How Do Chemical Peels Work?

A chemical peel is a dermatological procedure that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin. This solution typically contains various types of acid, such as glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid. The purpose of these acids is to induce controlled injury to the skin, leading to exfoliation and eventually, peeling of the outer layers.

When the dead skin cells shed off, what?s revealed is a new layer of skin that is typically smoother, less wrinkled, and more even in skin tone. The level of exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of acid used, how long the acid is left on the skin, and your specific skin type and concern.

Types of chemical peels

Chemical peels are categorized into three types based on their depth of penetration. Superficial peels use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to penetrate only the outer layer of skin and exfoliate it. Medium-depth peels use trichloroacetic acid or TCA and penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin for more dramatic resurfacing. Deep peels contain phenol and penetrate the middle layer of skin more deeply; they have a high risk profile are not recommended for acne.

How Do Chemical Peels Help with Acne?

Acne is often the result of clogged pores, bacterial infection, and inflammation. Over-the-counter products generally offer temporary relief but may not target the root causes effectively. 

Chemical peels are clinically proven to improve acne symptoms, and offer several advantages in acne management:

Unclog pores

Acids like salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid or BHA) are effective in breaking down the debris and oils that clog pores. This helps to reduce breakouts and promotes clearer skin.

Control oil

Salicylic acid lowers the production of sebum, the oil naturally produced by your skin. With less sebum to clog your pores, you?ll start to see fewer breakouts. It?s also comedolytic, meaning it prevents pimples from forming because of clogged pores.

Improve product absorption 

With the top layer of dead skin removed, the skin care products you use at home can penetrate more deeply, making them more effective.

Fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars

Peels can help lighten areas of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can linger for months or years after a bad breakout. Stronger peels can also smooth out the texture of the skin, reducing the appearance of mild acne scars.

What?s the Best Chemical Peel for Acne?

The best chemical peel for you depends on your specific type of acne, skin type, and any additional skin issues you might have like sun damage or hyperpigmentation. Today?s peels are usually composed of a cocktail of ingredients optimized to treat a specific condition or range of conditions.

Ingredients found in chemical peels for acne include:

• Salicylic acid: Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into the pores and exfoliate from within. 
• Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid, a type of alpha-hydroxy acid, is safe for all skin types. It is good for not just acne but also for fading dark spots and fine lines.
• Trichloroacetic acid: TCA is usually found in medium-depth peels. It?s effective for treating more severe forms of acne, scars, and pigmentation.
• Hydroquinone: a bleaching agent that lightens post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Jessner?s solution: This peel is a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. It’s particularly effective for people with darker skin tones because it minimizes the risk of discoloration.

How We Treat Acne at Circles of Wellness

For our acne-prone patients, we typically recommend a VI Peel from the Vitality Institute. These painless medium-depth peels offer significant results and are safe for all skin types and tones. They contain a blend of skin-boosting, acne-fighting  ingredients including TCA, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, and vitamin C. 

• VI Peel Purify is specially formulated to tackle excess oiliness, active blemishes, and congested skin
• VI Peel Precision Plus targets acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• VI Peel Purify + Precision Plus combines the two formulas to tackle active acne and scars at the same time.
• VI Peel Body combats active acne, congestion, and hyperpigmentation on the body, including the neck, chest, and back

Depending on your skin?s unique needs, we may also advise complementary acne treatments such as a customized facial or Stellar IPL, a gentle light-based therapy that destroys acne-causing bacteria.

Good Candidates

Determining whether you are a good candidate for a chemical peel depends on various factors, including your skin type, the severity of your acne, and your overall health. Generally, individuals with mild to severe acne, frequent breakouts, acne scarring, or hyperpigmentation are suitable candidates. Additionally, if you have uneven skin tone or fine lines, a chemical peel could offer multiple benefits.

However, certain contraindications such as active skin infections, certain types of dermatitis, or the use of specific medications like retinoids may make you unsuitable for this treatment.

What to Expect at Your Chemical Peel

When you arrive for your chemical peel appointment, your skin will be cleansed thoroughly, and the chosen peel solution will be applied. You may feel a tingling or burning sensation during the application. After a set period, the solution is neutralized and removed, followed by the application of a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Aftercare

You can expect some redness and sensitivity after the peel. Some peels may also result in temporary discoloration of the skin. Your skin will start to shed, revealing a new layer beneath. 

Downtime and the severity of side effects varies depending on the type of peel, so your recovery may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It’s crucial to follow your dermatologist’s aftercare instructions, which may include moisturizing, avoiding sun exposure, and using gentle skin care products. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect your new skin, which is especially prone to sun damage during the healing period.

How Often Should I Get a Chemical Peel for Acne?

The frequency of your chemical peels will depend on the specific type of peel, the severity of your acne, and your skin’s healing capacity. Mild peels can usually be done every three to four weeks, while medium depth peels might only be advisable a few times a year. Always follow the guidance of your dermatologist or skincare specialist.

Takeaway

Chemical peels can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine if you’re struggling with acne or acne scars. They offer a way to deeply exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and accelerate the turnover of skin cells. When chosen carefully and administered by professionals, chemical peels can lead to significant improvements in your skin’s texture and tone. Always consult a dermatologist or skin care specialist to determine if a chemical peel is suitable for you and which type would provide the most benefits.

Understanding the Different Types of Wrinkles

There are two major categories of wrinkles: dynamic and static. Over time, dynamic wrinkles may evolve into static ones.

