Skin Care Treatments

Glycolic Acid Peel
The Micro Peel
The Micro Peel Plus
Obagi Blue Peel
Microdermabrasion
Pigment Peel Plus

Glycolic Acid Peel

What is Glycolic Acid?
What are the effects of Glycolic Acid?
Does it plump the fine facial lines?
How can this procedure and the Glycolic creams benefit me?
How often can this procedure be done?
What does home care involve?
Can I be on a glycolic program while using Retin-A?

(The treatments are done in a series of six, one treatment per week and maintenance is bimonthly)

Features		Benefits
Melts away dulling dead cells		Reveals clean, health, younger looking skin
Helps reduce oiliness and blemishes		Pores look smaller, more refined
Smoothes coarse skin and enlarged pores		Skin looks firmer
Softens fine aging lines

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which is considered a fruit acid, derived from its source (sugar cane). Alpha Hydroxy acid is the smallest molecule of any ARA. It has the greatest penetration ability. Glycolic acid has an incredible ability to break down the glue-Re substance that collects on the skin and acts as a cleansing agent, degreaser and as a prep vehicle for other topical products to be introduced to the skin. As the skin undergoes cyclical changes, the cells can stick together collecting oils "inflammatory bi-product" within the follicle. Glycolic interrupts this process and goes into the follicles and breaks down this glue-Re substance, dissolving and dislodging this condition. Glycolic acid has been proven effective for conditions such as abnormal keratinization (thickened or dry scaly skin); dark spots (hyperpigmentation), acne, psoriasis, and seborrhea, alleviates aging/dry-age-thickened skin and reduces scars.

With the use of glycolic acid you can stimulate your skin's own repair process. Your skin has an incredible ability to repair itself. The skin responds to early free radicals damage by increasing its metabolic rate, producing more cells and developing a thicker top protective layer. After years of exposure the skin loses regenerative capacity. The protective layer thins and the deeper layers lose elasticity wrinkles and blotches develop. By loosening the dead skin cells, the skin's metabolic rate returns to its adolescent level. Soon, new collagen develops and damaged cells are sloughed off. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to soften, blotches disappear. There are psychological benefits as well as cosmetic benefits. As your appearance improves, so does your feeling of well being.

The Glycolic-Peel is quite popular and good for almost any skin type, dry maturing skin with fine or deep lines and skin with enlarged pores. There is a very slight possibility that your skin could be sensitive to this procedure. We recommend that you use a glycolic product a few days prior to the peel to rule out any allergic response to the glycolic.

The Glycolic-Peel procedure is a deep pore cleansing that breaks through the lipid/protein layer of the skin so that the old skin is easily sloughed off. The sloughing action happens almost invisibly. In other words, it is not always noticeable. The actual procedure takes about 25 minutes. During this time, your face and neck area are cleansed thoroughly and then prepped with a glycolic solution. The peel is then performed.

Your skin may feel tingly and tight. Some areas of redness may be noticed afterwards, this is normal and will disappear within one hour. I will then give you your home care instructions and schedule your next appointment.

During the next few days, your skin may appear flaky or red. Your home care should alleviate the appearance of the flakiness by using your cleansing, moisturizing and buffing products appropriately. Keeping the skin hydrated is a very important part of the glycolic home care program.

Age Spot Treatment

Glycolic acid has become popular for the removal of age spots on the hands and chest area.

Treatment of Hardened Skin on Feet

Glycolic creams have also been developed for the softening of the callused areas of the feet.

The Use of Retin-A and Glycolic Acid

When using both of these products you can receive results faster and help clear acne sooner. If you are using Retina or have used it in the past, it is important to let me know. You will need to be prepared to inform me of the topical products you are presently using.

The Micro Peel

The Micro Peel is a treatment performed in Dr. Carli's office by one of our qualified estheticians. The treatment consists of an enzymatic exfoliation of the skin.

