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Chemical Peel
What Is a Chemical Peel? This procedure can restore
sun-damaged, wrinkled, blemished, acne scarred or
blotchy skin to its original youthful appearance. The
results are normally a smoother more even toned textured
skin. The skin will look younger, tighter and "fresher"
than before although it cannot remove all facial flaws.
Deeper lines, wrinkles and other flaws may require
additional treatments or techniques. The chemicals
normally we use are Trichloracetic acid (TCA) for more
superficial lines and blemishes.
The Obagi Blue Peel
This type of peel is relatively new. Developed by Dr.
Zein E. Obagi, this peel is an in-office trichloracetic
acid (TCA) peel to correct fine lines, superficial
scars, minimal laxity and pigmentation problems. It is
performed in 1-4 steps and is very beneficial to persons
of all skin types. Usually more invasive peels are
unfortunately suitable to only those of European
Caucasian descent. With the Blue peel, persons of ethnic
skin tones such Asian, African-America, Italian and
other darker skins tones can safely undergo beneficial
resurfacing.
The solution is applied in 1 to 4 layers and left on the
skin for 25-30 minutes. You may feel a slight burning or
stinging sensation as each layer is applied which may
last from 2-5 minutes. A gain a fan will help you
tolerate the stinging sensation - so request if this is
used. The blue tint will darken and advise the skin
technician when the peel is complete. The blue tinge
that you get from this peel may last for up to 3-10
days, depending. So prepare to take off a few days for
this one as well. This peel may be reapplied at 4 week
intervals.
Are You a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Depending upon the peel, you may be a candidate for one
if you have slight wrinkles, hyperpigmentations,
splotchiness, unevenness, acne, acne scars, black heads
or sun damaged skin. You may not be a candidate if you
have herpes as this can spread to your healing skin and
cause great, weeping sores which will damage and scar
your skin. Ask your primary physician for a release and
perhaps a prescription for a oral medications such as
ZoviraxT. This will decrease your risk of an outbreak.
If your primary care physician does not release you or
opposes to your having a peel - DON'T take that chance!
Also, deeper peels may not be suitable for you if you
are prone to keloids or hyper- and hypopigmentation.
Preparing for Your Chemical Peel
You will more than likely be asked to closely follow a
skin care regimen which may include the use of AHAs,
Retin A, Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, etc. to prepare your
skin and even out the skin tone itself. This will make
the peel more effective as well as lessens the pigment
and fades a tan by prohibiting melanin production and
skin cell turn over. This way you are less likely you
hyperpigment after the procedure.
Typical Post-Peel Instructions
- You will cleanse your face as usual but be instructed to
use a gentle-formulated cleanser.
- You may be instructed to use a special moisturizing
cream or lotion.
- Do not apply any type if glycolic acid or exfoliation
products as this can severely damage or irritate the
skin during the entire time of healing or the skin will
become irritated.
- Avoid sun exposure if you can. Use a high SPF sunblock
to help block the harmful UV rays.
- Do NOT peel, rub or scratch your skin at anytime,
whatsoever. This WILL cause damage and compromise your
results as well as possibly severely scar you.
- Let your surgeon or skin care specialist know
immediately if you have a herpes break out. This can
also result in severe and permanent scarring.
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