Chemical Peels Grand Cayman

Chemical peels effectively treat fine lines and wrinkles by inducing controlled exfoliation of the skin’s outer layer, stimulating the production of new skin cells. The chemical solution applied during the peel works to remove damaged or aged skin, promoting collagen and elastin production. As a result, the skin becomes smoother, firmer, and more youthful, with a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

An advanced facial chemical peel, featuring a physician-strength superficial peel with 3% retinol and other firming components, was developed to address photodamage, acne, and melasma (brown or grayish-brown facial patches). ^[1] This formulation aimed to exfoliate, enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and plump and firm the skin, ultimately promoting a luminous and even complexion. A clinical study, including 24 subjects with various skin concerns and types, assessed the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of the 3% retinol peel administered at 6-week intervals over 2-4 sessions. Results demonstrated that the peel, combined with a supportive homecare regimen, was well-tolerated across diverse skin conditions, with noticeable benefits in fine lines, wrinkles, and overall photodamage, supporting its efficacy as a cosmetic treatment under physician supervision.

In a study involving 32 female subjects with mild-to-moderate facial aging (Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-V), three monthly treatments of a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid demonstrated significant enhancements in clarity, brightness, redness, pigmentation, fine lines, tactile and visual roughness, and overall appearance scores. ^[2] Subjective improvements in photoaging parameters ranged from 53% (fine lines) to 91% (clarity/brightness).

A study involving 20 female volunteers aged 40-65 explored the efficacy of combined chemical peels and antioxidants for skin rejuvenation, with a focus on minimizing downtime. ^[3] Administered over eight treatments every seven days, azelaic acid was applied to the entire face, followed by a 40% vitamin C solution on the right side and 10% vitamin C with microneedling on the left side. The results revealed significantly improved hydration and skin elasticity, with superior outcomes on the microneedling side. Reductions in melanin and erythema (skin redness) index were observed with no significant side effects.

Treatment Options

Chemical peels treat fine lines and wrinkles by inducing controlled exfoliation, promoting the removal of damaged outer skin layers and stimulating the production of new, smoother skin.

Sun damage, also known as photodamage, refers to the harm caused to the skin by prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, this exposure can lead to various signs of damage, including wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and a loss of skin elasticity. Additionally, sun damage increases the risk of skin cancers.

Chemical peels effectively treat sun damage by promoting the exfoliation of the damaged outer layer of the skin. The peeling process encourages the growth of new, healthier skin cells, reducing the appearance of sun-induced issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Through this renewal process, chemical peels contribute to a more even skin tone and texture, helping to reverse the effects of sun damage.

A study compared the efficacy of topical tretinoin (0.25%) and retinol (0.25%) for improving photodamage on human facial skin, both applied after a 30% salicylic acid peel. ^[4] In a split-face study involving twenty female subjects, the researchers found that both regimens were effective in enhancing photodamage parameters compared to baseline, with improvements in texture, roughness, pores, dryness, erythema, and overall appearance. Tretinoin was slightly more effective than retinol in improving texture, roughness, and overall appearance according to investigator evaluation. Subject self-assessment revealed both tretinoin and retinol significantly improved overall appearance with no significant difference between the two.

A study assessed the mode of action of a commercial professional chemical peel for treating hyperpigmented and photoaged skin, commonly addressed by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aestheticians. ^[5] In in-vitro experiments, the peel exhibited the inhibition of enzymes responsible for collagen and elastin degradation, as well as melanin pigment production. Surprisingly, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), known for its cauterant action, synergistically enhanced the inhibitory effects of lactic acid, potentially due to a conformational change in TCA’s structure. Collagen and elastin up-regulation in 3D human skin equivalents treated with the peel was validated by in-vitro results, and ex-vivo testing on human skin biopsy confirmed significant melanin reduction and photodamage repair.

In one study, the efficacy of a medium-depth chemical peel, specifically a 40% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, was investigated for treating actinic damage in sixteen men, including actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun). ^[6] Half of the participants underwent pretreatment with topical tretinoin for six weeks, continuing its use after the peel. The study concluded that the medium-depth chemical peel alone produced moderate improvement in certain manifestations of actinic damage, with tretinoin use before and after the peel not significantly enhancing its efficacy.

Treatment Options

Chemical peels treat sun damage by exfoliating the damaged outer layer of the skin, stimulating the production of new skin cells, and reducing the appearance of sun-induced issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peels can effectively treat acne scars by promoting controlled exfoliation of the skin’s outer layer, which encourages the growth of new, healthier skin cells. The peeling process helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars, including shallow depressions and uneven skin texture. Different types and strengths of chemical peels can be customized to address specific acne scars, providing a non-invasive solution for skin rejuvenation.

