Chemical and Enzyme Peels
Chemical and enzyme peels use topically applied solutions that rejuvenate the skin's surface by creating an even and controlled shedding of several layers of skin cells. This exposes new, undamaged layers that are softer and smoother with more even skin tones. Chemical and enzyme peels also stimulate the dermis to create new skin cells, collagen, and elastin, which support and tighten the surface of your skin. Specific chemicals, enzymes, and solution strengths may be particularly effective for different skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne, dry skin, or sensitive skin.
Chemical and enzyme peels are divided into three types: superficial, medium-depth, and deep. The type of peel depends on the strength of the chemicals used and the depth to which those chemicals penetrate.
- Superficial peels are effective for fine wrinkles, sun damage, acne, and rosacea. A series of peels is usually recommended to progressively improve the skin surface and train the dermis to produce new collagen, elastin, and skin cells more rapidly. There is little or no down time and makeup can normally be applied immediately after the peel. Other than slight stinging or burning sensations when the peel is applied, there is minimal discomfort involved. Skin Care By Design offers a variety of superficial chemical and enzyme peels described on this page.
- Medium-depth peels are used for more obvious wrinkles, more extensive sun damage, and for precancerous lesions like actinic keratoses. Depending on the depth of the peel, social downtime varies from a few days to two weeks and may involve significant flaking and peeling. Discomfort is normally limited to a burning sensation when the peel is applied and cooling fans are used to alleviate this. Skin Care By Design offers several medium-depth peels described on the Specialty Peels page.
- Deep peels are used for the most severe wrinkling and sun damage. These should only be performed by qualified physicians and anesthesia is often required. Recovery time is usually six to twelve weeks. Skin Care By Design does not perform deep chemical peels.
We offer a variety of superficial chemical and enzyme peels described below.
You may also be interested in our Medium-depth and Specialty Peels or Dermacycling.
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Glycolic/Lactic Acid Peel
What is a Glycolic/Lactic Acid peel?
A Glycolic/Lactic acid peel is designed for dry, sensitive, sun exposed skin and is our most popular peel. It is appropriate for the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms.
After cleansing the area to be treated, a gel containing a combination of glycolic and lactic acids is applied to the area and allowed to remain for up to five minutes. After the acids are neutralized and removed, the skin is lightly scrubbed to remove damaged skin cells loosened by the peel. A blend of vitamins and products customized to your skin's needs is gently massaged into the area and UVA/UVB sunblock is applied. Vitamin E balm is applied to the lips to complete the procedure.
How does it work?
When combined, glycolic acid and lactic acid work synergistically to exfoliate the skin while reducing irritation and dryness. The molecular structure of glycolic acid allows it to penetrate quicker and deeper than other alphahydroxy acids (AHA) to perform at all levels of the skin. Lactic acid is a gentle but effective AHA that increases moisture levels by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans. By accelerating the cell renewal process, stimulating collagen synthesis, and improving elastin fibers in the dermis, this light chemical peel revitalizes photodamaged skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the benefits?
This peel is best for dry, rough, sun damaged skin and has no downtime. Your skin is refreshed, retexturized, and hydrated. Fine lines and wrinkles are diminished, leathery skin is softened, and skin tones are noticeably more even.
How many treatments do you need?
This varies depending on the amount of skin damage you are attempting to correct. A single treatment provides improvements you can see and feel. A series of 4 - 6 weekly peels will achieve significant skin improvement. Maintenance treatments to keep your skin looking its best should occur at four to six week intervals.
Things you should know.
There is no downtime but you may appear flushed for 15-30 minutes after the treatment. This treatment should not be performed if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months and you should avoid the use of RetinA, Renova, or glycolic acids within one day before or after the treatment.
Makeup may be applied immediately.
How much time is required?
30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
$99 each, $269 for a package of three (~10% discount), $479 for a package of six (~20% discount).
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Salicylic/Mandelic Acid Peel
What is a Salicylic/Mandelic Acid peel?
This is the perfect peel for acne prone skin and problems such as inflammation, excess oil, and congested pores. It is appropriate for the face, neck, chest, back, and arms.
After cleansing the area to be treated, a gel containing a combination of salicylic and mandelic acids is applied to the area and allowed to remain for up to five minutes. After the acids are neutralized and removed, the skin is lightly scrubbed to remove damaged skin cells loosened by the peel. A blend of vitamins and products customized to your skin's needs is gently massaged into the area and UVA/UVB sunblock is applied. Vitamin E balm is applied to the lips to complete the procedure.
How does it work?
