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Would I be a good candidate for a chemical peel?
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Chemical peels are not good treatment options for patients with darker skin tones. This is because the peels can create areas of darker or lighter skin (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) where treated. Patients with active skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, cannot have a peel until their flare-up resolves. Any skin infections also preclude a chemical peel. If a patient is prone to developing keloid scars, peels are not a good idea. Otherwise, these are non-invasive treatments and they simply give your skin’s exfoliation process a boost. Because of that, most people are great candidates to rejuvenate their skin with a chemical peel at Northwestern Med Spa.
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What do I need to do to prepare for a chemical peel?
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Prior to coming to one of our offices for your peel, you’ll need to be sure you don’t have microdermabrasion done for at least two weeks prior. Also, no depilatory hair removal treatments or waxing for at least a week prior to your peel. The same goes for any injectables, such as Botox. It’s important to stay out of the sun for at least 10 days before your peel. We’ll discuss this with you prior to your peel, but you’ll need to stop taking certain medications for a period of time before your peel, as they can interact with the peeling agents. These are most commonly photosynthesizing drugs, which increase sensitivity to sunlight. They include anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines, antimicrobials, certain contraceptives, and other medications. If you’re on the acne medication isotretinoin, you need to have completed your treatment for at least six months prior to having a chemical peel.
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What kind of results can I expect from my peel?
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The skin is our body’s largest organ, consisting of three layers — the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and the fat layer. To fight off the damage from exposure to the elements, our skin is in a constant state of shedding and rebuilding. In fact, we shed our entire skin about once every month. This is the process of exfoliation. At Northwestern Med Spa, we simply use chemical peels to give the exfoliation process a boost. By delivering chemical agents that encourage some of the epidermises to shed, this reveals younger, healthier skin beneath. Peels have been proven to stimulate cellular activity to improve the skin. In the process, age spots, acne scars, fine lines, dead skin cells, and other imperfections are peeled away. The purpose of a peel is to erase imperfections and improve skin tone and texture.
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How often can I get a chemical peel?
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There are limitations on the frequency you can have chemical peels, depending on the peeling agent. Superficial peels have no limitations. Patients often come in once a month for these peels to keep boosting their skin cell turnover. Medium peels can only be done quarterly. Deep peels are a once-in-a-lifetime event.
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Will I have any recovery after a chemical peel?
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Here’s what to expect after your light or medium peel at Northwestern Med Spa. Light peels — Light peels are very easy to take. If these are new to your skin, initially light peels may cause some minor redness and irritation. But as your skin sheds the dead outer cells and becomes accustomed to these, your skin will simply glow after your peel. Medium peels — There will be some recovery with these peels, as the trichloroacetic acid penetrates more deeply into the dermis layer beneath the epidermis. These peels can leave your skin red and stinging. You will have some crusting, as well. Depending on your skin, facial redness can linger for a couple of weeks.
“I went to NSPS for a consultation with their esthetician Morgan, and it was wonderful! Morgan listened carefully to my concerns and my skin goals. She explained the treatments options thoroughly and was extremely knowledgeable. She gave me information regarding my treatments and provided me with thorough care instructions. I really appreciated how Morgan tailored my treatments to take into consideration my skin tone and ethnicity. I had a microneedling procedure and chemical peel, and my skin looks great and is baby soft! Morgan made sure to follow up after my treatment and responded quickly to my questions. I had a fabulous experience at NSPS, from the check-in process to the follow-up. Cannot recommend NSPS and Morgan enough!”
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