CHEMICAL PEEL

Alpha hydroxyacid is the term used for several naturally occurring acids found in fruits and other foods. These include lactic acid, derived from sour milk; citric acid, derived from citric fruit such as oranges; and glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane. Alpha hydroxyacids have been used for centuries. Cleopatra used lactic acid from sour milk to lessen lines and blemishes on her face.

Alpha hydroxyacids are helpful in treating a variety of skin ailments. They have proven to be effective in treating dry skin, acne, liver or sun spots, lessening fine facial wrinkles, and improving skin texture. Recent studies have also shown that alpha hydroxyacids can reverse precancerous skin lesions, which are due to long term sun exposure. These acids have been shown to increase skin thickness up to 15% in patients with sun damaged thin skin. This occurs through the stimulation of collagen production, the skins natural support protein. Alpha hydroxyacids also work by loosening and removing dead skin cells.

Many people ask if alpha hydroxyacids are safe. It is important to point out that these acids are in many of the healthiest foods we eat and drink including orange juice. They are thought to be very safe when used correctly.

Alpha hydroxyacids can be used in low concentrations as found in many cosmetics available over the counter, in medium concentrations and in high concentrations. When used in high concentrations, they are best applied at intervals of three to six weeks. This is known as a series of acid peels. The alpha hydroxyacid used most commonly for peels is gylocic acid. Unlike other chemical peels, alpha hydroxyacids are not toxic to the skin.

What to Do Before Your Peel:

At least three to four weeks before your first peel, stop using Retin-A and exfoliating sponges.
All forms of hair removal should be stopped at least three to four weeks before your peel.
Come to the office with a fully cleansed face. If possible, no cologne or after shave should be applied. Also try to avoid shaving the day of your peel.
In order to prevent an unanticipated deepening of your peel, please inform your esthetician if you have accidentally used one of the restricted products.

How the Peel is Done:

  • First, the esthetician will review the possible side effects of a peel with you and give you a consent form to sign.
  • Next, your skin will be cleansed thoroughly with Esthetic Institute cleanser.
  • Petroleum jelly will be applied to the corners of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Glycolic acid will then be applied to one area of the face at a time. The glycolic acid will then be left on the skin for several minutes. The skin will burn and tingle. When the skin becomes uncomfortable, let the esthetician know and she will neutralize the peel.
  • After the peel has been neutralized, the face is rinsed. Esthetic Institute Cream and sunscreen are then applied.

What to Do After Your Peel:

  • For 2-4 days after the peel, apply Cream twice daily until the skin returns to its normal appearance. Then restart your maintenance regimen of Esthetic Institute products.
  • You must use a sunscreen of SPF 25 or higher every morning before going out. Sunlight on the skin after a peel can cause brown discoloration of the skin. Apply the sunscreen over the Esthetic Institute's Cream.
  • You may start wearing make-up the day after your peel, provided you do not have any crusting or tenderness.
  • To avoid the possibility of scarring, please do not peel, pick, scrape, or scratch the skin. Avoid the use of abrasive or exfoliating sponges.
  • If you have persistent redness in an area, let your esthetician know right away. Persistent redness of the skin can lead to brown discoloration of the red area if it is not treated promptly.
  • Do not use Retin-A during your peel sessions and for one month after the last peel.

Who Should Not Have a Peel:

If you have any of the following problems, a peel should not be done at this time and you need to let us know immediately:

  • Accutane use within the past six (6) months
  • Active herpes simplex (cold sores)
  • Facial Warts
  • If you are now pregnant
  • If you form keloid or hypertrophic scars
  • If you have a history of sun allergies
  • Prior bad reaction to a peel
  • Recent radiation treatment for cancer
  • Sun burn or significant sun exposure in the last two days
  • Surgery or cryosurgery within the last month to the area that you plan to have peeled

Call 703-288-0085 for prices and for your free consultation.

 

 
eLaserClinic.com © 2009  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms Of Use

The Esthetic Institute and the Esthetic Laser Clinic of Virginia DC, and Maryland services include laser hair removal, laser hair reduction, laser skin care, laser prices, laser hair removal prices, Northern Virginias laser hair center, NOVA laser hair clinic, serving DC Virginia, Fairfax VA, Tysons Corner, Vienna Virginia, Maryland, Best Services and Prices,esthetician massage training with courses & classes of laser, esthetician, massage, esthetics, makeup artistry, permanent cosmetics, cosmetology, beauty school in full aspects of hair, nails, laser hair removal VA, DC and Maryland, and waxing technician. Laser Hair Removal for Fairfax Virginia, Vienna Virginia, Tysons Corner Virginia VA, NOVA Virginia VA , Northern VA DC and Maryland Center for Men and Women for laser hair removal, Skin Care, Facials, Laser Skin services, Clinic Laser Hair Removal, Clinic, Center,Laser Hair Removal, hair removal, Laser Hair Removal treatment, hair removal treatment, Skin Rejuvenation, Fotofacials, facials, microdermabrasion, free consultations, laser facial hair removal,laser hair removal cost, laser hair removal prices, bodywaxing, body hair removal, waxing, skin tag removal,laser treatment video, massage therapy,skin care,Virginia, Maryland, Washington dc services, prices, IPL, Candelalaser, photo rejuvenation, skin tightening, school, class, training, classes, certification, courses, Virginia school, Virginia training, Virginia classes, Virginia Virginia , esthetics school, esthetics training, esthetics class, esthetician school, massage school, Virginia massage school, esthetician training Virginia , massage school Virginia , Virginia massage school, beauty, esthetics, esthetician, massage, Aesthetics, Esthetics, Virginia Ontario, massage therapy, massage therapist, Virginia school, Virginia, Maryland, Northern Virginia