When combined, salicylic acid and mandelic acid work synergistically to exfoliate the skin while decongesting pores and reducing irritation. Although mandelic acid is one of the strongest alphahydroxy acids (AHA), its large molecular structure and even penetration help prevent irritation and inflammation that can sometimes occur with AHA use. Salicylic acid is a lipid soluble betahydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and cellular debris. By accelerating the cell renewal process, stimulating collagen synthesis, improving elastin fibers in the dermis, and deep cleansing the pores, this light chemical peel revitalizes sensitive skin and helps improve the appearance of problematic skin.
What are the benefits?
This peel is best for sensitive, acne prone, hyperpigmented, or sun damaged skin and has no downtime. Your skin is refreshed and retexturized. Fine lines and wrinkles are diminished, leathery skin is softened, skin tones are noticeably more even, and the frequency and severity of acne breakouts are lessened.
How many treatments do you need?
This varies depending on the amount of skin damage you are attempting to correct. A single treatment provides improvements you can see and feel. A series of 4 - 6 peels (2 per week) will achieve significant skin improvement. Maintenance treatments to keep your skin looking its best should occur at four to six week intervals.
Things you should know.
There is no downtime but you may appear flushed for 15-30 minutes after the treatment. This treatment should not be performed if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months or if you are sensitive or allergic to aspirin. You should avoid the use of RetinA, Renova, or glycolic acids within one day before or after the treatment.
Makeup may be applied immediately.
How much time is required?
30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
$99 each, $269 for a package of three (~10% discount), $479 for a package of six (~20% discount).
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Papaya/Pineapple Enzyme Peel
What is a Papaya/Pineapple Enzyme peel?
This relaxing and gentle antioxidant peel employs natural acids and nutrients, including vitamins A, E, and beta carotene, to soften the skin, eliminate impurities, and remove dead skin cells. It is appropriate for the face, neck, and chest.
After cleansing the area to be treated, the enzyme is applied and gently massaged for several minutes. You will feel a pleasant warmth as the massage continues. After the enzymes are removed, the skin is lightly scrubbed to remove skin cells loosened by the peel. A blend of vitamins and products customized to your skin's needs is gently massaged into the area and UVA/UVB sunblock is applied. Vitamin E balm is applied to the lips to complete the procedure.
How does it work?
Bromelain and papain are natural, gentle exfoliants extracted from pineapples and papayas that are ideal for cleansing the pores. This peel is suitable for all skin types and can be performed on clients taking Accutane. By accelerating the cell renewal process, stimulating collagen synthesis, improving elastin fibers in the dermis, and deep cleansing the pores, this light peel revitalizes sensitive skin.
What are the benefits?
This peel is best for sensitive, dry, rough, sun damaged skin and has no downtime. It improves skin tone and texture.
How many treatments do you need?
This varies depending on the amount of skin damage you are attempting to correct. A single treatment provides improvements you can see and feel. A series of 4 - 6 weekly peels will achieve significant skin improvement. Maintenance treatments to keep your skin looking its best should occur at four to six week intervals.
Things you should know.
There is no downtime but you may appear flushed for 15-30 minutes after the treatment. You should avoid the use of RetinA, Renova, or glycolic acids within one day before or after the treatment.
How much time is required?
30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
$99 each, $269 for a package of three (~10% discount), $479 for a package of six (~20% discount).
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Omega Peel
What is an Omega peel?
The Omega peel is our gentlest peel and is suitable for all skin types, including clients with extremely sensitive skin and clients taking Accutane. It exfoliates the skin, deep cleanses pores, and removes small blackheads.
After cleansing the area to be treated, the Omega gel is applied and allowed to activate for 20 seconds. Your skin care nurse will gently massage the area for several minutes. The gel liquefies and begins to loosen the dead skin cells. As the massage continues, the cells become grainy, then clump together. A simple rinse with cool water removes the gel and exfoliated skin cells. A blend of vitamins and products customized to your skin's needs is gently massaged into the area and UVA/UVB sunblock is applied. Vitamin E balm is applied to the lips to complete the procedure.
How does it work?
The Omega peel works on a completely different principle than other chemical or enzyme peels. When skin cells die, they flatten and form the outer layer of your epidermis (the stratum corneum). The dead skin cells are held together primarily by electrostatic bonds. The Omega peel ingredients break those bonds and cause the dead skin cells to clump together as the gel is massaged. There is no possibility of this peel burning the live, healthy skin cells below the surface.
What are the benefits?
The Omega peel is the perfect exfoliant and always leaves your skin silky smooth. It will remove small blackheads and the exceptional pore cleansing inhibits the formation of new blackheads.
How many treatments do you need?
A single treatment is exquisite but this is the perfect peel for safe and effective monthly maintenance.
Things you should know.
Aside from a slightly rosy look from increased blood flow and a temporary tingling, there are no risks or side effects.
How much time is required?
30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
$99 each, $269 for a package of three (~10% discount), $479 for a package of six (~20% discount).
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