About chemical peels

Chemical peels are an excellent option for individuals who want to improve the condition of their skin, or to those who simply want their skin to look its youngest and healthiest. When you meet with Dr. Halaas, she will discuss your personal aesthetic goals and your areas of concern in order to select the ideal chemical peel treatment and depth for your needs. She will also discuss how your at-home skincare regimen will play an important part in the upkeep of your healthy new skin.

What can a chemical peel do?

  • Rejuvenates the skin
  • Corrects pigmentation
  • Tightens the skin and pores
  • Decreases the appearance of acne scars
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Treats sun damage 
  • Improves skin texture
  • Prevents future acne breakouts
  • Reduces fine wrinkles
  • Kickstarts new collagen production
  • Reduces fine lines at the corners of the mouth and eyes
  • Treats certain types of acne
  • Lessens wrinkles resulting from sun damage and/or aging 
  • Addresses age spots, freckles, and dark patches 

How chemical peels work

Chemical peels are a very healthy way to rejuvenate and bring out the new skin cells. When the chemical application of carbolic or glycol acid is administered to the skin and is allowed to sink in and do its work, it causes a sunburn-like response that peels away the top layer of the skin.

The damage is removed, and healthy, undamaged skin underneath is revealed. A chemical peel not only improves skin issues; it also stimulates new collagen production because the tiny amount of acid in will create injuries to the skin. So essentially, a chemical peel is a two-in-one treatment.

Chemical peels to heal the skin

Common factors such as aging, stress, hormones, smoking, and not eating well — paired with everyday elements like pollution — can cause the skin to become quite damaged. Many individuals choose chemical peels because they are highly customizable to meet their specific skin condition, and they are very effective if used correctly. Chemical peels are a patient favorite because they strip away multiple layers of damaged skin and congested pores, which not only uncovers healthy new skin but also helps skincare products to work more effectively.

I love Dr Halaas.  She is friendly, easygoing. Her office is clean and her staff is very professional.

Shellyann W.

Options for chemical peels

Dr. Halaas offers a wide variety of chemical peels at different depths. Below you will find some of the options we provide.

Casmara masks 

Chemical peel masks from Casmara are formulated with highly moisturizing marine algae extract, and they have the unique advantage of being able to cover the lips and eyes, which many chemical peels cannot do. Another standout feature of Casmara masks is that they lower the skin temperature, which helps to firm, tone, and soften the skin. Each Casmara mask contains different active ingredients for highly customizable treatments. No matter what your skin issues may be, there is a mask to address your areas of concern. 

Glytone peels

Glytone peels are excellent for aging skin, hyperpigmentation, blemish- and redness-prone skin, and hand brightness. They achieve an incredible outcome with less skin trauma, and use effective acids including trichloroacetic, lactic, kojic, mandelic, glycolic, and salicylic acid. These peels work to reduce dark spots; brighten the skin; reduce lines, wrinkles, and scarring; improve skin texture, tone and smoothness; reduce redness and pore size; increase hydration; plump and smooth the skin; decrease excess sebum; boost complexion brightness, and much more. 

What to expect during a chemical peel

Before the chemicals are applied, your skin will be cleansed and, depending on the level of your peel, it will also be numbed.

Once you’re ready, the chemical peel that you discussed with Dr. Halaas will be applied directly to your skin. As the peel dries, you may experience a burning or tingling feeling. 

This is a sign that the chemicals are doing their job, and that the collagen production process has begun. Most patients experience little to no pain during a chemical peel. Treatment time is anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Based on your skin’s condition and the type of peel you are receiving, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the outcome you want. 

Recovery and results

If you have sensitive, thin skin then you may experience some redness a couple days after your peel. As your skin begins healing, the top layer of skin begins to peel off and often this peeling is invisible, leaving no evidence. Your face will look its best in two weeks, as the new healthy skin emerges.

Mild chemical peels require little to no downtime. There may be some dryness and peeling which can be reduced with a good moisturizer. Peeling may start 2-3 days after treatment, and can last about six days. However, with superficial chemical peels, peeling is often invisible or undetectable.

Deeper peels require about a week or sometimes more for recovery. During your consultation with Dr. Halaas, please discuss your goals with her so you can choose which recovery time fits your lifestyle.

After your chemical peel, stay out of the sun and wear lots of UVA and UVB protection. 

Dr. Halaas recommends getting a superficial peel once a month to maintain glowing skin. However, this depends on why you are getting treatments. If you’re having treatments to clear acne or improve pigmentation, then initially you may only need a few sessions.

A standard of safety

  • Dr. Halaas uses extensive pre-op preparation to minimize recovery and improve results for all procedures
  • Dr. Halaas uses the most advanced IntraOp® tools
  • Dr. Halaas became an AAAASF OR inspector to be aware of all the standards
  • Dr. Halaas uses the latest (but proven) safety techniques
  •  Dr. Halaas adheres to the entire concept of Science & Beauty, from start to finish

FAQ

Are chemical peels safe?

Chemical peels are very safe and effective when applied by a well-trained aesthetician, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon.

Are chemical peels good for acne?

Yes, as long as the right one is used. Not only can chemical peels help clear up acne; they are also great for preventing future breakouts.

Can a chemical peel fix acne scars?

Chemical peels work to remove the top layer of skin to reveal new, healthier skin underneath, which sometimes works for lighter scarring. However, severe scarring from cystic acne may require a laser to achieve the best results.

Will a chemical peel aggravate my cold sores?

Cold sores can emerge from a chemical peel. The best prevention is to be on anti-viral medication from your doctor before you get a chemical peel so they don’t develop.

Are chemical peels good for deep wrinkles?

Chemical peels are best used for fine lines, uneven skin tone, acne, and to scar reduction, but not deep wrinkles. Better treatment for deep wrinkles include Botox® (non-surgical) or a facelift (surgical).

Written by Dr. Halaas

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