Skin Rejuvenation - Exfoliation to Resurfacing - Part 3 - Office Chemical Peels
By Peter T. Pacik, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Chemical peel procedures involve the application of chemical solutions to the skin resulting in a deeper exfoliation. The treatment is left on the skin for a short time and then removed. Various chemicals in a range of strengths may be used for peeling procedures. A chemical peel can be performed in a doctor's office.

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) including glycolic, salicyclic and lactic acids, may be used in a range of concentrations resulting in a mild peel.

2. Obagi Blue Peels - Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is also used in a range of concentrations to produce mild to medium-depth peeling.

3.Tretinoin - A derivative of vitamin A may be used as an adjunct to a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program to reduce fine lines and improve surface texture. Used alone, this preparation can give your skin a smoother, fresher look, but won't remove deep facial flaws or lines. Since Tretinoin removes the upper layers of the skin surface (exfoliation), its use may be incorporated in a resurfacing pretreatment program to allow the resurfacing treatment to penetrate more evenly and deeply.

FAST FACTS:

Procedure: A variety of treatments can be used to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin. Most remove the outer layer of skin which stimulates new skin growth.

Length of Treatment: Treatment times and frequency of treatments vary depending on the area involved and the severity of skin damage.

Anesthesia: Usually none for office peels.

Side Effects: Resurfacing treatments can result in discomfort, redness, scaling, peeling, and swelling.

Permanence: Durability is enhanced with increasing depth of the treatment. New lines, wrinkles, and pigment changes may develop as the aging process continues.

Daily Maintenance: The use of physician strength AHA's will continue to slough off dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin when used on a daily basis. The day following an office chemical peel, patients should continue with their MD Forte 3-Step Advanced Skin Care Program.

1. Facial Cleanser I or II (start with I -12% glycolic compound, advance to II - 15% glycolic compound). Gentle, creamy cleanser removes daily residue, makeup and oil without harshness or dehydration.

2. Facial Cream I, II or Skin Rejuvenating Lotion I or II. Facial Cream I (15% glycolic compound) and II (20% glycolic compound) exfoliates, softens and refines dry skin. Skin Rejuvenation Lotion I (5% glycolic compound) improves dull, lifeless complexion or for sensitive skin. Skin Rejuvenation Lotion II (20% glycolic compound) is a higher strength for advanced correction.

3. Aftercare Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30 (glycolic free) for maximum protection against UVA/UVB exposure.

LRS and Kinerase are added to enhance the skin care program. These products will re-establish moisture and maintain the healthy, glowing appearance of the new skin.

Over-the-counter and esthetician products contain a smaller percentage of glycolic acid. These products are often neutralized to the degree that they are poorly effective. Forte has stronger concentrations of glycolic acid; and therefore, is both more effective and work quicker. Because of these stronger concentrations, they are available only through a doctor's office.

In future e-mails, I will discuss dermabrasion, chemical peel, laser, the proper use of sunscreens and much more. If there are any topics that you would like covered in these educational e-mails, please let us know. We encourage you to share your experiences both positive and negative with us. Your comments are important to us.