Chemical Peels

Complexion’s Med Spa offers medical grade chemical peels, or chemical exfoliation. This treatment is a quick and convenient way to enhance appearance and self confidence. It is the perfect solution to getting a healthy glow with minimal downtime.

Chemical Peels and Face Peels have been used for decades to revitalize and resurface skin. They involve applying a chemical solution to remove the damaged outer layers of skin and reveal a younger, clearer, more radiant complexion. Chemical peels, also known as “Lunchtime Peels” are traditionally performed on the face, hands, neck, back, shoulders, and legs. They can also be applied to other problem areas to treat fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and skin discoloration.

A chemical peel cost can vary based on the type of treatment you choose and depends on the amount of chemical exfoliation needed to treat your skin. Below are some of the peel options that we offer. We are able to customize chemical peel treatments to accommodate certain skin conditions.

All chemical starting at $125.00 and up | book now

PCA Professional products family of superficial chemical peels offers a wide variety of benefits to treat all skin types and conditions. These advanced chemical peels solutions combine exfoliating acids, tyrosianase inhibitors, and skin strengthening agents to provide maximum benefits, minimal discomfort and little down time.

When these types of ingredients are combined, they have synergistic effect that will desalinate the surface of the skin while simultaneously helping to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and even the skin tone. These chemical exfoliation solutions are layered dependent and do not require timing and/or neutralization. By applying multiple layers during the same treatment, varying superficial depths can be achieved according to the needs and goals of the individual.

Complexions Spa offers the following chemical peels at both their Saratoga and Albany, NY Med Spas.

These patented and proven light-to-medium depth peel formulas effectively exfoliate, bleach and inhibit pigment production. Formulations containing high concentrations of salicylic acid help slough off dead cells and debris while stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process. These chemical skin peels help repair and reduce breakouts, control oil, soften lines and provide a more even, smooth skin texture. PCA Peel® Exfoliating Chemical Peel Treatments are available in the following three formulas:

This chemical peel is specially formulated to treat dehydrated, maturing skin, Ultra Peel® I is appropriate for all skin types, conditions and sensitivities. Ultra Peel I will also help treat smokers skin, pigment disorders, sun damaged skin and acne. The chemical peel treatment is especially ideal for sensitive skin, as it produces only a mild tingling sensation. Moderate to aggressive exfoliation will be experienced, depending on the number of layers applied. Overall, the final result will be plump, hydrated and ultra-soft skin.

Ultra Peel® II may be used alone or on top of any other PCA peel, producing a lightening, tightening and brightening effect. It is a cream mask containing natural hormones which plump, hydrate and moisturize aging skin. The vitamin A content helps increase cell turnover to keep skin looking fresh, while vitamin C strengthens the skin by helping to increase the skins collagen and elastin network. Ultra Peel® II works well on all skin types and conditions.

Sensi Peel® was formulated primarily for all sensitive skin types. The solution contains a blend of L-lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in addition to plant-derived progesterone precursors which leave the skin feeling plump and hydrated. Kojic and azelaic acids also provide anti-acne and antibacterial properties. It targets patients that want gradual lightening, but instant tightening. Sensi Peel® is excellent for helping to calm rosacea, as redness and inflammation subside substantially after treatment.

PCA Professional™ Pumpkin Peel Treatment is a powerful antioxidant treatment that brightens and rejuvenates the skin. Pumpkin contains the highest concentration of salicylic acid of any plant, which provides the Pumpkin Peel Treatment with potent skin smoothing and pore clearing action. It also offers more than 100 beneficial components including the highest concentration of vitamins A, C and beta-carotene found in any other fruit or vegetable.

The treatment has simultaneous actions; it exfoliates and draws impurities out of the skin while introducing vitamins, enzymes and nutrients into the skin. This is an excellent treatment for smokers as it stimulates circulation, promotes healing and provides vitamin nutrition. This treatment is also great for smoothing the skin, as the naturally occurring salicylic acid in pumpkin removes the dead surface cells that cause rough texture. The skin will have a healthy glow following this treatment.

The Oxygenating Facial Trio is an antioxidant therapy designed to correct and prevent free radical damage. Oxidative and environmental damage is one of the more significant contributors to the aging process. The Oxy Facial Trio helps stimulate respiration and circulation within the skin. It promotes healing and rejuvenates sluggish, tired skin depleted by toxins, pollutants, allergens, improper diet and solar damage. Acneic conditions also benefit greatly as bacteria responsible for acne cannot live in the presence of oxygen. This treatment is recommended between peel treatments or when exfoliation or flaking is not desired.

Ideal before a special event, the Oxygenating Facial Trio is an active treatment that draws oxygen to the skins surface, producing a rosy flush and a rapid warming sensation.

