Chemical Peels

Take Off Old Skin to Reveal a New Layer in Thousand Oaks

Chemical peels at Thousand Oaks’ Pierre Skin Care Institute may be new to some people, but the skin rejuvenation treatments have been around for about 150 years. Over that time, several types of peels have been developed, all with a goal to safely correct a number of issues affecting the skin by triggering exfoliation and skin cell turnover.

Peels typically come in three strengths—light, medium, and deep—to accommodate the needs of different patients. The active ingredient in chemical peels is acid, which may be a glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane), salicylic acid, or lactic acid. All of these natural components work to accelerate the skin’s renewal process so that after the treatment, skin cells slough off as new, healthy skin emerges.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

The outermost layer of your skin is made up of dead cells, debris, and more, all of which is routinely sloughed away in a repetitive cycle of renewal. Chemical peels speed up that process by removing the entire outermost layer at once. This takes away the fine lines, dullness, and other cosmetic problems associated with the layer known as the “stratum corneum.” It also encourages a natural healing response so that the skin appears healthier, smoother, and brighter.

What Can Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels are ideal for addressing multiple signs of aging, including wrinkles and spots. The treatments can also prompt repair of cosmetic sun damage, combat acne, and reduce the redness of melasma.

Light peels tend to improve texture and tone, with medium peels providing a more significant smoothing effect and deep peels resulting in an even more dramatic improvement.

At Pierre Skin Care Institute, popular peels include:

Beta Peel

An exceptional acne treatment that preferentially targets whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pores, and oil production, with results that are visible within a few days. Ideal for that big event coming up!

Jessner Peel

The “gold standard” for age spots, sun damage, and melasma (the mask of pregnancy), this chemical peel can be used on a wide variety of skin types. It delivers superior results for acne, acne scars, and fine lines, giving you refreshed and silky-smooth skin.

TCA Peels

The most effective chemical peels available, these can dramatically improve acne scars, fine lines, and discoloration, restoring a youthful glow.

How Are Chemical Peels Applied?

Chemical peels are highly customizable cosmetic treatments. As an experienced dermatologist, Dr. Peterson Pierre can manipulate several peel variables—including the type of acid used, the strength of the acid, and the duration of time the formulation is left on the skin—to create the most advantageous outcome for each patient.

All peels are applied directly to the surface of the skin, but the application method depends on the specific types of chemical peel chosen. Dr. Pierre may use a sponge, brush, or cotton-tipped applicator.

Some chemical peels are neutralized and then washed off after a set amount of time. Others are left on the skin, which absorbs the formula. In each case, the skin turns white or gray, then eventually begins to flake and peel away.

Why Choose Pierre Skin Care Institute for Chemical Peels in Thousand Oaks?

Every skincare treatment that Dr. Peterson Pierre offers has been intensely studied and has a proven track record in the industry. His education, years of practical experience, and commitment to ongoing learning about advances in both technology and technique mean his patients will benefit from the latest developments in skin care coupled with best practices developed over years of dermatology work.

Dr. Pierre’s philosophy of excellence extends through his staff as well, which means his entire practice is devoted to creating customized treatments for patients seeking specific results to improve their lives.

What Happens After a Chemical Peel?

Depending on the type of peel, you may experience no downtime or several days of recovery. After a standard glycolic peel, normal activities may be resumed right away. A slightly stronger peel may result in skin sloughing off for a few days. During this time, you may want to stay at home and out of the sun. The most aggressive chemical peels require a week or two for complete healing.

At Pierre Skin Care Institute, we believe that any treatment designed to improve the appearance of skin should be maximized in order to be of true value to the patient. After a chemical peel of any kind, it is important to develop excellent skin care habits.

Immediately following a peel, avoid any products with acid for two days. Wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine. Sun protection (SPF 30 or higher, with zinc) is the absolute best way to maintain the beautiful skin acquired through a peel.

Understand that chemical peels do not stop the aging process, so the skin will continue to develop new wrinkles and other changes as time goes by. This is especially true for people who do not properly moisturize, routinely (and gently) exfoliate, or use proper sun protection.

Are There Chemical Peel Side Effects to Watch For?

Skin redness is a common side effect after a peel, with some patients experiencing redness for a significant amount of time before it fades on its own.

Stronger peels can have more serious side effects, which Dr. Pierre will discuss with you during your consultation.

What Other Skin Rejuvenation Treatments Does Dr. Pierre Provide?

DermaSweep is an option for patients looking for a gentler exfoliation, while microneedling encourages collagen production without removing any layers. When it comes to selecting a treatment, how does a patient know which is best? Chemical peels, collagen induction, and other options have unique benefits, each depending on a patient’s cosmetic goals, the degree of correction needed, and other factors. Dr. Pierre and his team will work with you every step of the way to determine which option is best.