A chemical peel is a procedure that uses chemicals to remove the top layer of skin. The purpose of the chemical peel is to reduce or eliminate fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Glycolic acid peels are one type of chemical peel that can be used for this purpose. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that comes from sugar cane. It is known for its ability to remove dead skin cells, which makes it an effective treatment for acne and other skin conditions that cause bumps and pimples.
The results of glycolic acid peels vary depending on how many layers of skin are removed by the chemical solution applied during the procedure. A glycolic acid peel that removes only one to two layers of skin produces temporary effects such as smoother skin and reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When three or more layers are removed, more permanent results such as smooth skin with fewer wrinkles appear after several weeks following treatment.
Read on to learn more about What Is The Difference Between A Chemical Peel And A Glycolic Peel, Forehead Lift Without Surgery
What Is The Difference Between A Chemical Peel And A Glycolic Peel
Chemical peels are a type of cosmetic treatment used to exfoliate skin. Professionally done chemical peels come in three strengths: mild, medium, and deep.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, derived from sugar cane, sugar beets, and other substances. It’s used as a medium-strength chemical peel. Glycolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Glycolic acid peels are effective for treating several skin conditions. This treatment is done professionally by doctors and licensed cosmetologists or aestheticians.
Mild glycolic peel versions can also be purchased for use at home.
How does a glycolic acid peel work?
Glycolic acid peels slough off the surface and middle layers of skin, removing dead skin cells and debris.
Since glycolic acid is made up of small molecules, it readily penetrates skin, removing the lipids that hold dead skin cells together. The percentage of glycolic acid contained in the peel determines how deeply it can penetrate the skin’s layers.
Glycolic acid also loosens and lifts excess oil from hair follicle roots, which is why it’s often used to treat acne.
It’s also thought to suppress the production of melanin, which may be why it’s beneficial for reducing dark spots.
Benefits of using a glycolic acid peel on your skin
Glycolic acid peels are the most common alpha-hydroxy acid peels used by dermatologists.
When used correctly, they’re considered safe and cause no downtime for people who get them. To acquire optimal results, you may require several peels over a period of time as determined by a doctor.
Glycolic acid peels have proven benefits in the treatment of several skin conditions:
Acne and acne scars
Glycolic acid peels are effective for removing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples from skin. They also help to reduce pore size.
Consistent and repeated use of glycolic acid peels have been shownTrusted Source to be effective for removing cystic lesions and acne scars from skin.
Ingrown hairs and scarring
Glycolic acid has been found to be effective for reducing the occurrence of ingrown hairs on the face and body. It also helps reduce the scarring caused by ingrown hairs.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks often start out as red or purple (striae ruba). They tend to fade in color, turning white over time.
Glycolic acid peels stimulate collagen production in the skin, and have been foundTrusted Source to be effective for treating white stretch marks (striae alba).
Dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Trauma to the skin can result in producing excess melanin, which causes dark spots called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type of trauma can result from a number of causes, including overuse of chemical products, acne, and eczema.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation presents as flat patches that are tan, brown, or black in color. This condition typically resolves completely after the application of 6 to 8Trusted Source glycolic acid peels.
Melasma
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that causes dark patches to form on skin. These patches often occur symmetrically on the face. This condition is also known as cholasma and is common during pregnancy.
In order to optimize effectiveness, glycolic acid is sometimes mixed with other skin lightening ingredients like hydroquinone to treat this condition.
Photoaging
Too much sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin. This is known as photoaging. Symptoms of photoaged skin include:
- sagging
- wrinkling
- dark spots
Photoaged skin can also appear rough with scaly patches called actinic keratosis. These can become cancerous if they’re not removed.
Mild symptoms of photoaging can often be treated effectively with glycolic acid peels.
Some people have better results when a combination of glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used. Severe signs of photoaging, such as deep wrinkles, typically require medical treatment.
Potential side effects
Glycolic acid peels are considered safe for most people. However, they’re not without potential side effects.
Side effects are more likely to occur if acid peels are overused or if they’re applied at high strengths by inexperienced providers.
Sun exposure and cigarette smoking, before and after treatment, may exacerbate side effects.