Dynamic wrinkles

These form from repeated facial movements and expressions, such as smiling, frowning, squinting, or furrowing the brow. Over time, our facial muscles create creases in the skin, leading to dynamic wrinkles such as: 

• Frown lines (lines between the eyebrows)
• Forehead lines (horizontal lines caused by raising eyebrows)
• Bunny lines (wrinkles on the sides of the nose)
• Smile lines (lines that appear when smiling, not to be confused with nasolabial folds)
• Crow?s feet (lines that appear at the outer corners of the eyes when squinting or laughing)
• Lip lines (formed when pursing lips, such as during smoking or drinking from a straw)
• Mental crease (formed with the puckering of the chin)

Static wrinkles

These types of wrinkles are present regardless of facial movements. They are the result of sun damage, aging, and a decrease in collagen and elastin?the proteins responsible for our skin?s elasticity?as well as the pull of gravity. Sun exposure plays a significant role in the appearance of static wrinkles, as UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers. 

It’s important to note that with repetitive facial expressions and aging, dynamic wrinkles can eventually become static as the skin loses its elasticity.

Some examples of static wrinkles are:

• Nasolabial folds (lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
• Marionette lines (lines that run from the corners of the mouth downward)
• Jowls (sagging skin around the chin or jawline)
• Crow?s feet (although these can be dynamic initially, they often become static over time)
• Forehead wrinkles (these too can start as dynamic and become static)
• Wrinkles on the cheeks caused by loss of volume and elasticity
• Vertical lip lines (wrinkles above the upper lip)
• Neck wrinkles

Factors Influencing Wrinkle Formation

Wrinkles result from a combination of genetics, lifestyle habits, and the natural aging process. 

Collagen and elastin levels

These vital proteins give our skin its youthful bounce and stretch. As we age, their production decreases, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles.

Facial expressions

Repeated facial movements lead to expression lines. Smile lines, laugh lines, and nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the mouth) are often the result of years of smiling and laughing.

Genetics

Our genes determine our skin type, its elasticity, and how it retains moisture, all of which are factors that influence wrinkle formation. Additionally, certain genetic predispositions can cause some individuals to produce less collagen and elastin over time, making them more prone to the early onset of wrinkles compared to others.

Skin tone

Individuals with darker skin tones have higher levels of melanin, which offers some protection against the damaging effects of UV rays. This often results in a delay in the onset of visible wrinkles compared to those with lighter skin. However, while lighter skin might show wrinkles earlier, darker skin tones are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone as signs of aging.

Sun exposure

Sun damage, or photoaging, exacerbates the aging process, leading to sun spots, reduced skin elasticity, and, of course, wrinkles. Regular use of sunscreen with a high SPF can help prevent this.

Wrinkle Treatments

At Circles of Wellness, we offer multiple non-invasive, effective and FDA-approved cosmetic treatments that help prevent and reduce wrinkles of all kinds.

Botox and other neurotoxins

What it is: Botox, Jeuveau and other neurotoxins are injectable treatments containing botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein. 

How it works: When injected in small amounts into specific facial muscles, it blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from being released, causing a temporary muscle paralysis. This reduction in muscle activity smooths out the overlying skin. As the muscles relax and can’t contract, the skin remains smooth and unwrinkled.

What it treats: Dynamic wrinkles of all kinds, including forehead lines, glabellar lines (?elevens?) and chin creases.

Dermal Fillers

What it is: Dermal fillers such as Revanesse are injectables typically made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that holds many times its weight in water.?

How it works: HA fillers act like a sponge when injected beneath the skin, absorbing water and expanding to fill in folds and deep wrinkles. They literally “fill” the space, causing sunken or saggy areas to plump up.

What it treats: Dermal fillers are ideal for correcting wrinkles caused by volume loss, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowls.  

Chemical Peels 

What it is: A chemical peel typically consists of a mixture of exfoliating acids such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, brightening agents, and skin-nourishing ingredients. Some are superficial and involve little actual peeling, while deeper peels can require a week or more of recovery.

How it works: When the chemical solution is applied to the skin, it causes the outer layers to exfoliate and eventually peel off. This process stimulates the skin to regenerate and grow back smoother and less wrinkled. By removing damaged, outer layers of skin, a chemical peel can reveal a brighter, more even complexion underneath.

What it treats: Surface wrinkles, uneven texture, and sun damage.

Microneedling

What it is: Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy involves the use of a device equipped with fine needles that create hundreds of tiny, controlled micro-injuries or punctures on the skin’s surface. Some forms of the procedure also incorporate skin-healing RF energy or IPL light therapy.

How it works

The micro-injuries is to trigger the body’s natural wound healing process. As the skin repairs itself, it increases the production of collagen and elastin. Additionally, the tiny channels created by the needles can enhance the absorption of topical serums and treatments, allowing for better penetration and effectiveness of skincare products.

What it treats: Microneedling is particularly effective for fine lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. The procedure can minimize the appearance of deeper wrinkles over time with consistent treatments. 

Skin Care for Wrinkle Prevention

The importance of a solid at-home skin care routine cannot be overstated when it comes to preventing and treating wrinkles. We recommend:

• Daily SPF: Wearing sunscreen every day reduces your exposure to wrinkle-causing UV rays.
• Hydration: Keeping the skin moisturized ensures its health and can diminish the appearance of fine lines.
• Regular Exfoliation: Manual or chemical exfoliation encourages the production of new skin cells, promoting a more youthful appearance.
• Retinoids: Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and promote skin cell turnover, thus helping prevent or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Vitamin C and other antioxidants: These help to fend off free radicals which accelerate the aging process.

Takeaway

While wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, there’s a vast array of treatment options available in the world of dermatology. Whether you’re considering botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, or simply adjusting your skincare routine, understanding the different wrinkle types and their causes can empower you to make the best decisions for your skin’s needs.

Remember, beyond medical spa treatments, protection against UV rays using sunscreen, ensuring hydration, and employing a rich skincare routine filled with antioxidants, SPF, and collagen-boosting products can make all the difference in the journey of skin aging.