Fall has officially arrived, bringing with it lower temperatures, more cloudy days, and fewer hours during which our skin is exposed to intense, potentially damaging sunlight. Given this shift in weather – and our natural inclination to spend more time indoors during the Fall and Winter seasons – patients considering having a chemical peel might elect to do so in the next several months in order to experience a safer recovery and get their skin ready for Spring and Summer. When performed by experienced professionals, chemical peels can safely and dramatically improve skin’s appearance by removing the outer layers of dry, damaged skin while simultaneously stimulating one’s body to produce collagen for clearer, brighter skin. This organic response allows chemical peels to treat a number of common skin manifestations, including irregular pigmentation, uneven skin tone, early sun damage, acne, rough skin texture, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.

Chemical peels are performed in the office setting, with the application of a solution that penetrates the layers of skin in a controlled fashion. It is imperative, however, that all patients start a 4-6 week skin care regimen prior to their first chemical peel treatment to have a faster recovery and predictable, even results. The degree and duration of results from any chemical peel are based on the depth of the peel, and it is important to choose a provider who fully understands the science behind the formulas used to administer the treatment.

There are three different depths of chemical peel action:

• Light – Remove the outer layer of skin, termed the epidermis. Light peels supply a light exfoliation and healthy glow to the skin, while improving uneven pigmentation, acne, and fine wrinkles.
• Medium – Remove the epidermis and a portion of the middle skin layer, the dermis. Medium peels allow new collagen formation to improve skin tone and quality, while addressing uneven pigmentation, acne, and moderate wrinkling.
• Deep – Remove skin layers to the lowest levels of the middle skin. Deep peels help treat deep facial wrinkles and significant sun damage.

As an Emory, Harvard, and University of Pittsburgh-trained, ASPS board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Castillo provides in-depth consultations to patients seeking to improve their skin’s appearance, and supplies the chemical peel information and treatment that can help you put your best face forward.

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