Potential side effects include:
- eye irritation if the eyes aren’t adequately protected
- skin irritation
- redness that may persist for several days
- a pulling sensation in the skin
- a stinging or burning sensation
- swelling
- changes in skin tone
- reactivation of cold sores
- skin crusts that can become infected if picked
Rare side effects include blisters, scarring, and hypopigmentation (permanent lightening of skin).
Who can get one?
Glycolic acid peels are considered safe for all skin types.
People with dark skin tones should use mild- to moderate-strength peels only, and should work with a medical or cosmetic professional who specializes in treating dark skin.
People with sensitive skin should use with caution.
Do not use a glycolic acid peel if you have active skin infections, blisters, or a sunburn.
Where to get a glycolic acid peel
It’s important to work with a qualified provider when having any type of chemical peel done. These include board-certified dermatologists or licensed aestheticians.
A qualified provider will assess your skin prior to applying a glycolic acid peel. They may also have you prep your skin for several days or weeks prior to the treatment by using sunscreen or other lotions.
Since they’re typically classified as cosmetic procedures, glycolic acid peels are rarely covered by health insurance. The price for this procedure can vary significantly based on where you live and the provider.
In general, you can expect to spend anywhere for $100 to over $600 for a mild or moderate peel.
Glycolic acid peels will affect the appearance of your face for anywhere from 1 to 14 days.
Mild peels cause less down time than moderate ones. Your skin type and sensitivity are also factors that will affect how your skin looks after the peel.
Some people are comfortable returning to work immediately. Others prefer to wait until redness, swelling, and crusting is completely gone.
You won’t be able to use cosmetics on your skin for several days after the peel. Ask your provider when you’ll be able to use products like foundation.
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Glycolic acid peel at home
Mild versions of glycolic acid peels can be found online and in stores. These range in price, often from $20 to over $100.
As with any product you use on your skin, only buy glycolic acid peels from transparent manufacturers with good reputations. At-home treatments may be effective for acne and other minor skin conditions.
Shop glycolic acid peels here.
Follow up with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional if you have any concerns before or after doing an at-home peel.
Skin care following a glycolic acid peel
Ask your provider for aftercare guidelines. For 1 to 2 weeks, you should:
- keep skin lubricated and moisturized
- avoid products that dry the skin
- avoid exfoliators on your skin
- use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
- not pick at blisters or scabs that form on your skin
- not smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
- wash your skin with cool water rather than warm or hot water
- avoid cosmetics
Call a doctor if you have uncomfortable symptoms of any kind that don’t go away.
Alternative treatments
Based on the skin condition being treated, there are a number of alternative treatments to glycolic acid peels.
Home remedies
- Home remedies for acne include spot treatments with tea tree oil and gentle exfoliating masks.
- Moisturizers that contain active ingredients like retinoids may help diminish some signs of photoaging, such as fine lines. It’s also important to use sunscreen to avoid additional skin damage.
- Creams with coconut butter or oil may help reduce the look of stretch marks. Aloe vera may also help.
- Melasma caused by hormonal conditions, such as pregnancy, often fades on its own. There’s some evidence that aloe vera may also help.
OTC and prescription medication
- Acne and acne scars can be treated at home with products containing alpha-hydroxy acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. A doctor may also recommend taking antibiotics, or prescription isotretinoin for severe breakouts.
- Hyperpigmentation can be treated at home with prescription medications or with products that contain active ingredients like corticosteroids, azelaic acid, tretinoin, glycolic acid, or trichloroacetic acid.
Medical treatments
Talk to a doctor about other types of peels that may be beneficial for you. These may include deep peels, such as those containing phenol.
Laser skin resurfacing may also help for conditions like acne scars and age spots.
Takeaway
Glycolic acid peels are considered a safe and effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging.
Medium-strength peels are done by board-certified dermatologists or by licensed cosmetologists or aestheticians. Milder peels can be purchased for home use, but always be sure to find ones from reputable companies.
Forehead Lift Without Surgery
Help! My Eyebrows are Drooping
Have you ever pulled your brows up slightly toward your hairline and thought, “Wow, I look so much better!” Everything goes south as we age, including our brows. If you’re noticing you look a little more tired than usual when you look in the mirror, you’re not alone. At a certain age, usually in our 40’s and 50’s, you’ll see a difference in where your brows used to be positioned and where they are now. It’s called the ‘Droopy Brow’.
