Cosmetic Peels for Acne, Wrinkles, & More

Cosmetic peels are a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

Cosmetic peels can make a dramatic improvement in the way you look. For relatively little effort, you could take years off of your appearance.

You can discuss the cosmetic treatments we offer and learn if they are right for you with your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

What are Cosmetic Peels Used For?

Cosmetic peels are used to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin.

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of cosmetic peels. When a layer of skin is removed, the skin rejuvenates itself and builds a fresh new layer of skin cells. This results in a more youthful appearance that is devoid of the skin imperfections that were targeted.

Among other uses, cosmetic peels are used for:

• Acne
• Wrinkles
• Discoloration
• Dryness
• Uneven skin tone
• Scars

Types of Chemical Peels

Cosmetic peels fall under three categories; light, medium, and deep. The variations designate how deeply the ingredients in the peel formulation penetrate the skin.

• Light cosmetic peel. Light cosmetic peels remove only the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This type of cosmetic peel treats dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend repeat treatments no more than once every two to five weeks.
• Medium cosmetic peel. Medium cosmetic peels penetrate to the depth of the upper layer of the dermis. Medium cosmetic peels are used to treat things like acne scars, average wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation brought about by sun damage or other reasons. More than one treatment may be needed to reach full effect.
• Deep cosmetic peel. Even with a deep cosmetic peel, the formulation will only reach a safe depth of the skin. Deep cosmetic peels may be recommended to treat older, deeper wrinkles, certain benign skin growths, or scars. Typically, only one session of a deep cosmetic peel is needed to obtain results.

Kristine Romine MD Advanced Medical Skin Care Chemical Peels

• Illuminator. This peel contains acids that reduce redness, inflammation and bacteria while brightening and gently exfoliating your skin to reveal a smoother, more even-toned complexion. Best for Rosacea, sensitive skin and unwanted pigmentation. All skin types.
• Clarifier. This peel contains acids that address texture, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores and acne. The acids brighten, smooth and kill the bacteria that causes acne. Best for wrinkles, rough skin, dull skin and acne. Should not be used on sensitive skin or darker skin types.
• Perfector. This peel is a 30 day treatment that requires a short in-office visit and a 30 day regimen that is supplied to you and requires your commitment to use. The peel contains a high concentration of tretinoin and acids that brighten, soothe and exfoliate to address unwanted, uneven and abnormal pigmentation concerns such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with acne. Best for mild to moderate pigmentation and will also greatly improve texture. All skin types. Patient leaves with a clear 'mask' on for a period of 2 hours.
• Perfector Plus. This peel is a 30 day treatment that requires a short in-office visit and a 30 day regimen that is supplied to you and requires your commitment to use. The peel contains a high concentration of tretinoin and a skin brightening additive to address unwanted, uneven and abnormal pigmentation concerns such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with acne. Best for severe pigmentation and will also greatly improve texture. All skin types. Patient leaves with an opaque 'mask' on for a period of anywhere between 5 - 10 hours, skin type dependent.

Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Peels?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for cosmetic peels, as long as there are no underlying skin conditions that could be negatively impacted by the process. For instance, open, blistering acne breakouts would not respond well to a cosmetic peel.

Others who may not be a good candidate include anyone who:

• Has a history of overdevelopment of scar tissue
• Is pregnant
• Has chronic cold sore breakouts
• Takes certain prescription medication

Cosmetic peels are done in your dermatologist’s office. They do require some healing time, so this is not a treatment that would be appropriate to have done during your work lunch hour.

After a cosmetic peel, the skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Your dermatologist will provide after-care instructions with details.

There is typically a recovery time of up to two weeks, depending upon what type of peel you received. If you are getting a cosmetic peel to improve your appearance for a certain event, such as a wedding, you should schedule your cosmetic peel well in advance so that your skin has enough time to heal properly.

Cosmetic peels are straightforward treatments and are available at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery.