Chemical Peels in Hyannis & Cape Cod, MA
As we age, our skin stops producing as many of the proteins it needs to stay firm and youthful. This, combined with environmental factors like sun exposure, can cause sagging skin, dark spots, and more. At Laser Aesthetics of Cape Cod, we believe that perfect beauty should be a timeless thing. Our professional, friendly staff is here to meet all of your skincare needs and we are proud to offer SkinMedica® chemical peels, PRX Derm Perfexion Peels, and VI Peels to our treasured Hyannis and Cape Cod clientele.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that rejuvenate the skin through the use of acid solutions. Ingredients can include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), both of which can be beneficial exfoliating agents that, when used in the right amounts and for the right amount of time, can gently cause the old skin to peel away. As old skin peels off, new skin is able to take its place, which can result in a smoother and less aged complexion.
What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?
Superficial Peels
Often referred to as light chemical peels, these are ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or those experiencing their first chemical peel. Superficial peels gently exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, making them a perfect choice for minor imperfections and regular skin maintenance.
Medium Peels
For those seeking a treatment more intensive than a superficial peel but less aggressive than a deep peel, chemical peels of medium depth are the go-to option. These peels target the outer and middle layers of skin, addressing concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Deep Peels
If you’re dealing with more pronounced skin issues such as deep lines, severe acne scarring, or other significant concerns, chemical peels for acne scars and deep skin issues are recommended. Deep peels penetrate further into the skin, offering a more profound and longer-lasting impact, albeit with a longer recovery period.
What Do Chemical Peels Do?
Treat Fine Lines and Wrinkles
One of the many chemical peel benefits is the possible diminishing of fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment accelerates skin cell renewal, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin beneath. The peeling process also helps increase collagen production, further enhancing skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of aging signs.
Heal Sun Damage
Chemical peels can refresh your skin after a long summer and heal sun damage. This treatment accelerates skin cell renewal, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin beneath. The peeling process also helps increase collagen production, further enhancing skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of aging signs.
Decrease Pore Size
Enlarged pores often contribute to skin imperfections. Chemical peels help in deep cleansing and unclogging pores and increasing the volume of the surrounding skin, which can minimize their appearance.
Improve Acne Scarring
For those struggling with the aftermath of acne, chemical peels for acne scars are a beneficial treatment. These peels help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and scarring by promoting skin regeneration and collagen production, leading to a smoother and more even skin surface.
Improve Age Spots and Brown Spots
Age spots and brown spots can be effectively lightened through chemical peels. The peel targets hyperpigmented areas, promoting an even skin tone. As the treated skin peels off, newer, less pigmented skin cells emerge, diminishing the visibility of these spots.
Help Control Acne Breakouts
Chemical peels can help reduce acne by removing the buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil that clog pores, which often leads to breakouts. Peels with salicylic acid penetrate deep into the sebaceous glands, dissolving blockages and minimizing inflammation that contributes to persistent acne. Increased cell turnover from these treatments can also fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and smooth uneven skin texture left behind by previous breakouts.
Why Choose Chemical Peels?
Treatments Are Customizable
Chemical peel benefits vary depending on the type and strength of the peel. By selecting the right combination of acids and concentration levels, we can address your concerns in a way that suits your skin type and tolerance.
Treatments Are Comfortable
Chemical peels cause controlled exfoliation, which may create a mild tingling or warming sensation during application, but most patients tolerate the process easily. Lighter peels require little to no downtime and may only lead to minor redness or flaking, while deeper peels may cause temporary peeling as the skin regenerates. We adjust application time and acid strength to promote your comfort while still delivering noticeable results.
Treatments Are Minimally Invasive
A chemical peel resurfaces the skin without needles, incisions, or prolonged recovery. Peels also do not rely on heat so they may be more suitable to patients prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Light treatments can be repeated every few weeks to maintain clear, refreshed skin and can be an effective long-term solution for issues like fine lines, dullness, and acne scars.
