Staying young has not always been a realistic goal for many of us. But with the rising popularity of chemical peels, the dream is now achievable for the budget conscious.
Chemical peels are one of the most common and popular cosmetic touch-up procedures available, and they are one of the most frequently used tools to fight the battle against aging skin, acne and acne scars, liver spots, scars, unusual pigmentations and unwanted freckles. They even help skin that has been damaged by exposure to the sun.
While chemical peels are highly in demand, their safety is sometimes questioned. Research has shown that adverse reactions to peels are very rare, and at most, they result in temporary redness or light irritations to the skin.
However, these results are scarce, and the effects are usually diminished within a few days after a procedure.
As the method for peels is fairly easy, peels are usually performed in low-key settings such as an esthetician’s treatment room, a physician’s office, a licensed spa or a hospital’s outpatient clinic.
The costs for a chemical peel can vary greatly. While some sources have stated that peels range, on average, from $500 to $1,000, the cost totally depends on the type of peel you need. There are some rare cases where a “deep peel” has been known to run as high as $5,000.
I offer peels in my treatment room for my exclusive clientele starting at $125. This includes all post-treatment products to last you two weeks.
The types of peels offered are sometimes confusing to consumers. There are five common types of peels. The most well-known are alpha hydroxy acid peels (AHAs), beta hydroxy acid peels (BHAs), retinoic acid peels, Jessner’s peel and trichloroacetic acid peels (TCAs).
AHAs are reportedly the mildest of the peels, and they are mostly used in the treatment of acne and wrinkles. I generally use this for maintenance to give my clients that dewy skin we all admire.
BHAs are considered a more moderate peel result. For maintenance sessions in my practice, I typically use a salicylic acid concentration of 20 to 30 percent BHA chemical peel solution. I like to use this on my more acneic/oily clients.
The main differences between AHAs and BHAs are minor. AHAs are water soluble only, while BHAs are oil soluble, hence the use of this treatment for oily skin treatments and corrections.
A retinoic acid peel is a step up from an AHA or a BHA that is used for such issues as deeper scar removal. Retinol is an animal form of vitamin A, which is a proven age-fighting agent. This peel usually lasts a long time, as the solution is not peeled off the client’s face for approximately three days.
Jessner’s peel was created by famed dermatologist, Dr. Max Jessner. The peel consists of lactic acid with a salicylic peel agent. The peel is stronger, but it has proven to give excellent results. I love to use my enhanced Jessner solution with a bit of resorcinol (treatment for whiteheads, blackheads, eczema and psoriasis) to give my peels a little bump.
This is actually a very comfortable peel treatment that can give me dramatic results in a week. Be prepared to peel off those damaged layers like a snake!
TCAs are considered a medium peel that is not as strong as the retinoic or the Jessner’s peel. I love to use this peel myself to treat acne scars, photo damage and fine lines and wrinkling, not to mention to plump up and resurface the skin. I like to do this on myself every winter, when there is little sun, to pull out all the possible damage done to my skin the prior summer.
Prevention and correction skincare practices are always encouraged in my practice!
While the peels are almost magical, a certain amount of post-treatment maintenance and personal responsibility is still required of the individual to keep the skin looking healthy.
As much as you would not advise a person who just lost 50 pounds to go back to hitting the all-you-can-eat buffets, good nutrition also plays a part in healthy skin maintenance.
Be proactive, not reactive, with your skincare regimen
Drinking two liters of water a day is not just a cliché, but also a valuable and proven tool in fighting all skincare problems.
The right products for your skin are essential. I tell my clients when we test cleansers to use this rule of thumb to create homeostasis within the health of your skin.
Find your basic line of cleanser, a toner (if needed for pH balance) and a moisturizer. After cleansing your skin, it should not feel dry or oily; it should just feel clean. Once you have your basic regimen down, use serums or supplemental products to correct or prevent your skin concerns.
While this New Year has had you making promises to yourself, don’t let great skincare practices slip from your priorities. You spend money on clothes, but you wear your skin every day. When it comes to resolutions for self-improvement, what do you feel is the better investment?
Tina Barta is a licensed esthetician practicing in San Antonio, Texas. She is the skincare expert for an impressive, exclusive clientele list of celebrities such as Rachel and Veronica from MTV’s “Real World/Road Rules” and San Antonio’s most distinguished. For more information, call 210-862-8972, or visit www.tinaskintherapy.com for 24/7 safe and secure online booking.
