Chemical Peels in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Chemical peeling is a cosmetic dermatologic procedure that reduces many signs of aging, including fine and heavy wrinkling, leathery skin, uneven pigmentation, scaling, and premalignant keratoses. The depth of a peel depends on the peeling agent, how it is applied, and how long it stays on the skin, which is why peeling requires a skilled, experienced provider. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., chemical peels are customized and performed with dermatologic precision.
Types of Chemical Peels We Offer
Beta Lift Superficial Peel
Beta Lift features beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) and is redefining the superficial peel. It takes just minutes to apply, with little to no downtime. Your skin immediately looks and feels smoother and tighter. Your face may appear a bit rosy at first, and a day or two later you may notice light peeling that ranges from barely visible to mild flaking. Our aestheticians also offer glycolic acid peels as part of our skin care spa treatments.
Medium-Depth TCA Peels
Our medium-depth peel uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in concentrations of 20% to 50%. It is the most popular peel for mild to moderately severe sun damage and other signs of aging and has been used by dermatologists for many years. Healing takes two to seven days. At lower strengths, healing can be mild enough that social activities aren’t significantly affected; more aggressive applications may need five to seven days. TCA peels improve, but do not eliminate, crinkly, leathery, sun-damaged skin. Patients can begin at lower concentrations and repeat the peel at higher strengths as desired, a cautious approach that minimizes side effects while maximizing benefit.
Regional Peels
A localized peel can be effective when a full-face peel isn’t necessary. The upper lip is a common concern for women, as deep lines can cause lipstick to bleed upward. Deep creases that didn’t improve enough after an initial peel can also be touched up with a small amount of solution. Regional eyelid peels can greatly improve fine wrinkling and crow’s feet that cosmetic eyelid surgery cannot address. Localized peels are less successful in very sun-damaged or darker skin, where a difference in pigmentation between treated and untreated areas may occur.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Lighter peels freshen the skin, even tone, and help address early signs of premature aging. Medium-depth peels are designed to improve wrinkling, especially around the eyes, cheeks, lips, and forehead. The stronger the solution, the deeper the peel and the greater the improvement. Many patients want to correct the fine lines, such as crow’s feet and lip lines, that a facelift won’t remove, since a facelift re-drapes sagging skin but does not resurface it. Peels can also make deeper creases look shallower and reduce freckles, blotchy pigmentation such as brown spots, and even precancerous actinic keratoses, depending on skin type.
How Chemical Peels Are Performed
Please wash your face thoroughly and arrive without makeup. Your skin is cleansed with acetone, and the selected solution is applied to one small section of the face at a time until the entire face is treated. You may feel stinging for five to ten minutes. Peels take about half an hour. Afterward, the face swells, more so with stronger solutions, and the skin turns tan or brown.
Aftercare and Recovery
Keep the peeling areas soft by applying a moisturizing ointment such as Vaseline several times a day and rinsing frequently with water in the shower. Never pick or peel the skin, which can cause pain, bleeding, and scarring. The weakest peels heal in about three days, and intermediate to deeper peels in four to seven days. Peeled skin looks pink, like a sunburn, for one to three weeks before returning to its normal color. For at least a month after healing, avoid washcloths, strong astringents, and exfoliants. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 45 or higher with full UVA protection every time you go out in daylight, and avoid direct sunlight for four to six months to prevent possible permanent discoloration.
Possible Complications
Complications are infrequent but may include infection, scarring, lighter, darker, or mottled skin, and prolonged redness. These are the same risks associated with laser resurfacing, and Dr. Lowenstein will review them in detail during your consultation. Benefits vary with age, skin condition, and peel depth; generally, TCA peels produce a freshness and crispness that fades gradually over months to years. Peels also pair well with Fraxel Restore, injectables, and microneedling. View results in our chemical peel before and after gallery.
Chemical Peels FAQs
What can a chemical peel improve?
Chemical peels improve fine and moderate wrinkles, sun damage, leathery texture, uneven pigmentation, freckles, and precancerous actinic keratoses.
What is the difference between a Beta Lift and a TCA peel?
A Beta Lift is a superficial salicylic acid peel with little to no downtime, while a TCA peel is a medium-depth peel that treats more significant sun damage and wrinkles with two to seven days of healing.
Does a chemical peel hurt?
Most patients feel stinging for five to ten minutes during the application of a TCA peel. Superficial peels are very well tolerated.
How long does it take to heal after a chemical peel?
Light peels heal in about three days, while intermediate and deeper peels take four to seven days. Pinkness may last one to three weeks.
How should I care for my skin after a peel?
Keep the skin moist with ointment, rinse gently, never pick at peeling skin, and use SPF 45 or higher sunscreen while avoiding direct sun for several months.
Can a chemical peel treat lines around the mouth?
Yes. Regional peels are effective for upper lip lines and can also improve fine wrinkles around the eyes.
How long do chemical peel results last?
Results vary by peel depth and skin condition. TCA peels produce a fresh, crisp improvement that gradually fades over months to years.
Refresh Your Skin With a Chemical Peel
Find the right peel for your skin at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request an appointment online today.