This will free the skin of dead cellular layers and protein. This lessens the appearance of lines and brown spots. Then an alpha hydroxy acid solution is applied and will stay on for at least 15 seconds, but no longer than 2 minutes. This acid helps to reduce acne related conditions by freeing the debris that is on the pores. Immediately you will feel a smooth skin texture. The third step of the Micro Peel is a skin freezing called cryogenic Therapy. This process causes an anti-inflammatory response. This Micro Peel is a recommended monthly treatment.

The Micro Peel Plus

The Micro Peel Plus is an advanced salicylic acid peel in the form on microcrystals that uses a MICROSPONGE technology. This treatment helps smooth fine lines, discoloration, reduce acne scarring, and active acne. This advanced treatment works in two ways. It loosens the bond of dead cells on your skin. Then it is able to remove the dead cells completely from the skins surface, revealing an improved smooth skin surface. Secondly, the Micro Peel Plus stimulates the new cells that are living which leaves your skin healthy and glowing. This treatment can be performed every four to six weeks. This will maintain a barrier against our rugged environment.

Obagi Blue Peel

What is the Blue Peel?

The Blue Peel is an in-office procedure designed to significantly improve the appearance and health of your skin. Using a low concentration of the chemical Trichloracetic (T.C.A) mixed with a special blue base to slow penetration. The Blue Peel allows the appropriate depth to effectively remove the thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin from the face or other parts of the body. The procedure is performed by a clinician who has specialized training and experience with this highly effective peel.

How long is recovery?

You will experience light swelling and your skin will begin to peel within 3 to 4 days. This will continue over the next several days, and healing can take an average of 7 to 10 days.

Microdermabrasion

Micro dermabrasion is an efficient way of removing dead-skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin. Your skin will appear fresh and healthier. Regular treatments will maintain a youthful appearance, especially when micro- dermabrasion becomes a part of a well- organized regimen of skincare. In addition, micro dermabrasion offers a viable and cost effective alternative to skin rejuvenation.

The micro dermabrasion technique relies on the delivery of minute crystals to the surface of the skin. These particles gently remove layers of dead skin as the operator moves the hand piece across the skin surface. The micro dermabrasion machine uses sophisticated electronics to control critical aspects of the treatments. Healing time is rapid with minimal discomfort or redness. Most people return to work immediately with more than a vibrant, healthier appearance and skin complexion.

Direction in Skin Rejuvenation

Micro dermabrasion is a relatively new treatment in USA, having been used for many years in the most exclusive spas in Europe. Facial treatments usually take about 20-30 minutes, and neck and upper chest about I hour. A normal course of micro dermabrasion treatments varies between 4-6 times at two-week intervals. You will be prescribed a regimen that your skincare specialist or physician recommends because this will dramatically enhance the way you look and feel. After your initial course of treatment, we recommend that you schedule an additional treatment every 2 months to maintain your skin in excellent condition.

This continued regimen of skincare is important. As you become more mature with age, the skin finds it more difficult to regenerate and skin cell renewal is considerably slower. Take a little time to examine your own skin.

Use the checklist below to determine whether you need to consult a professional skincare specialist or your dermatologist about the micro dermabrasion treatments.

Does your skin have a dry rough feel?
Are the pores open, enlarged, or clogged?
Are black or white heads a problem?
Are there noticeable color changes?
Are there any brown scaling patches?
Is your skin texture and color uneven?

Pigment Peel Plus

Is the BioMedic Pigment Peel Plus right for my skin?

The Pigment Peel Plus is designed to treat skin discoloration and stubborn heperpigmentation. The procedure eliminates damaged skin layers and promotes significant rejuvenation. remember, always consult a physician when choosing your treatment.

What is TCA?

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is a non-toxic agent used to even skin tone by removing melanin clusters and promote healthy skin by restoring cutaneous equilibrium.

What happens during the BioMedic Pigment Peel Plus?

After cleansing the skin, the Biomedic Pigment Peel Plus solution is applied evenly to the face. A white frost will begin to develop within 1-2 minutes of application. Once the mixture has been applied, you may experience an intense stinging sensation for several minutes. At this time a fan may be used to minimize your discomfort. Once the peel solution is completely absorbed, the white frost will become neutralized signifying the end of the procedure. It is not necessary to rinse off the white frost.