Light Peels

Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Jessner’s Solution, Obagi Radiance®

Thank you for considering UC Health Plastic Surgery for your plastic surgery procedure. We offer a safe, comfortable atmosphere in each of our Cincinnati offices. Light Peels—Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Jessner’s Solution, Obagi Radiance®—are conveniently performed right in our well-equipped procedure rooms.

Light peels are performed to treat sun damage, melasma, hyperpigmentation, brown spots, acne, dry sensitive skin and rosacea. By refreshing the upper layer of the skin, a smoother and naturally aesthetic skin tone will return. These treatments are recommended for all skin types and are usually performed as a series of 4-6 light peels every 2-4 weeks, with maintenance treatments done every 4-8 weeks if needed.

 

 

Procedure Benefits

  • Refine skin texture
  • Brighten skin tone
  • Improve sun damage
  • Reduce acne and scarring
  • Refine pore size

Private Consultation

Your personal skin care plan, performed at our conveniently located Cincinnati offices, begins with an evaluation of your skin to assess your skin and personal goals. This is the foundation of your individualized skin care plan. Your skin care specialist and physician will thoroughly review those results as well as your medical history and lifestyle habits before discussing which acid treatments are best for your skin type. An individualized plan will be developed for treatment intervals and the use of clinically-based home care products.

Preparation

In order to help the physicians and skin care specialist determine if you are a good candidate for any peel, please advise them if you

  • Smoke
  • Take or have ever taken Accutane
  • Have a history of keloid formation
  • Use retinoids or other topical medications
  • Are prone to cold sore, fever blisters or herpes

Procedure Overview

Our skin care specialist will cleanse and prepare your skin. Physical exfoliation may be done at this time to remove the most outer layer of the epidermis. The appropriate acid treatment is then applied. You may feel a slight stinging, burning, or itchy sensation for a few minutes. The acid will be neutralized or removed. An antioxidant, moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied to hydrate and protect your skin. Instructions are then reviewed and any questions are answered.

Recovery and Healing Time

No down time is expected with this procedure. When you leave the office, your skin may feel warm or tingly and be slightly pink or red, similar to a sun burn. Some flakiness and dryness is possible for a few days after the procedure. Moisturizing and avoidance of peeling any flaking skin are important. Makeup can be worn immediately following these treatments. The use of daily sunscreen is essential.

Light peels are a great first line of action to address many common skin concerns. After a series of peels, your skin will improve to reveal a clear and healthy complexion.

Procedure Risks

Light peels are milder than other types of chemical peels and carry a much lower risk of complication. Risks include:

  • Changes in pigmentation
  • Allergic reaction
  • Infection such as cold sores if prone
  • Scarring (rare)

View Procedures and Treatments in 3D