Power of the Peel By Shareef Jandali M.D. on May 30, 2013

Chemical Peels in Connecticut

Chemical peels are made of a single acidic solution or, more often, a mix of acidic solutions. The solution is applied to the skin to remove the outer damaged layer of skin. Chemical peels vary in strength from very superficial peels to deeper, more aggressive peels. A greater effect can be obtained by using a stronger peel or leaving a peel on the skin for a longer period of time.

Chemical Peels on Dark Skin

Chemical peels work best for patients with fair skin and light hair. The risk of having pigmentation changes or scarring is lowest in these patients. Patients with darker skin can still be treated with chemical peels, but usually only superficial peels, to avoid hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or scarring.

Chemical Peels for Acne in Connecticut

Chemical peels are often used at our Connecticut plastic surgery office for acne scarring. Chemical peels remove the superficial layer of skin cells and stimulate new collagen formation, which improve the appearance of acne scarring with a series of treatments. Chemical peels can also help lighten any redness or hyperpigmentation from old acne scars.

Chemical Peel vs Microdermabrasion

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are both methods to resurface the skin and remove the outer layer of skin cells. Chemical peels use an acidic chemical solution, whereas microdermabrasion uses a mechanical method (like bristles in our DermaSweep microdermabrasion machine) to remove the skin cells. Chemical peels are better for treatment of hyperpigmentation and sun spots than microdermabrasion.

Recovery after Chemical Peel in Connecticut

The chemical peels used in our office can cause some redness, tingling, or stinging of the skin immediately after treatment. The peels usually take about 2-3 days to cause the skin to actually start peeling. Then the skin usually peels for another 2-3 days. Many patients time their peels to be performed in the middle of the work week so that they start peeling by the time the weekend starts and they are finished peeling by the time they go back to work on Monday. Immediately after the peel, SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream is applied to the skin. This cream has moisturizers and growth factors which help the skin in the healing process. It is also important to apply a good sunblock after the peel that blocks both UVA and UVB wavelengths. We recommend SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen.

To learn more about the SkinMedica chemical peels offered at Jandali Plastic Surgery, click here.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are interested in a chemical peel in Fairfield Connecticut, schedule a consultation with Jandali Plastic Surgery. Your treatment will be performed by one of our skin care specialist nurses. Call 203-374-0310 to set up an appointment.