What is a Light Chemical Peel?
Your skin is a living organ made up of millions of cells. Every day, thousands of cells die and are replaced by new cells. Unfortunately, as we age, this becomes a slower and more haphazard process, making your skin unable to shed dark blotches, sun damage, or a dull complexion. However, a light chemical peel can help this process along by removing layers of dead, dry cells so that your skin can rejuvenate and turnover new, healthy cells. This process is achieved by applying a specific chemical solution to the skin for a short period of time, which exfoliates the skin and leaves a smooth, rejuvenated layer.
Light Chemical Peel Treatments
There are many different solutions that can be used for an effective light chemical peel and can be customized to your skin’s specific needs. Our skincare specialists can help you choose from the following options.
Glycolic Acid
This alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane and fruit can be a regular part of your at-home regimen, but a more concentrated version can produce great results during a chemical peel. This treatment can reduce fine lines and sun damage, also improving uneven skin tone and rough skin texture if you experience dryness. This peel is safe during pregnancy and nursing so it is a common go to with the changes of acne and pigmentation that occur during this time. A glycolic acid treatment results in little flaking or chemical peeling of the outer layer of skin and requires minimal downtime, making it a great addition to your regular regimen. We recommend patients undergo a series of four treatments spaced three weeks apart for best results.
Mandelic Acid
An alpha-hydroxy acid derived from almonds, this treatment can effectively reduce redness and rosacea, as well as calm acne-prone skin and reduce the appearance of pores. We recommend a series of four treatments spaced ten days apart, meaning this treatment is mild and requires minimal downtime. Most patients experience very little flaking after treatment.
Pyruvic Acid
This alpha-hydroxy acid is naturally found in honey and apples, and can have excellent anti-aging benefits. This treatment can stimulate your body’s production of collagen, elastin, and glycoproteins, reducing the appearance of aging signs and blemishes or pigment. We recommend a series of four peels spaced three weeks apart, and patients usually experience little flaking between treatments.
Salicylic Acid
A beta-hydroxy acid derived from willow tree bark, this treatment can be a highly-effective treatment for acne-prone skin. Most patients achieve reduced oil production and anti-acne benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. We recommend this treatment as an effective part of your anti-acne at-home care, with a series of four peels spaced 10 days apart. This treatment produces little to no flaking.
Recovery & Results
Light chemical peels usually require little downtime and can be an effective treatment as part of your skincare regimen. As with most skin treatments, it’s important to avoid sun exposure after treatment and check with our skincare specialists before using skincare products. You may experience some mild redness that looks like sunburn, but this usually subsides quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Light Peels
What are light chemical peels and what do they treat?
How long does a light chemical peel treatment take?
Is there any downtime after a light chemical peel?
How often can I have a light chemical peel?
What should I do to prepare for a light chemical peel?
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about chemical peels, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Janiga or her associates. You may call our Reno, Nevada office or request your appointment online.
