In the world of skincare, hearing phrases like “salicylic acid” and “acid peel” is a common occurrence. From billboards to beauty stores, these terms are everywhere. But what do they mean? And why would anyone want acid near their skin?
The reason lies in the outcome: healthier skin.
An “acid peel,” more popularly known as a chemical peel, uses customized formulations of chemical solutions to address skin tone and textural concerns. Patients often call chemical peels “acid peels” in reference to the main ingredients: glycolic acid or lactic acid, but the official terminology is “chemical peel.”
As leaders of the skincare industry, Restoration MedSpa and our team of highly trained medical providers personalize chemical peels to address clients’ skin concerns and boost confidence.
Already familiar with chemical peels? Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of Restoration MedSpa’s Medical Concierges.
A Peel By Another Name
An acid peel in Greensboro is an aesthetic treatment that gently resurfaces the skin by exfoliating dead, dull skin cells. There are three levels of chemical peels that we offer: light, medium, and deep. Each targets different layers of the skin to unlock new levels of rejuvenation.
A customized chemical solution is absorbed into the skin. Depending on the strength of the peel, skin may shed from either the epidermis or dermis, leaving behind new, healthy skin.
An acid peel in Greensboro creates controlled damage to the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. This boosts the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin strength, structure, and elasticity. The result is smoother, healthier skin.
Common Chemical Peel Ingredients
The nature of chemical peels allows us to customize the solution and target your specific concerns. Mixing a custom chemical peel should only be done by a professional with years of experience. For the health and safety of your skin, do not attempt to combine acids together without consulting a dermatologist or other medical professional.
Here’s what you should know about the ingredients of our chemical peels.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the most common beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in skincare products. It’s commonly found in acne-fighting face washes, serums, and pimple patches. Salicylic acid:
- Removes dull, dry skin from the epidermis
- Dissolves sebum (acne-causing oil)
- Unclogs pores, helping prevent new acne outbreaks
Salicylic acid is recommended for clients who experience frequent or severe acne breakouts, including whiteheads and blackheads.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly found in anti-aging skincare products. It penetrates deeply into the skin to remove dead skin cells from the epidermis and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Continued use of glycolic acid promotes collagen production, smoothing skin texture and refining pores for more youthful-looking skin.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an AHA used for exfoliation and moisturizing. It is gentle and safe for sensitive skin.
It may be used to control keratosis pilaris, or small bumps of dead skin that form around hair follicles. These bumps are common on the face, legs, and back. Certain body washes include lactic acid to reduce these bumps.
Trichloroacetic Acid
Trichloroacetic acid is a key ingredient of an acid peel in Greensboro, removing damaged skin and improving skin texture and tone.
Note: Misuse of trichloroacetic acid can cause chemical burns on the skin and eyes. Do not attempt to use trichloroacetic acid on your own.
Carbolic Acid
Carbolic acid, also known as phenol, is only found in deep chemical peels. It penetrates the skin to remove damaged layers of the dermis and epidermis and:
- Can treat sun damage, deep wrinkles, and acne scars
- Stimulates collagen production for long-lasting rejuvenation
- Is not recommended for darker skin tones, due to the risk of hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
Carbolic acid is a powerful acid that should only be used by a highly trained medical provider.
The Chemical Peel Experience at Restoration MedSpa
Restoration MedSpa offers a customized acid peel in Greensboro, formulated to address a client’s skin concerns and goals. During a complementary consultation, a Restoration MedSpa team member examines your skin and determines the ideal strength of your chemical peel.
During your appointment, your provider cleanses your skin to prepare for the chemical solution. Once applied, the peel may sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, your provider adds a neutralizing agent and cleanses the skin again.
Before you leave, we apply hydrating and calming serums to support your body’s natural healing process and protect your skin. Afterward, you may experience reddened skin, peeling, and swelling while your skin heals.
When results appear, and how long they remain, depend on the strength of your peel and personal factors like genetics, age, and skin type.
Eligibility and Contraindications
At Restoration MedSpa, we recommend chemical peels for clients who want to target uneven skin tone or texture, clear up unwanted pigmentation, or reduce the appearance of light scarring.
However, to ensure an outstanding experience for all clients, we do not recommend a chemical peel if you:
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of keloids or frequent or severe cold sores
- Are under the age of 18
- Have used isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) in the past 6 months
If you are a suitable candidate, we recommend you discontinue retinoids and other harsh or exfoliating treatments 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Avoid excessive sun exposure 2 to 4 weeks before a chemical peel.
Hit the Reset Button
When you’re ready to experience smoother, brighter skin, the team at Restoration MedSpa is here to help. Experience customized care to look and feel your best. Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of Restoration MedSpa’s Medical Concierges.
Still not sure an acid peel in Greensboro is right for you? Learn more about the Hydrafacial or laser liposuction. Or, try our virtual consultation tool.
