extra pain relief is not usually required — though we can use sedation beforehand or afterward to help you relax
• Might require 2 or more peels over several months to achieve the desired result (mild TCA peels may be repeated more frequently)

Phenol

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is mainly used to:

• Correct blotches caused by sun exposure, birth control pills, or aging
• Smooth out coarse wrinkles
• Remove pre-cancerous growths

Phenol:

• Should be used on the face only, as scarring may result if used on the neck or other body areas
• Is not recommended for darker-skinned individuals
• May pose risk for patients with heart problems
• May permanently remove facial freckles
• May cause permanent skin lightening
• May leave lines of demarcation

Recovery may be slow, and complete healing may take several months.

After a phenol peel, new skin may lose its ability to produce pigment. The skin will be lighter and always require protection from the sun.

In general, peel patients should avoid sun exposure for several months.