Why You Should Incorporate Chemical Peels Into Your Anti-Aging Regimen

Your skin’s rejuvenation process slows down naturally as you age. As a result, sun damage becomes more apparent, as do fine lines and wrinkles. Consider modifying your skin care routine to include professional chemical peels. Adding this treatment option to your regular anti-aging routine can help your skin look and feel more radiant and youthful. 

At the private practice of plastic surgeon Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan, we provide high-quality cosmetic procedures so you look as young as you feel. 

What are chemical peels?

Caring for your skin is an integral part of keeping wrinkles, sagging skin, and crows-feet at bay. Adding chemical peels to your beauty regime can make a significant difference in your appearance. 

A chemical peel is a nonsurgical and noninvasive method for reducing superficial acne scars, treating pigmentation, and resurfacing the skin, ultimately reducing dullness. Using a strong exfoliating agent that contains salicylic, lactic and glycolic acid, we gently remove the topmost layer of your skin. 

The new skin that reveals itself is smoother and free from most flaws or abnormalities. There are several levels of chemical peel agents that vary from light to stronger treatments. Our esthetician can determine which one is best for your skin type and the depth of penetration necessary for the most effective results.

What are the different types of chemical peels?

Deeper peels provide greater results and help your skin rejuvenate more rapidly. They’re best for erasing fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment requires additional downtime because it often causes more skin sensitivity, redness, inflammation, and peeling than superficial chemical peels. Here are some of the peels available:

Superficial or light peel

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) gently exfoliate the skin, improving the appearance of discoloration or uneven texture. 

Medium peel

Using glycolic or trichloroacetic acid, we are able to improve the appearance of age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles with a medium peel. The treatment can also address some precancerous skin growths and mild discoloration. 

Deep peel

Trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA) and phenol peels are some of the most potent chemical solutions that provide dramatic results. These peels are effective in treating signs of aging, including deep wrinkles. 

During your consultation, our esthetician determines what chemical peel is right for your skin type. Ideal candidates for chemical peels are in good health, have no history of abnormal scarring, and have a good knowledge of the process before the procedure begins. 

Why choose chemical peels for aging skin?

Chemical peels use varying degrees of strength to remove the outer layer of your skin. This treatment allows your skin to replace itself with new, smoother skin that has fewer wrinkles. 

Here are some issues chemical peels treat:

• Wrinkles 
• Age spots
• Sun damage 
• Skin texture 
• Acne scarring 
• Lines around the mouth and eye area

During the process, you may experience a burning sensation that lasts 5-10 minutes. Experiencing peeling and flaking after the procedure is normal and allows new skin cells to grow. Apply a cold compress to the area to lessen mild pain, redness, or irritation. Protect vulnerable skin from sun exposure with sunscreen during the recovery period. 

If you’re interested in a chemical peel treatment to combat or correct signs of aging, call our office or book an appointment using our online tool.