Chemical Peels

Your skin sheds every 28 days naturally. It can take years to diminish the appearance of scars or discolorations on your skin. A Chemical Peel is a non-invasive technique for restoring wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin.

At Lunaris Medspa, we offer different types of peels, light, medium and deep. A chemical solution is used to peel away the skin’s damaged outer layers. The new cells and collagen are stimulated during the healing process to produce a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface. Chemical peels can be used on the entire face or on specific regions such as the forehead or areas around the mouth. A peel does not eliminate sagging or excess skin. Each treatment is customized for patient skin type, specific problem areas and the delicate areas of the face. The depth of the peel is dependent on the concentration and type of acid, and a person’s skin type and sensitivity.

Treatment issues will be discussed during your complimentary consultation.

Chemical Peels Improve

  • Facial blemishes
  • Uneven skin pigmentation
  • Remove pre-cancerous skin growths
  • Soften acne facial scars
  • Control acne
  • Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
  • Dull, flat, “tired-looking” skin
  • Discoloration from acne
  • Sun damaged skin
  • Rough, dry skin

 

Salicylic Acid Peel

 

What is a Salicylic Acid Peel?

Derived from Willow bark, Salicylic Acid is the sole star of the Beta Hydroxy Acid group (BHA). It is also a main constitute of Aspirin. Salicylic Acid, a is a highly effective superficial peeling agent, oil reducer and pore cleanser. Salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients to combat oily skin, yet it is also a gentle rejuvenating peel that is an alternative to a Glycolic Acid Peel.

Why choose a Salicylic Acid Peel at Lunaris?

Salicylic acid is ideal for oily/acneic skin, clogged pores, and seborrheic dermatitis. At a concentration of 10 to 30 %, salicylic acid peels have a much higher level of concentration than drugstore salicylic acne creams, which are typically at 1 to 5%. At a high concentration level (30%), salicylic acid acts as a peeling agent dissolving the top layer of the epidermis and resurfacing the skin, resulting in a smoother and healthier complexion. A Salicylic Acid Peel is also beneficial for dehydrated/dry and sensitive skin, sun damaged, dull and uneven skin. And it helps reduce acne inflammation, psoriasis, ingrown hairs, wrinkles and fine lines while improving texture and clarity.

How is this Procedure Conducted?

Dr. Lolachi will chose a salicylic acid solution potency ranging from light (10%) to medium (20%) to deep (30%), then gently apply it to the skin. You’ll feel a slight stinging and itching for 2-3 minutes, but the process should not cause any pain or discomfort. A temporary numbing effect has been noted upon initial contact as well as redness and minor skin sensitivity. Once the peel is neutralized, the skin may appear a little bit red and shiny, but this will fade within a couple of hours. Elta MD SPF 50 sunscreen is then applied. Not only chemical-free, this UVA/UVB daily sun protection also provides moisture while protecting your skin from the sun, which is very important after a chemical peel. You will need to follow the post-treatment instructions provided by Dr. Lolachi for safety and best results.

After the Peel?

Mild flaking could last from 5-7 days on average and may take longer depending on the strength/potency used.

Sunburn Alert: This product contains Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn. We recommend using Elta MD Sunscreen, which provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It contains the FDA-approved physical blocker, Zinc Oxide to reflect light away from the skin. Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours when exposed to the sun.

How often should I do a Salicylic Acid Peel?

A Salicylic Acid Peel is a progressive treatment that will not provide a final result with one peel. A Salicylic Acid Peel can be performed every 2-4 weeks depending on the condition of your skin and the problem with which you are dealing.

 

VI Peel

Ingredients

The VI Peel consists of a synergistic blend of five acids that no other peel offers:

  • TCA – Trichloroacetic Acid for penetration, deep scar healing; stimulates collagen growth;
  • Retin-A – an acid derived from vitamin A to combat wrinkles;
  • Salicylic Acid – this beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an exfoliant;
  • Phenol – has antiseptic and anesthetic properties;
    aids in skin penetration;
  • Vitamin C – ascorbic acid has antioxidant and mild exfoliation properties

 

Benefits

There are many benefits, including:

  • The VI Peel is safe for all skin types and ethnicities;
  • It is the only peel safe to use on the eye area, neck, chest and hands;
  • No skin preconditioning is necessary.
  • It is virtually discomfort free. Clients typically experience a warm, tingly sensation that quickly subsides;
  • There is little or no downtime. The actually peeling process lasts 2 to 3 days, and is easily managed with the post-peel kit that is included with the peel;
  • You’ll see beautiful results in just one week.

 

VI Peel – Frequently asked questions

How would the VI Peel compare to the Obagi Blue Peel or a TCA Peel?

The VI Peel is almost painless, and requires no skin pre conditioning that is required by Obagi Blue Peel and other TCA peels when used on darker skin. In addition, the VI Peel has lower rates of complications than those peels.

How many peels can you do and how far apart should they be done?

For most patients, peels should be done three to four times a year starting at puberty to repair sun damage that is already present, and to avoid permanent scarring for those affected by acne. The frequency of the peel depends on various factors, and will be determined by the doctor. For extremely damaged skin, the VI Peel can initially be done once a month to get quicker desired results.

How is the VI Peel different from other peels?

Without exception, obsolete peels of the past epitomize the “no pain, no gain” approach to skin care. Before the VI Peel the deeper the peel, the more painful, the more downtime, the better the results. The VI Peel is the first peel to combine the strongest and most effective acids, yet it’s virtually painless with little downtime.

How many treatments are required to show an improved look?

A single VI Peel will achieve significant repair and add a healthy glow to the skin. Some conditions like acne scars, pore enlargement and hyper pigmentation might require multiple applications. It is a restorative and painless repair of damaged skin, including sun damage and acne. Best of all, it is a true aging preventative for younger skin with no visible damage.