A study assessed the effectiveness of medium-depth chemical peels in treating acne scars, involving 15 patients (14 women and 1 man) who underwent peeling sessions using Jessner’s solution followed by the application of 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA). ^[7] The patients, with a mean age of 28 years, presented two forms of acne scars: the atrophic saucer or crater-like form and the pitted (ice-pick) form. Improvement was observed in all patients except one, with significant, moderate, mild, and minimal improvements reported in varying percentages. Despite transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation observed in 73.4% of patients, the study concluded that medium-depth chemical peels were a safe and effective treatment for acne scars, even in individuals with dark complexions.

A study investigated the effectiveness and safety of 25% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) alone or followed by manual dermasanding in multiple sessions for treating mild and moderate acne scars. ^[8] Thirteen patients (nine females and four males) underwent a 25% TCA superficial peel, followed by manual dermasanding in 11 of them, across a total of thirteen TCA peeling sessions and twenty-four dermasanding sessions. Acne scars were graded on a scale of 0 to 20, with a statistically significant decrease observed after each TCA peeling and dermasanding session. The improvement persisted even after the final dermasanding session, with no significant complications recorded except for transient erythema and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which resolved in all patients within three months.

A study compared the efficacy of microneedling versus 35% glycolic acid chemical peels for treating atrophic acne scars in 60 patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype IV to VI. ^[9] Group A underwent microneedling every two weeks for 12 weeks while Group B received chemical peels every two weeks for the same duration. Efficacy was measured by an improvement greater than one grade from baseline according to the Goodman and Baron Scarring Grading System, two weeks after the last treatment session. Group A showed significantly better outcomes, with 73.33% achieving treatment efficacy compared to 33.33% in Group B.

Treatment Options

Chemical peels treat acne scars by inducing controlled exfoliation of the skin’s outer layer, promoting the regeneration of new skin cells and improving the appearance of scars.

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition characterized by the darkening of certain areas of the skin due to excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This condition can result from various factors, including sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes, or injury to the skin. Hyperpigmentation may present as localized dark spots, melasma, or generalized darkening of the skin, and it often requires targeted skincare treatments or procedures to address.

Chemical peels treat hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation. The peeling process stimulates cell turnover, leading to the regeneration of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. Different types and strengths of chemical peels can be customized to target specific forms of hyperpigmentation, providing a non-invasive solution for achieving a more even skin tone.

In a 12-week open-label, single-center study, the efficacy of a novel pigmentation control serum (LYT2) combined with three very superficial chemical peels (VP) was assessed in individuals with Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-VI and moderate to severe facial hyperpigmentation. ^[10] Seventeen subjects of various ethnicities received a series of VP treatments every 4 weeks, with LYT2 applied twice daily in between. The treatment regimen demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall hyperpigmentation, photodamage, and skin tone unevenness at weeks 8 and 12. Subjects highly rated the combination, noting a decrease in uneven skin tone and discolorations as well as a reduction in sun damage.

In one study, forty patients with post-acne pigmentation were divided into two groups: one treated with 50% glycolic acid (GA) peels and the other with 30% salicylic acid (SA) peels. ^[11] The treatments were administered every two weeks for up to six weeks, with assessments conducted at two-week intervals. The GA peel group exhibited a higher percentage of reduction in post-acne pigmentation compared to the SA peel group throughout the study, with more than 75% reduction observed in 45% of the patients in the GA peel group. The results indicate that GA peels were more effective than SA peels in improving post-acne pigmentation.

A study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new superficial chemical peel (Melasma peel, Theraderm®) composed of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHAs), vitamin C, and oxygen for treating melasma in 25 ethnic Korean patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV and V. ^[12] The patients underwent four treatments at 1-2-week intervals over 8 weeks and clinical improvement was assessed using a 5-point scale by both participants and the dermatologist. Results showed significant improvement in pigmentation, pores, and evenness, indicating that the new superficial chemical peel is an effective and safe treatment for melasma, with no reported adverse effects.

Treatment Options

Chemical peels treat hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, promoting the shedding of pigmented cells, and stimulating the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells.

Yes, chemical peels come in various types and strengths. Superficial peels, medium peels, and deep peels offer different levels of exfoliation and address specific skin concerns.

The downtime varies depending on the type and depth of the peel. Superficial peels may have minimal downtime, while deeper peels require more recovery time.

Chemical peels can be adapted to different skin types but the suitability depends on factors such as skin tone, sensitivity, and the specific skin concern being addressed.

The frequency of chemical peels depends on the type of peel and individual skin characteristics. Superficial peels may be done more frequently than deeper peels.

While chemical peels are generally safe, some risks include redness, peeling, and in rare cases, scarring or changes in pigmentation. These risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced professional.

It’s advisable to avoid makeup immediately after a chemical peel, especially if the skin is still healing. Your skincare professional will provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume makeup application.

The sensation experienced during a chemical peel can vary. Superficial peels may cause a mild tingling or stinging while deeper peels may cause a more significant sensation. Your provider can use numbing agents to minimize discomfort.

Your skincare professional will provide post-peel care instructions, which may include avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skincare products, and refraining from picking at or peeling the skin to optimize healing and results.