How much downtime is expected with a peel?
There is no downtime whatsoever with most superficial chemical peels. You can actually receive a peel on your lunch hour and return to work.
When will I start "peelings", for how long and how much?
Everyone’s experience will be different. However, on an average, you will see flaking by day two or three following the treatment. It is possible to see flaking for up to five or six days.
How irritating is a peel?
Most peels are only slightly irritating. You may experience mild burning or stinging, which is transient.
What peels are recommended for use in conjunction with microdermabrasion?
Most superficial peels are safe to do in combination with microdermabrasion. The usual protocol is to do a peel followed by microdermabrasion 2 weeks later and repeat this routine 4-6 times.
My skin is very thin. Why would I want to peel? Wouldn’t that make my skin thinner?
In very thin skin we recommend the use of Vitamin C products to build the collagen in your skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.
Can pregnant or lactating women receive a peel?
No. As with most cosmetic procedures, peels are not recommended in pregnancy.
Are there any treatments that are good for rosacea?
It is uncertain for sure, some report an improvement with Cosmelan.
Can someone using Retin-A® or Accutane® have any treatments?
We generally recommend that Retin-A® use be stopped five days prior to a peel and five days post treatment because of potential irritation and uneven peel penetration. Accutane® users tend to have very dry and sensitive skin and should be treated once their Accutane course is finished.
I thought TCA was very aggressive and required a week at home for recovery. Why is this not true of 10% TCA?
TCA in the concentration of 10% does not traumatize the skin like traditional, straight TCA peels. Following a 10 % TCA, the skin is glowing and hydrated. The exfoliation process is fairly mild and occurs more as flaking.
We generally recommend that Retin-A® use be stopped five days prior to a peel and five days post treatment because of potential irritation and uneven peel penetration. Accutane® users tend to have very dry and sensitive skin and need to be treated only with peels that are appropriate for their skin type. We have found that the Physician’s Choice™ peel solutions are Accutane® friendly. However, your skin care specialist should always be made aware of any Retin-A® or Accutane® use.
I thought TCA was very aggressive and required a week at home for recovery. Why is this not true of your Ultra Peel™ that is 10% TCA?
Ultra Peel™ is effective because of its formulation, but works in a way that does not traumatize the skin like traditional, straight TCA peels. As with all other Physician’s Choice™ peels, there is no downtime. Following an Ultra Peel™, the skin is glowing and hydrated; exfoliation occurs more as flaking.
What is the difference between PCA and glycolic peels?
A. Glycolic acid will dehydrate skin and make pores larger after extended use. PCA uses lactic and citric acids which are skin-friendly because they are natural constituents of your skin. Physician’s Choice™ peels are unique because they are moisturizing and hydrating and leave your skin fresh, soft and supple, the way it wants to be!