While the holidays may not be a direct cause of hair loss, the stress they inflict can certainly lead to diffuse hair shedding.
Chemical Peel in Fort Washington, PA
ABOUT CHEMICAL PEELS
To provide the best results from chemical peel treatments, Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute provides you with numerous options. Your medical-grade facial treatment with chemical solutions (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acids) will give you healthier, smoother skin. Our founder and medical director, Dr. Aradhna Saxena, offers chemical peel treatments that help to remove skin irregularities such as fine lines, wrinkles, scars, dry patches, hyperpigmentation issues, and more — some even help with acne. Chemical peels eliminate damaged, dead skin cells by using a specific treatment on your skin that causes the oldest layer to peel off. As your skin heals and begins to rejuvenate and repair itself, you will notice a clearer, smoother complexion. A chemical peel treatment is a noninvasive procedure to make your skin luminous and may be appropriate for the face and neck.
VARIATIONS OF CHEMICAL PEELS
At Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, we offer chemical peels in a few strengths (light, medium, and deep) to accommodate our patients’ skin care concerns and goals.
Light peels: You can have a light chemical peel on a lunch hour and go right back to your day. This type of peel will remove the top layer of your skin (the epidermis), giving your facial features a brighter appearance and softer texture. We typically suggest that you schedule a light peel at least once a month for the best glowing results.
Medium-depth peels: This type of chemical peel goes deeper into your skin, and you’ll usually prefer to do this type of facial rejuvenation treatment over a long weekend. You may also want to prepare yourself for more discomfort during and about an hour after treatment. Medium-depth peels are for patients who have significant damage to their skin like deeper wrinkles and darker pigmentation issues.
Deep peels: The most advanced of the three types of chemical peels is the deep peel, and it will require the longest recovery time. This is an aggressive treatment that may leave your face peeling, itchy, and swollen for a few weeks. Patients who have a deep peel will have dark age spots, sun-damaged skin, entrenched acne scars, and/or deep-seated scars. As this type of peel is generally uncomfortable for most patients, we may provide you with anesthetic as a part of your treatment.
The Perfect Derma Peel:
Our most recommended chemical peel is the Perfect Derma Peel. It is a medium-depth peel that can reduce the appearance of acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots, and large pores. Plus, it can significantly improve the symptoms of acne. Most patients see dramatic results after one treatment, but some, like patients with cystic acne or melasma, may need repeat sessions.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Seeking the advice of a dermatologist is the first step in the journey to smooth, healthy skin. An aesthetician team member at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute can assess your skin in an examination in our Fort Washington or Lansdale, PA office before choosing a chemical peel treatment that will produce your optimal results. Chemical peel candidates, both men and women, typically have noticeable issues with their skin, such as scaly patches, flaky skin, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and much more. We can suggest different levels of chemical peels to meet your needs and concerns.
PROCEDURE TECHNIQUE
One week before your peel, avoid electrolysis, waxing, depilatory creams, or laser hair removal. Three days before your peel, stop using any retin-a / retinol products, any benzoyl peroxide or acid (AHA or BHA) products, or any exfoliating products. Avoid shaving of the areas to be peeled on the day of the peel.
On the day of your procedure at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, we will have you lie down in a relaxed position to administer your peel. We will properly cleanse and prepare your skin before applying the customized solution to your face and/or neck. We will brush the solution onto your face and let it set for a specific amount of time, based on your skin’s specific needs. Then, we will wash the solution off your face and apply a neutralizing agent. We will finish by applying a light sunscreen. You may want to bring a hat to wear outside after the treatment to avoid sun exposure.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Depending on the type of peel you have, you can expect to experience mild tingling, mild burning or warmth which is normal. If it becomes uncomfortable, please let your provider know.
The skin may look and feel like a mild windburn for the next day or two and then you may experience some peeling. It is important to NOT pick or pull the skin. Peeling can easily be managed with moisturizers. Dr. Saxena’s team at Spa 361 will give you careful instructions on how to care for your skin during your healing and recovery period, and when to start back on your routine skin care regimen. Please keep in mind that no matter how much your skin itches during the healing process, it is never a good idea to pull the skin off. You could cause scarring to your facial skin!
PRE-PEEL INSTRUCTIONS
The use of the products or treatments listed below prior to your peel may increase skin sensitivity and cause a stronger than desired reaction.
One week PRIOR to peel avoid the following: electrolysis, depilatory creams, waxing, laser hair removal
3 days PRIOR to peel avoid products that contain any of the following ingredients: Retina-A or Retinol, differin, tazorac, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), or benzoyl peroxide. Also avoid any exfoliating product.
SITUATIONS IN WHICH PATIENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE CHEMICAL PEEL
- Active cold sores, herpes simplex, or warts in the area to be treated
- Wounded, sunburned, excessively sensitive skin
- Dermatitis and inflammatory rosacea
- Accutane or Isotretinoin use within the last year
- History of chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy
- Patients with history of allergies (esp allergies to salicylates like aspirin), rashes, or other skin reactions or those who may be sensitive to any of the components in this treatment
- Pregnancy or active breastfeeding
- Patients with vitiligo
- Patients with history of an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc.) or any condition that may weaken their immune system.
GREAT SKIN STARTS HERE
Even if you are new to treatments to rejuvenate the skin, Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute will help you find the perfect way to revitalize and pamper your skin. Your newly invigorated complexion will thank you by looking radiant and caressingly soft. Call our office in Fort Washington or Lansdale, PA to schedule your skin assessment today for a chemical peel.
