Acne doesn’t just affect your skin; it impacts self-confidence. Teens are up against enough challenges due to age…acne doesn’t have to be one of them. Chemical Peels can improve pigment problems, fine lines, sun damage, plugged pores, and can soften mild acne scars. The procedure promotes smooth skin, leaving you with a natural glow.

What is a Chemical Peel?

It’s a process that uses a light application of Glycolic Acid to gently but effectively treat a variety of skin conditions.

How many treatments will I need?

To get the best results, we advise treatments every 2-4 weeks, or monthly in order to get the best results.

Will it hurt?

Expect mild itching or stinging during the procedure with mild to moderate discomfort if we are draining deep, tender cysts.

How long will the results last?

Keep in mind that acne is a chronic, ongoing disorder. All of our treatments, including glycolic peel and acne surgery aim to help control acne, not cure it. New lesions will form, old ones take a while to fade, and scars may be permanent. It’s essential to keep up treatment with prescription medications (including hormonal treatment for females) and recommended skincare regimes.

What about recovery time and side effects?

Your face may feel flushed, and it may be red for several hours after the peel, similar to a sun burn. Your skin may also feel slightly tight or dry for several days. Don’t worry, this is normal. Small crusts may form on some acne lesions as they dry up.

What else do I need to know?

Prior to starting treatments, tell us if you have a history of cold sores and we will prescribe a preventative medication to be taken before your peel. We’ll review your medical history with you, so be candid with us…let us know if you are sensitive to sun or have keloid scars, diabetes, eczema, sensitive skin, seborrehic dermatitis, rosacea, lupus, lichen planus, psoriasis, facial warts, allergic or if you experience any other reaction to glycolic acid. Draw our attention to any open/crusted areas or areas treated by freezing, surgery, or cautery within the past month.

How should I prepare?

We schedule a series of treatments and recommend that you do the following:

One week before peel:

· If you have hair coloring, a permanent wave or straightener within one week before the peel, notify the nurse before the peel.

· Avoid excessive sun/wind exposure. Reschedule your peel if you have sun/wind burn within one week before the peel.

· Do not use a depilatory, wax, facial hair bleach, or receive electrolysis, IPL or laser treatments.

Two days before peel:

· Do not use Retin A/Refissa/Differin/Tazorac for at least two nights prior to peel.

One day before peel and day of peel:

· Don't use any over the counter (OTC) acne treatments.

Day of peel:

· Do not shave the treatment area the morning of the peel.

What about after the peel?

Don’t worry…we have a schedule for that too.

The day of your chemical peel:

· If skin is itchy, tender or has white or red discoloration, apply a topical steroid sample immediately, that evening and the next morning.

· Ideally, it is best if you do not apply make-up the day of the treatment.

· That evening, wash with Dr. Elaine's recommended cleanser, and moisturize with Dr. Elaine's recommended moisturizer.

· If you have acne, you may develop more acne bumps during the first eight weeks. This is normal.

The following morning:

· Repeat the evening procedure with the addition of Dr. Elaine's recommended toner.

The evening of the day after your peel:

· Return to your regular recommended program.

The fourth day after your peel:

· Resume treatment with Dr. Elaine's Gel Mask or Antioxidant Enzyme Peel to exfoliate flaking skin.

· Do not pick or peel the skin.

· You will be more sun sensitive, so avoid sun exposure.

Chemical Peels and ClearLight Acne Treatment are on sale now through September 30th to help our patients get ready for back to school!

Contact Dr. Elaine at SkinTreatment.com for details and to set up your Chemical Peel. You’ll be on your way to the skin you always dreamed of.