Will results be long lasting?

Like everything else in life, skin needs maintenance. The VI Peel’s results will last as long as skin is maintained with an effective home skin care regimen, and judicious use of Sunscreen. The VI Peel should be performed about three to four times per year.

What types of skin respond well to the VI Peel?

ALL skin types can enjoy the benefits of the VI Peel. For the first time, African-American and darker skin types such as Asian and Latin patients can experience anti-aging and restorative skin repair that was previously unavailable.

Is preconditioning of the skin required?

The VI Peel requires no preconditioning of the skin associated with older generation peels that can take three to five months.

Is it painful?

Not really. You will feel a slight stinging sensation for a few seconds which subsides almost immediately. The peel is applied topically, and numbing of the skin takes place after the first pass of the VI Peel solution. Some patients may feel more comfortable using a fan or cold air breeze.

How much will I peel?

The skin peeling associated with the VI Peel is a light, fluffy peel that generally starts on day three and generally be finished by the end of day seven. The peeling is easily hidden by moisturizer. In some cases, the peel is virtually invisible. Patients using Retin A may experience heavier peeling. The peel can be modulated by your skin care provider to produce a deeper, more aggressive peel, if necessary, depending on your skin condition.

What will I look like right after the VI Peel and during the next few days?

The skin will look slightly tan, yellow or red immediately after the peel. On days one and two the skin will feel slightly tighter, with no visible signs of having had a peel. Any pigmented areas might appear slightly darker. On approximately day three, you will begin to peel. The first signs of peeling usually begin around the mouth area and continue for a day or two. With the use of the VI Derm™ Post Care Moisturizer, you may go about your usual daily routine. By day six or day seven you will be done peeling and the results are dramatic! If a more aggressive peel, such as the VI Peel with Precision, was performed, a secondary peel might occur around day seven.

What about normal activities after the VI Peel?

There are no restrictions. We recommend avoiding heavy sweating for the first few days after the peel. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the peel.

What will the VI Peel do for my skin?

It tackles skin problems at the cellular level. Thanks to the concerted actions of its many acids and vitamins, it will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores and build collagen and elastin which tighten skin. It is extremely effective in reducing hyper pigmentation including melasma, the most difficult pigmentation issue to correct. The VI Peel also provides excellent results for acne.

How many peels are needed?

The VI Peel may be repeated as often as every two weeks initially, if necessary, for damaged skin and problematic skin. Our recommendation for maintenance of average skin would be once every three months to prevent damage and aging of the skin. Doctor Lolachi will evaluate your skin, as well as your goals and expectations and make an appropriate recommendation for ongoing skin care.

Can I wear makeup after the VI Peel?

While the long term goal is to eliminate the need for makeup, it may be worn at any time after the peel solution has dried completely (two hours or more post peel).

What about the hands or chest?

The VI Peel is incredibly effective in removing sunspots from the hands, arms and chest and reducing the wrinkles associated with sun damage on the décolletage. The peeling process is different and longer than for the face. Dr. Lolachi will provide more information during your consultation.

How long will the VI Peel take?

Your appointment will take about 20 minutes or less.

What kind of final results will I see after a single VI Peel?

It takes about four days after you finish peeling for the skin to return to its normal PH and to see the final effects. The skin will look luminous and glowing. Hyper pigmentation will be improved, depending on the amount of damage. Tone and texture will be improved for a more youthful, radiant appearance.

Does the VI Peel make the skin thinner?

No. By sloughing off the old skin and forcing the body to recreate new skin at a faster rate in a sequence faster than its own rate, the skin actually thickens, stimulating the underlying structure to make more collagen and elastin.

Will my skin be more sensitive after the VI Peel?

The skin will be more sensitive during the peeling process itself. You may experience up to four days of sensitivity until PH of the skin is replenished.

Will the VI Peel tighten neck skin?

The skin on the neck responds well. The VI Peel has proven to help improve texture and quality with gradual softening of the lines and some tightening effects. The peeling process and results are different from the face.

What other areas can the VI Peel be performed on?

The neck, arms, hands and chest all respond well to a VI Peel. For additional areas you may consult Dr. Lolachi.

Can I go in the sun after the VI Peel?

Sun exposure should be limited and Sunscreen 30 or higher should be used liberally. However, the VI Peel was created to be practical. The only days where exposure to the sun should be seriously avoided are days three and four, when the skin is peeling, to avoid uneven exposure. After that, you can enjoy moderate sun exposure, continuing regular skin care maintenance and daily sun protection.

Can cold sore sufferers have a VI Peel?

Of course. In some cases, Dr. Lolachi may recommend pre-medication prior to the peel. If you break out with a sudden cold sore the day of the peel, often the VI Peel will reduce the sore and medication may be started concomitantly.

Are teenage acne sufferers too young for the VI Peel and would it help their acne?

Dr. Kalil originally formulated the VI Peel for his fifteen year old daughter, an acne sufferer. The peel is excellent for both adult and adolescent acne. We have effectively peeled acne patients as young as twelve years old. Results are quick and very impressive. Combined with a daily skin regimen, almost all acne cases can be successfully managed. Please note that treating acne scars will require a series of the VI Peel.

Who will perform the VI Peel?

For your safety, at Lunaris Dr. Lolachi will perform the VI Peel, as well as all other offered procedures.

I just had a peel and I love my results! What can I do to make sure my skin stays beautiful?

Maintenance is essential. Just like we brush our teeth in between dentist visits, we must care for our skin in between peels! Using an effective home care regimen and daily sunscreen, ensures that you will not only keep your VI Peel results, but that you will also prevent future damage to your skin.