CHEMICAL PEELS

There are various chemical peels with a range of improvements based upon the peel strength, type, time left on, and frequency of treatment. The two most common types of mild-to-moderate chemical peels are alphahydroxy acid and trichloroacetic acid.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic and fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels that can often provide smoother, brighter looking skin. AHAs can be used in many combinations and strengths and result in mild-to-moderate flaking, and/or peeling for 3 to 7 days. AHA peels may be used to accomplish the following:

- reduce fine wrinkling

- treat areas of dryness

- reduce uneven pigmentation

- aid in control of acne

- removes rough, dry skin

- improve skin texture

No anesthesia is needed for AHA peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application. Protecting skin from the sun is important following AHA peels!

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations and is used to accomplish the following:

- smooth fine surface wrinkles

- remove superficial blemishes

- correct pigment problems

TCA can be used on the neck or other body areas, and may require pretreatment with Retin-A or AHA creams. This procedure is preferable for darker-skinned patients. Anesthesia is usually not required for TCA peels because the chemical solution acts as an anesthetic. Two or more TCA peels may be needed over several months to obtain the desired result, although mild TCA peels may be repeated more frequently. Sun protection is absolutely necessary after TCA peels.

Depending upon the type of agent used, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following a chemical peel. Superficial peeling  usually involves redness, followed by scaling, that ends within three to seven days. Medium depth and deep peeling nay result in swelling and the presence of water blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of seven to fourteen days. It is important to use broad spectrum sunscreens and to avoid exposure to the sun after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to burns and pigmentation changes.

Our medical professionals at Integrated Skin Solutions are happy to consult with you and determine what type of procedure is best for your skin condition. Call us for an appointment- 816.505.5550

 

Facials

A facial deeply cleanses and maintains the skin by exfoliating dead skin cells. The goal of a facial is to create and maintain smooth, clear, well-hydrated skin.  It involves a few basic steps: cleansing, skin analysis, exfoliation, massage, extraction of blackheads and other impurities, and application of products targeted to your skin type. Our aesthetician, Donetta Taylor, is an expert at these procedures and will help you get the result you desire to get your skin looking great! Call or e-mail Donetta at dtaylor@integratedskin.com if you have questions as to which procedure is best for your skin type!