Esthetique Peel is effective for treating all skin types and conditions, and is perfectly suited for extra-sensitive skin including rosacea. Its advanced formulation of L-ascorbic and L-lactic acids, L-retinol, and a host of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins and humectants, smoothes, tightens and improves the texture of the skin, while helping to correct myriad common skin concerns.

Clarifying Masks blend of 20% salicylic acid with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents makes this an ideal chemical peel for acne and for helping to improve breakout prone skin and sluggish, dull complexions. This face peel brings new brightness and freshness to the skin. Clarifying Mask is appropriate for all skin types except for hypersensitive conditions.

Appropriate for oily skin and/or acne. The addition of natural glycolic acid from rhubarb makes it especially effective for treating anyone with excessive oil production. This chemical peel treatment is appropriate until oil production is under control. Detox Gel for Normal/Sensitive Skin may be applied thereafter.

Appropriate for breakout prone skin and mild acne, and may be used on all skin types. The addition of natural L-lactic acid makes this a great chemical skin peel treatment for improving skin texture and clarity, while keeping the skin moist and hydrated. This chemical peel treatment is a gentle, deep-pore cleanser.

The word peel can be a pretty scary word with regards to our skin especially when we think of the Sex in The City episode where Samantha went into hiding behind a big black hat and a vail because of her red, peeling face. Today, the approach to this skin treatment is more persistent than it is aggressive and produces minimal down time. Chemical exfoliation is a very effective treatment for creating beautiful skin any where on the body including face, hands, neck, chest, back, and arms. Chemical peels do the following;

• removes dead skin cells
• reduces uneven pigmentation
• increases hydration
• diminishes large pores
• softens the appearance of fine lines and rough texture

Chemical Peel Process

Our skin’s surface, known as the stratum cornium, naturally renews itself approximately every 28 days by replacing dead cells on the surface. This process slows over time due to the normal aging process as well as environmental damage. Chemical exfoliation is performed using a variety of solutions that loosen the dead layer causing it to shed. This controlled injury stimulates cells to produce more collagen and elastin restoring the skin texture, improved tone, and evening out the color.

To get the most out of a professional peel a thorough consultation should be performed. Your goals and what you have done to take care of your skin, up to this point, is important information which can affect the outcome of your treatment. A visual evaluation along with the use of imaging and a woods lamp ensures the success of a treatment program.

A supportive home skin care regime should be used to prep your skin for 10-14 days before your first treatment and proper care after is very important to maximize the results. Often times a patch test is done during the consultation to test for skin sensitivity. Following the treatment proper home care will enhance the results in the same way that having peels can improve product penetration. They work together to obtain the best results.

Most everyone and all skin types can benefit from a chemical exfoliation treatment. Contraindications would be Accutane use, Retin A use within 5 days, pregnancy or lactating, active sun exposure or tanning bed use, waxing services, recent injectables and any compromised surface condition such as eczema, scratches, wounds, cold sores and/or inflammation. The Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification used to determine the amount of melanin in the skin and guides the esthetician in choosing the best peel options for the desired outcome.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are many different types of exfoliating/peeling agents ranging from fruit acid enzymes such as papaya which decompose dead skin to commonly used acids like Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids such as lactic, glycolic, mandelic, and salicylic acid. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), and Jessner solutions are also an option. Solutions can be blended together creating custom designer formulations and often times include tyrosinase inhibitors to decrease pigment. All peels come in varying potency and PH which increases or decreases penetration and irritation. Some are left on while others are removed after the desired length of time.

Dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are manual exfoliation methods that can be performed solely or in conjunction with a chemical peel. Doing so can increase penetration of a peeling solution due to removing two to three layers of skin before the application of the peeling agent. The decision to possibly have a deeper peel is based on the amount of damage an individual has. Professional estheticians perform light to medium depth peels and deeper peels, which can reach the deeper dermal layer, should be performed by a medical doctor. It isn’t always the best option to go deeper and consistent light to medium depth peels can be just as effective if done regularly with the appropriate solution. Working with an experienced esthetician is very important.

Consistency and commitment is important for the best results. It is recommended to have a series of a minimum of 6 peels performed regularly, every 2-3 weeks. This will depend on skin conditions. As you proceed through the program, constant consultation, evaluation and customization of the solutions will be decided upon based on the results you are achieving. Remember, your part is also critical with a commitment to proper home care every day, twice a day. Once the six treatments are completed, maintenance should be done approximately every 4-6 weeks and can be achieved with fruit enzymes incorporated into a facial treatment for long lasting results. You will experience minimal irritation and virtually no down time while delivering maximum results. Your skin will look more radiant, luminous, and less likely to show signs of discoloration. Skin is healthier, younger looking and more beautiful.

Call today for your clinical consultation and have the beautiful skin you desire in no time.

Learn More About Chemical Peels

• What is a chemical peel? – American Society For Dermatologic Surgery