Featured Service: Chemical Peels

What is a Chemical Peel?

For the purposes of this short article, a "chemical peel" is a type of skin care service that involves a deep exfoliation of the epidermis. Unlike a "medium" or "deep" chemical peel that a plastic surgeon or dermatologist would perform, a chemical peel that is performed by a licensed skin care professional (IE: Lizz) is a "superficial" chemical peel.

A gentle solution of ingredients, usually including a variety of acids and extracts, is applied to the skin. This solution loosens the bond between the dead skin cells. (The technical term is desmosomes.) Over a period of several days, the dead skin cells slough off which may or may not result in "peeling", similar to what you would have after a mild sunburn.

The end result is skin that looks healthy and fresh.

What can it help with?

Chemical Peels can help you accomplish many skin care goals. They are not a miracle cure and don't work overnight, however. Home care products are ESSENTIAL to the success of your treatment program. Four to six treatments are generally recommended and some clients will find maintanence peels are useful several times a year. (All this depends on your goals and what condition your skin is in to start.)

The most common seeker of chemical peels is looking for a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage, and to "firm" and "tigthen" the look of the skin. We call the treatments geared towards helping these goals, "Anti-Aging" treatments.

Clients who have a mild persistent acne or who experience frequent breakouts are the second most common seeker of these treatments. We want to detoxify the skin and perform a deep pore cleansing; remove the build up of dead skin cells and congestion; increase the flow of oxygen and the delivery of nutrients and antioxidents; help control hyperpigmentation and scarring from "picking" the blemishes; reduce the redness and irritation; and of course, reduce the factors that cause breakouts.

Anti-Aging and Breakout/Acne Treatments are the two most common requests. Chemical peels can also help with the appearance of aging and breakouts on the body, hyperpigmentation from a number of sources and causes, uneven skin tones, rosacea, and more!

What is it like?

Every person who seeks advanced skin care treatments, including chemical peels, must come in for a consultation and in-depth skin analysis. First you will fill out an intake form with a number of questions. We will discuss this to ensure that you are aware of any habits that may be affecting your skin. (For example, if you are over-exfoliating, aren't moisturizing, don't drink water, etc.)

Then your skin care goals will be discussed. We'll make sure that you understand what expectations are reasonable during the treatment.

Next you'll be asked to lie down on the massage table. You'll be nice and cozy on the heated, padded table, while Lizz gently analyzes your skin. This will include: having your skin analyzed prior to and after cleansing; analysis by touch; analysis by unenhanced sight; analysis with a magnifying lense; and analysis with a Woods Lamp.

Lizz will tell you what type of skin you have. Usually you will be given a mirror so that you can see what she's talking about. At this point a course of treatment will be suggested. Then, after a treatment plan is suggested, you will learn how to prepare for your treatments and how to take care of your skin afterwards. Possible discomfort and risks will also be discussed. It is very important that you follow these directions. A consent form will be filled out and signed and your treatments will be scheduled.

You will also go home with one of the PCA Trial Sized Systems, according to your skin type and goals. You may begin to use these products immediately. We ask that you use only PCA products during your treatments. Why? Well, besides the fact that we wholeheartedly believe we've got one of the best lines available, we want to have as much control over what goes on your skin as possible. This allows us to help minimize your irritation and makes sure that all results are coming from our products. The kit will last you 3-4 weeks.

Prior to the peel you will need to refrain from using certain types of topical substances for up to seven days. You will also need to stop tanning (you shouldn't do this anyway) and minimize sun exposure. Things like Biore Pore Strips and snore strips will also need to be avoided. (Don't worry--you'll go home with paperwork that explains the do's and don'ts quite clearly and will be able to call at anytime if you have questions!)

During each treatment you will get to be cozy on the massage table, surrounded by soothing music. Your skin will be prepared with a gentle cleansing and toning. At this point Lizz will explain the 1 to 10 scale to you. For example, 2 to 3 might be light tingling. More might be discomfort and then up to burning and pain, etc. The peel solution will be applied in layers. (The number of layers is the prime determining factor for the cost of treatments, by the way. Treatments are $90-$180 depending on the type of peel and number of layers.) You will be asked for a number after each layer and will not be allowed to go over an uncomfortable feeling. Most clients never go above a 2-3.

After the peel solution has been applied, a number of serums will be put on your skin. This will nourish your tissue. We're going for a healthy treatment here and to build up your skin's health, not traumatize it. After the serums are applied, moisturizers and sunscreens finish off the treatment.

Notice that we didn't mention anything about taking the peel off? Unlike the peels that were so popular in yesteryear, PCA's peels are left on the skin. In fact, you will be asked not to wash your face until the following morning! The skin is like a sponge and will absorb what's put on it, as long as the products are layered correctly.

You will be given instructions to take home on aftercare, as well as a after-peel system. These products are the only ones you will be using for seven days after the peel.

You may or may not "peel" after your chemical peel. Depending on how aggressive we've decided to be with your skin treatments, you may not peel at all or you may peel like you've had a sunburn. The most commonly reported discomfort is a slight itching, which the products you've taken home will take care of.

Downtime

The most wonderful thing about our skin care system is that the chemical peels require NO DOWNTIME. You can get on with your life the very next day. (Note: sun exposure will be limited and requires SPF, but this should be your practice anyway. You also can't swim the next day or put your face under water. Activities that cause you to sweat a lot--such as heavy exercise should be avoided for a day or two as well). Because there is no trauma to the skin, no bandages are necessary. Some people find that the small amount of redness doesn't even require makeup coverage! (You can wear makeup the next day as well!)

Your peel series may include other advanced skin care treatments depending on the goals. These will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation. Generally 4-6 treatments are needed, though some may need more and some less to start seeing results.

There are several dermatologists that we refer to as well, in case we feel you should seek medical advice or more advanced treatments.

Check out our blog! Our blog not only will keep you updated on our business, it also chronicals the experiences of some of our customers. Check out before and after photographs from each treatment, interviews with the clients, and detailed information about their treatments.

pricing

$90 to $180 per peel/treatment; $70 for analysis and starter kit; plus the cost of home care products.

Please be sure that you understand the risks and limitations of chemical peels prior to undergoing a treatment series. Dramatic improvement in appearance is very possible but does take time, patience, and excellent home care. You may experience irritation, stinging, or burning sensations, and your skin may redden and flake or peel. Reactions are rare, and in cases where they are suspected a patch test will be performed prior to your treatment, however they can occur. Lizz is not a dermatologist and does not claim to medically treat any skin condition.

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Lizz Pugh, LMT, LFS & Jay Pugh, LMT

Lizz is currently on the faculty at Sarasota School of Massage Therapy assisting in the Swedish Massage program. We both have a passion for bodywork and a commitment to creating a safe and peaceful space for our clients. We can't wait to meet you!

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