Most of our light chemical
peels utilize glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy
acid (AHA) or fruit acid that is naturally found
in sugar cane. It removes dead surface skin, revealing
fresh, smooth skin underneath and stimulates the
formation of new collagen to thicken skin. It is
a mild, superficial peel that may cause tingling
for a few minutes, but does not require a long recovery
time. Improvement is noticed almost immediately.
We use various strengths of glycolic acid to give
the very best results. Depending on the skin type
and the condition being treated, we may perform
an AHA peel using lactic acid, or a beta hydroxy
acid peel.
Both men and women
of any skin colour can be treated successfully with
light chemical peels. We also have specialized peels
for teenage and adult acne, as well as rosacea.
For full benefit, a series of 6 peels are performed,
2 to 4 weeks apart. You may experience mild redness
for a few hours and a mild flaking the next day,
but most patients can apply some make-up and continue
with their regular activities. We even offer lunchtime
peels and patients return to work right after their
treatment. Sun protection is very important. One
maintenance peel every 6 weeks or so will help keep
skin fresh looking.
If you are prone to
facial cold sores, Dr. Gidon will prescribe an antiviral
medication for you to take before any peels to prevent
a recurrence.
What conditions
benefit from light chemical peels?
- sun
damaged skin
- dull,
rough skin
- irregular,
brown pigmentation, age spots and freckles
- fine
lines and mild acne scars
- acne
and rosacea
What improvements
are seen?
- healthier-looking,
more radiant skin
- softer
texture, smoother skin
- reduction
in brown pigmentation
- improved
acne and rosacea
- reduction
in fine lines and mild acne scars
What areas
can be peeled? Almost any area can be peeled.
Most commonly, we treat the face, neck, chest, back,
hands and feet.
Can chemical
peels be combined with other anti-aging treatments?
Yes. Chemical peels complement other anti-aging
treatments such as intense pulsed light, Thermage®,
Fraxel™, Levulan® photodynamic therapy, microdermabrasion,
Botox® Cosmetic and filler substances. We carry
anti-aging products to help maintain the results
of your treatments. Dr. Gidon offers all of these
treatments and can customize a treatment plan for
you.
Cosmelan®
Depigmentation Treatment
What is melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition which consists of dark
patches on the face, mainly on the cheeks, forehead
and above the mouth, but also occurring on the neck,
chest and forearms. It occurs more commonly in women,
but men can develop it as well. Melasma can be light
to dark brown, and pigmentation can be superficial
or deep. The deeper the pigment, the more difficult
it is to treat.
What causes
melasma? It is caused by an increased
production of melanin and any skin type can develop
it. This pigmentation gradually darkens and is caused
by prolonged sun exposure over many years. Melasma
can also develop during pregnancy and with the use
of oral contraceptive pills.
What is the
treatment for melasma? Sun protection
is the most important part of treatment for melasma,
since the pigment will continue to darken with sun
exposure. Bleaching and fading creams, chemical
peels, and certain types of laser treatments, such
as Fraxel™ can be used to fade the pigment, but
it usually takes many months and maintenance treatment
is often required. In some cases, melasma will not
completely fade away and it may recur with sun exposure.
If there is a history of cold sores (herpes simplex),
oral antiviral medication will be prescribed.
How does the
Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment work?
The Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment's mechanism
of action is based on the inhibition of tyrosinase,
a basic enzyme involved in the formation of melanin.
It consists of a creamy acid mask consisting of
several acids (azelaic, kojic, phytic and ascorbic),
arbutine and titanium dioxide. It is applied to
the skin and left on for 4 to 10 hours, depending
on the skin type. The Cosmelan® 2 cream is then
used daily for 3 to 6 months to prevent repigmentation.
The mask can be reapplied after 2 to 3 months if
needed.
What is the
skin's appearance after treatment? The
skin is red for a few days and gently peels for
about a week. At this point, fading is already noticed.
Skin is much smoother, finer in texture and more
luminous.
Why is the
Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment more advantageous
over other fading creams?
Medium Chemical
Peel
Trichloroacetic acid
peels (TCA peels) penetrate more deeply into the
skin than a light peel. Peeling and redness last
for about 2 weeks, so it is important to plan ahead
for this peel. This peel is done once and treats
extensive sun damage changes such as pre-cancerous
spots, brown pigmentation, fine lines, rough skin,
and a dull complexion, as well as acne scars. Sun
protection is mandatory to maintain the effects
of this peel. If necessary, it can be repeated in
6 months.
What areas
can be treated? The face, neck, chest,
hands and feet may be treated.
What are the
potential side effects? Although rare,
lighter or darker pigmentation or scarring may occur.
What is the
maintenance program? Sun protection and
the use of anti-aging products will prolong the
effects of the peel. A light chemical peel can be
done every 3 to 4 months to help maintain the effects
of the TCA peel.
