There are many reasons you might be unhappy with the appearance of your skin.
Are you looking for a way to improve your skin’s appearance without getting a surgical facelift? Do you have dark spots on your hands because you forgot to use suntan lotion?
Perhaps you spend time at the beach or simply live in a climate where you can be outside almost daily. The sun and wind are harsh on delicate facial skin, leaving it dry and rough.
A chemical peel is a great option for skin rejuvenation, smoothing skin imperfections and reducing signs of aging on your face, neck, and/or hands.
Our medical aestheticians at A Beautiful You Medical Spa, working with board-certified physician Dr. Kenneth Thompson, provide expert chemical peels for many of our patients.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that gently removes the top layers of your skin to induce new skin growth and slough off damaged skin. One of our trained aestheticians, under the guidance of Dr. Thompson, applies a chemical solution to the target area to exfoliate it. The skin then flakes off.
The wounds to the surface layers of skin caused by the peel energize your immune system to repair your skin. Nutrients rush to the area to build fresh new skin cells undamaged by sun, wind, and environmental pollutants.
How do I know if a chemical peel is right for me?
We listen to what you would like to see from aesthetic treatment. Then we examine you to determine your skin’s condition, type, and tone. As with any procedure, we review your medical history.
With all of this information, we let you know whether a chemical peel is the right procedure for you or whether another aesthetic treatment would be more appropriate.
Types of chemical peels
We offer several levels of chemical peels, and with our expertise, we determine which is suitable for your skin type and condition.
Light chemical peel
This peel, also called a superficial peel, is the most gentle peel, using alpha hydroxy acids. Most of these acids are derived from plants or are synthetic versions based on the acids in plants.
For example, glycolic acid is derived from the sugar cane plant and achieves light skin exfoliation. If you have acne, your peel may include salicylic acid to improve your skin.
A light peel removes your epidermis, the top layer of skin. This type of peel can improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, dryness, and acne.
Medium chemical peel
A medium peel exfoliates two layers of skin: the epidermis and the top of the dermis, the layer just below your outer skin layer. A medium peel improves the following skin imperfections:
- Significant dark spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring
We may use TCA acid for a medium peel. It’s able to penetrate better into both skin layers than acids used for a light peel.
Deep chemical peel
A deep chemical peel exfoliates three skin layers: your epidermis plus the top two layers of the dermis. The chemical used for this peel is usually phenol. If your fine lines have turned into wrinkles or your acne scars are pronounced, you may want a deep peel.
You’re one and done with a deep peel because the effects are long-lasting. But this peel is not recommended for darker skin tones.
At A Beautiful You Medical Spa in Memphis, Tennessee, we have selected the highest quality ingredients and peel technology to give you the results you desire. Contact us today to see if a chemical peel is the answer you’re looking for to improve your skin’s appearance.