Options for Keeping Your Skin Fresh
Chemical Peels and Microneedling
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels involve the application of a topical agent to the skin which will permeate to varying levels depending on the agent used. VI Peels are moderate depth peels meaning they go deeper into the layers of skin in order to produce more dramatic results compared to what you might get at a non-medical facility, but not so deep that there is significant risk of harm. Once the treatment has started working on the skin, the top layers will start to shed off, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath. With VI Peels, this process usually takes about a week to complete.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a way to activate the body’s natural healing ability by using several tiny needles to penetrate the skin surface, similar in some ways to a tattoo needle. This process stimulates the body to generate more collagen and bring healing cells to the surface which results in the skin becoming more even and smooth. We can use this effect for a general freshening of the skin or in a more targeted way to fill in acne scars or stretch marks.
Do the treatments hurt?
The application of the VI Peel treatment solution usually causes some stinging or burning and may also bring on a feeling of tightness or itchiness. For some people, this sensation is gone within about 30 seconds and the rest of the treatment is free of discomfort. For others, the sensation continues throughout the treatment, but most say that it is similar to a sunburn and not any worse than that. If you follow the post-care instructions properly, there is usually no pain during the peeling process itself, but there may be periods of tightness, itchiness, and occasional stinging irritation.
Prior to microneedling, we do apply a numbing cream to the area of treatment. If this was not done, the procedure would be fairly uncomfortable, similar to getting a tattoo. With the numbing cream, most patients report having no real discomfort other than an annoying scratching sensation.
Why do people get these types of treatments?
These treatments can help with many of the changes that come from aging skin such as pigmentation changes, fine lines and wrinkles, texture. They can also help with other skin issues like acne, rosacea, hormonal pigment changes (melasma), tinea versicolor, and keratosis pilaris, as well as stretch marks and scars.
Are there people who shouldn’t get these treatments?
Generally speaking, most people are good candidates for either of these procedures. There are some situations that are contraindicated for one or both treatments or require special consultation beforehand. These include:
· pregnancy or breastfeeding
· allergy to aspirin, hydroquinone, or phenol
· use of Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past 6 months
· active cold sores, warts, or open wounds on the area of treatment
· chemotherapy or radiation within 6 months
· autoimmune disease or other conditions that may weaken the immune system
· Botox in the past two weeks or dermal fillers in the past four weeks
How do I prepare for my appointment?
In the days prior to your appointment, you want to try to stay out of the sun and avoid anything that may cause chapped skin. Stay well hydrated and continue your normal skin care routine until the day of your appointment. When you come in for your appointment, your skin should be free of make-up (mascara and lip products are fine). If you are doing microneedling, we will apply a layer of numbing cream to the treatment area and let it activate for about 20 minutes. We will do a gentle cleanse of the skin with face wash and then alcohol or acetone as a final cleanser to rid the skin of bacteria and oil.
What should I expect after my appointment?
After a VI Peel, you should avoid any contact with your skin for the first 4 hours and your skin may have an orange-y spray tan-like glow. You will take home several products to use in the first week and the instructions on how to use them will be provided. Do not put any products (make up, sunscreen, moisturizer) on your skin for the next 7 days unless it is part of your post-peel kit. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
Day 1 (the day of your treatment) and Day 2 do not usually cause any peeling. Your skin may feel tight or itchy. By Day 3, most people have started to peel, and Day 4 and 5 typically cause the most peeling. By Day 7 the peeling has slowed significantly, but there may still be some flaking around the hairline. It is important to avoid pulling on the peeling skin or you can increase the risk of scarring If it is bothersome you can trim it off with scissors or fingernail clippers.
After microneedling, the healing process is usually faster than with a chemical peel. There will be some redness and inflammation for the first 2-3 days. The evening after your treatment you can start using a gentle, non-acidic cleanser and moisturizer but you should avoid any other products (make-up, sunscreen, etc) for at least 3 days. Avoid sun exposure for the first week.
How often should I get treatments?
Some people will get the results they are looking for from a single treatment and go on to do a “touch-up” every 6-12 months. For those with more prominent conditions like pervasive acne or pigmentation issues, a few treatments may be recommended. Typically you will start to see results within a few days of the treatment, but it may take 4-6 weeks for the skin to finish healing and for maximal results to be achieved. For this reason, we typically recommend about 4 weeks between treatments.
Are these treatments actually safe?
Dermatologists have been performing chemical peels for more than 50 years and the chemical formulas used today are safer than ever. Microneedling is just activating the body’s natural healing process and immune response. Both of these treatments find the perfect balance between producing noticeable results and minimizing risk. With that said, there is always the possibility of an atypical skin reaction such as allergic reaction, prolonged or excessive redness or swelling, blistering, infection, pigmentation changes, or scarring. These are fairly uncommon when the treatments are performed by a trained professional.
Still have questions? We are happy to help you decide if these treatments are right for you by text, email, or with a free in-person consultation.