A Closer Look at Our Chemical Peels
SkinMedica Chemical Peels
SkinMedica peels are tailored for diverse skin types, effectively targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. The range includes the Illuminize Peel® for mild imperfections, the Vitalize Peel® for reducing lines and uneven tone, and the Rejuvenize Peel™ for more significant skin concerns. Each peel is designed to deliver noticeable results, enhancing skin texture and appearance with varying levels of intensity to suit individual skin needs.
- Illuminize Peel: The Illuminize Peel offers gentle exfoliation with little to no peeling and can be good for first-time patients or those looking for a mild skin refresh. This peel brightens the complexion by removing dead skin cells and improving skin tone with a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and phytic acid.
- Vitalize Peel: The Vitalize Peel provides deeper exfoliation than a light peel and is effective for mild to moderate sun damage, fine lines, and acne scars. It contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinoic acid to accelerate skin cell turnover, helping to improve texture and uneven pigmentation with minimal downtime.
- Rejuvenize Peel: This is the strongest of the SkinMedica peels, formulated for patients with more advanced sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and deeper wrinkles. A combination of acids penetrates the skin’s deeper layers to smooth rough texture and refine the skin’s appearance. Mild to moderate peeling can occur over several days as old skin cells shed and reveal fresher skin beneath.
PRX Derm Perfextion Peels
The PRX Derm Perfexion Peel is a unique offering that stands out for its no-downtime approach. This peel is particularly suited for those looking to enhance their skin’s texture and tone without the recovery period typically associated with deeper peels. It is an excellent choice for busy individuals seeking effective, yet convenient skin rejuvenation solutions.
This treatment uses a combination of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and hydrogen peroxide to stimulate collagen production while hydrating the skin, rather than causing significant peeling. It can be used on the face, neck, and even delicate areas like the hands and chest to improve elasticity and overall skin quality.
VI Peels
This range of peels treats everything from acne scars to aging skin. VI Peels deliver improved skin clarity, texture, and overall radiance. They are a go-to option for those seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation with noticeable results.
- VI Peel Original: This peel is a great option for general skin rejuvenation, targeting fine lines, uneven texture, and mild discoloration. It combines TCA, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid to encourage cell turnover and refresh the skin’s appearance with minimal downtime.
- VI Peel Advanced: Designed for more mature skin, this peel goes deeper to promote collagen production. It helps soften wrinkles and improve skin firmness while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- VI Peel Precision Plus: Ideal for stubborn hyperpigmentation, this peel includes a blend of brightening agents like hydroquinone and kojic acid. It can help fade sunspots, melasma, and post-inflammatory discoloration for a more even complexion.
- VI Peel Purify: This peel is formulated for acne-prone skin, combining salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to clear active breakouts and reduce oil production. It also helps calm inflammation and minimize acne scars over time.
- VI Peel Purify With Precision Plus: A powerful combination for both acne and discoloration, this peel treats active breakouts while also fading dark spots left behind by acne.
Chemical Peel Process
Before your treatment, we may recommend that you take antiviral medication. This can help prevent the development of cold sores after your chemical peel. The chemical peel itself usually only takes a few minutes. We will apply the solution and then leave it on for a specific amount of time before neutralizing and removing it. Once the solution is removed, we may apply a transparent zinc oxide sun-blocker to protect your skin, and we recommend reapplying sunscreen often before going outdoors.
Chemical Peel Results
After your treatment, your skin can begin the healing and remodeling process. Collagen and elastin fibers, the important proteins that your body uses to keep your skin tight and radiant, can begin to be produced. Smooth and fresh skin can emerge as the skin heals, causing your complexion to glow. While everyone is different, chemical peel results can be seen after just one session!
Caring for Your Skin After a Chemical Peel
Proper aftercare is essential to support skin healing and maximize the benefits of your chemical peel. Keeping the skin moisturized, avoiding sun exposure, and following a gentle skincare routine can help minimize irritation and protect newly revealed skin. Harsh exfoliants, active ingredients like retinoids, and excessive sweating should be avoided until the skin has fully recovered.
