The benefits are immense but it’s important to understand what they are and what they can (and can’t) do for your skin.

What is a peel?

A peel is a product that’s put on your face and, contrary to popular belief, is actually not peeled off but neutralized. These can be done at home with an over the counter product. But for a truly effective peel, those that are performed in the office are of greater strength and are well worth the cost.

A chemical peel uses some kind of chemical solution (there are a variety of peels you can get) to improve the skin. They smooth skin by removing the outer layers, which hold onto damage and are often rough and dry. Many people can benefit from a peel, but those with pimples or acne, uneven skin coloring and winkles are most likely to seek peels the most. These people will also derive the most benefit.

Does one peel fit all?

No, we have a variety of formulas to choose from based on your skin care goals. These face peels include salicylic, mandelic, pyruvic, jessners, TCA and our most popular beginner peel, glycolic. We also offer neck, back and eye/lip peels, as well.

What is a glycolic acid peel?

Glycolic acid peels are simply a chemical peel that features glycolic acid as the main component.

Glycolic acid is our most popular treatment for winkles and acne. Part of the alpha hydroxyl family of natural ingredients, glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is a fruit acid. When applied to the skin, it helps to remove the “glue” that holds the older, rougher and dryer skin on the surface. When it removes that top layer of skin, the fresh, new layer is visible. It’s this layer that’s without damage and which looks fresher.

People who have glycolic acid peels are often amazed with the results – they look younger, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles and if they have acne, they often notice their skin is quite a bit less oily and is much clearer.

How does a glycolic acid peel work?

When you decide to have a glycolic acid peel, you will visit with one of our physicians. If you decide on a glycolic acid peel, you are choosing to have a fairly light peel done that will usually result in few, if any, side effects.

A light layer of the chemical is applied to your face and left for a period of time that will depend on the particular peel you are having, the reasons for having it, your skin tone and the person who is performing the peel.

The peel is neutralized and you are free to leave the office. With a light peel like a glycolic acid peel, there is no real recovery time and no pain relievers are necessary. If you do feel any discomfort during the procedure (which would likely only be slight irritation to the skin) please mention this to your nurse.

Side effects

There are few if any side effects to having a glycolic acid peel. Right after the procedure you might feel some burning, but it often goes away quickly. You might have some redness, but again, this usually goes away fairly quickly. If you have sensitive or very fair skin you are more likely to encounter these discomforts.

Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you should wear a good sun block after having a glycolic acid peel.

Skincare Seminar

Have a ton of questions but don’t want to commit to an appointment yet?  Dr. Tripp spends time explaining the science behind the treatments. A woman from California attended our seminar and commented, “I’ve been to A LOT of these over the years and never learned as much as I did tonight!” Call to get on our list for the next Skincare Seminar @ 208-933-4400.

Future treatments

One peel isn’t enough. A series of treatments over a prescribed period of time have a cumulative effect greater then casually scheduling treatment.

We answer lots of questions each day about our chemical peels, micro-needling, micro-resurfacing, Botox and Juvederm treatments. Please don’t hesitate to call right away to get your questions answered and to book your private appointment! 208-933-4400.