Chemical Skin Peels
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of naturally
occurring acids which are derived from certain plants and fruits,
including sugar cane, apples, grapes and citrus. These fruit acids
have been used for hundreds of years as moisturizers and skin fresheners.
Medical research has advanced our understanding of these acids and
allowed us to create formulations of these products that can treat:
- Fine wrinkles
- Weathered sun-damaged skin
- Blotchy pigmentation
- Acne
- Dry skin
Fruit acid peels decrease the "glue" that holds
dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. They also allow pores
to drain better and stimulate the skin to renew itself. When dead
cells are removed, a new, fresh layer of cells is exposed, while
the rough, dull dead cells are sloughed off. Continued use appears
to stimulate new cell growth and may even lead to a reduction in
fine wrinkles or scars.
A solution containing high concentrations of
AHA is applied to your skin for a brief period of time and then
washed off. This solution causes several of the top layers of skin
to dry up and peel off over a period of several days. When the old
layer has peeled off, it exposes a new layer of undamaged skin which
has a smoother texture and more even color. You may return to work
the day of the peel.
What are fruit acids?
Fruit acids are actually called Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), a group
of naturally occurring acids which are derived from certain plants
and fruits, including sugar cane, apples, grapes and citrus. These
fruit acids have been used for hundreds of years as moisturizers
and skin fresheners. Medical research has advanced our understanding
of these acids and allowed us to create better formulations of these
products, including programs to combat fine wrinkles, weathered
sun-damaged skin, blotchy pigmentation, acne and dry skin.
How do Alpha Hydroxy Acids work?
AHAs decrease the "glue" that holds dead skin cells on the surface
of the skin. They also allow the pores to drain better, decreasing
the tendency for acne lesions to form. In addition, they stimulate
the skin to renew itself.
How does the loss of a layer of dead
cells improve the appearance of the skin?
A thick layer of dead cells on the surface of the skin gives the
complexion a rough, dull appearance. When these cells are removed,
they expose a layer of fresh new cells. This layer has a smoother
texture and a more uniform color.
Continued use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids appears
to stimulate new cell growth. Some recent scientific studies have
shown that continued use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids over time can cause
the top layer of living cells to actually become plumper, creating
a more youthful tightening of the skin. In some AHA users, this
tightening can even lead to a reduction in fine wrinkles or scars.
What is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid skin
peel?
A solution containing high concentrations of AHA is applied to your
skin for a brief period of time and then washed off. This solution
causes several of the top layers of skin to dry up and to peel off
over a period of several days. When the old layer has peeled off,
it exposes a new layer of undamaged skin which has a smoother texture
and more even color. You may return to work the day of the peel.
How else can I use Alpha Hydroxy Acids?
There are several products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids which
are currently available. They include cleansers, astringents, creams,
lotions, gels and skin peels. Our physicians and aestheticians can
help advise you which products are appropriate for your skin type.
Together, we can create a long-term regimen of skin care to keep
your skin looking its best.
How long do I have to use AHAs before
my skin improves?
Most people can begin to feel a softening of their skin within 2-3
weeks. However, it may take several months of continued daily use
of AHAs in order to achieve the best results.
Can AHAs be used on other areas of
the body beside the face?
All areas of the body appear to respond well to treatment with AHA.
However, the arms, hands, neck and chest all improve at a slower
rate than the face. Therefore, many patients elect to treat these
areas more aggressively, by using stronger products containing higher
concentrations of AHA or having several AHA peels done.
Are there restrictions on who can have
an AHA peel?
As with any procedure, not everyone is a candidate for an AHA peel.
Unlike many other peels, those done with AHAs usually do not permanently
lighten the skin. Therefore, they can be performed on patients with
darker skin types including Hispanics, Asians and African Americans.
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