VI Peel Aftercare Regimen
Patients receiving a VI Peel may be provided with a post-treatment kit to enhance results and promote a smooth healing process. This kit includes:
- Post-peel towelettes infused with active ingredients to accelerate exfoliation.
- VI Derm SPF 50 to protect the skin from UV damage.
- VI Derm Moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and comfortable.
Specialized Aftercare for Other Peels
Some peels may require additional post-care products to optimize recovery. The PRX Derm Perfexion Peel pairs well with WiQo’s moisturizing face cream, which helps maintain hydration and barrier function while supporting the skin’s regenerative process. We provide personalized aftercare instructions based on the specific peel used to promote a comfortable healing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels
During a chemical peel, sensations can vary based on the peel’s intensity. Superficial peels often feel like a mild tingling or a slight itchy sensation. Medium peels might cause a warmer, more noticeable tingling sensation. Deep peels can be more intense, often requiring sedation or pain relief during the treatment. It’s normal to feel a temporary stinging or itching sensation during the application.
The downtime for chemical peels depends on their depth:
- Superficial peels usually have minimal to no downtime, with some redness or peeling that resolves quickly.
- Medium peels might require a few days to a week for recovery, as the skin heals and regenerates.
- Deep peels have a longer downtime, often requiring several weeks for full recovery. This type involves more intensive peeling and healing processes.
The frequency of a chemical peel treatment largely depends on the type of peel and individual skin type. Superficial peels can be done more frequently, sometimes every four to six weeks. Medium and deeper peels require more time between sessions, typically several months to a year, to allow the skin to fully recover and regenerate.
Post-treatment, expect some degree of redness, sensitivity, and peeling. The extent of these effects varies depending on the peel’s depth. Superficial peels may cause mild flaking and redness, while deeper peels can lead to more pronounced peeling. It’s important to follow post-care instructions carefully for optimal results.
Chemical peels can be used for people of all skin tones, including dark skin. However, it is crucial to consult your practitioner, who can determine the appropriate type of peel and concentration based on your skin type.
The longevity of a chemical peel depends on the type and depth of the treatment. Light peels provide a refreshed glow that lasts a few weeks, while medium-depth peels can maintain results for several months as they penetrate deeper into the skin. Regular maintenance treatments help prolong benefits, and using sunscreen and a proper skincare regimen can prevent new damage from reversing the effects. Patients treating concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines may need a series of peels for lasting improvements.
A chemical peel treatment can be customized for most skin types and ages. Fair to medium skin tones typically respond well to most peels, while deeper skin tones may require careful selection to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Peels are often performed in the fall and winter when sun exposure is lower. Patients with active skin infections, open wounds, or certain medical conditions should avoid peels until their skin has fully healed. Pregnant patients and those using strong topical medications should also postpone treatment until it is medically appropriate.
More About Our Aesthetics Center in Cape Cod
Laser Aesthetics of Cape Cod has been a trusted provider of advanced aesthetic treatments for over 15 years. Every treatment takes your individuality into account because we want you to enjoy the most effective solutions for your skin concerns. We believe in delivering honest, results-driven care while making each visit a welcoming experience. Patients never have to travel off Cape for high-quality aesthetic treatments—we provide expert care right here at home. We stay up to date with the most advanced techniques to consistently offer treatments that are safe, effective, and designed to help patients feel their best.
Revitalize Your Skin With Chemical Peels in Hyannis & Cape Cod, MA
Living on Cape Cod has a lot of perks – like Laser Aesthetics of Cape Cod. Why go off Cape for your skincare needs? We have been proudly serving local aesthetic needs for over 10 years, specializing in rejuvenating chemical peels. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your skin, treat fine lines, or address sun damage, our range of peels is designed to cater to your unique skin needs.
Join the Laser Aesthetics family today by calling (508) 778-6363 or submitting your information via the online form. Refer a friend or family member today and receive $50 towards your next treatment purchase or service package. Serving clients in Hyannis and Cape Cod, MA, we are here to help you achieve your best skin. We look forward to seeing you soon!