In addition to your brows drooping or sagging, you’re probably noticing a few more lines across your forehead and some laxity on your upper eyelids and brow line. You see, our brows, forehead, and upper eyelids are all connected, and as they begin to droop, you begin to look tired or look older than you feel. Another sign of a droopy brow is when your brows start to look flat instead of the raised arch you once had. Technically, your brow line should be positioned just above your orbital or eyebrow bone.
What are my options?
There are several ways to combat facial aging of the upper face, including injections, minimally invasive procedures, surgical and non-surgical. The first is through plastic surgery. The surgery is known as an eyebrow lift or a forehead lift, and it’s been popular for decades. But now, there are also non-surgical and less invasive ways of treating your aging issues. We’ll go over all your options to make an informed decision on what’s right for you.
1. SURGICAL Brow Lift
If you want to restore the bright, wide-eyed look of your younger days, reduce forehead wrinkles, and reduce the 11’s between your eyes, a surgical eyebrow lift may be good to achieve it. There are several techniques for the procedure. Your plastic surgeon might use different size incisions and different incision placements based on how you’ve aged and your facial anatomy.
While thousands of brow lifts are performed successfully every year, surgery isn’t for everyone, and many people feel like they don’t have the time to spend in recovery mode. If you do decide on surgical options, you need to be aware of the potential risks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, some of the possible health complications with brow lift surgery include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Loss of hair around the incisions
- Elevated hairline
- Facial asymmetry
- Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Unfavorable scarring
Recovery time for a brow lift is between 1-2 weeks. Depending on your type of work, you may return as early as 1 week. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 2 weeks after the surgery.
2. NON-SURGICAL Brow Lift
Another option for restoring your brow placement and reducing wrinkles is with a non surgical brow lift procedure using the latest technology in ultrasound. In the past, ultrasound procedures have been painful and provided minimal results. But with the newest, FDA cleared ultrasound technology, Sofwave can revitalize the skin without surgery and dermal fillers.
Sofwave is performed in a physician’s office, using topical numbing creme, and it takes only about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.Patients can immediately go home, go out to dinner, put on makeup, basically do whatever they need to do without any worries. In clinical studies, 88% of patient’s appearance was marked as “improved” or “significantly improved” 12 weeks later after just one treatment.
Here’s how the process works… The Sofwave device heats the mid-dermal tissue at the right depth and temperature to rejuvenate collagen fibers and improve aging skin’s overall appearance. This collagen stimulation is a non surgical brow lift. In addition to upper face rejuvenation, it is also used on the lower face and neck. And best of all, it’s safe for all skin types and colors.
One of the world’s experts in non-invasive rejuvenation is Dr. Jason Pozner, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida. He says patients today are looking for results from a single treatment, and that’s what Sofwave can offer.
Dr. Jason Pozner
Pozner says, “Sofwave’s technology is different from the earlier versions of ultrasound treatments where many patients complained of the pain involved, and some patients, around 20 percent, said they didn’t see any significant difference in their skin.”
Sofwave is faster, gentler and you can typically see desired results after only a couple of treatments.
3. MINIMALLY INVASIVE Thread Lift
An eyebrow thread lift is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and it can tighten your eyebrows sagging skin and wrinkle and lift them, to achieve a more youthful look. Just as the name implies, physicians insert a small needle and dissolvable thread under the skin, thread it up and attach it in an inconspicuous location such as the hairline. Some threads have tiny barbs that hook into the tissue allowing the thread to ‘pull up’ your underlying tissues form.
As the threads dissolve after about six months, they create new collagen in the area. The procedure is relatively quick and not too painful. However, this procedure is only temporary, and you will most likely need additional treatments. Threads can cause some soreness, bruising, swelling, and puckering of the skin, but most people can go back to their natural activities within a week.
Which treatment is right for you?
When asked, most people will say they would prefer to go the non surgical brow lift route if possible. They’re busy, they don’t want to spend time recovering, and they want to get back to their everyday life sooner than later.
Contact your doctor for the initial consultation to help you determine which non surgical brow lift procedure is best for your droopy brows!
Temporal brow lift
Developing wrinkles and fine lines are not the only signs of facial aging. Aging can affect your brow and forehead regions as well. You will see that with age, your brow will droop down, causing you to look much older and tired as time goes on.
If you’re not happy with the look of your brow, you can undergo a surgical procedure known as a brow lift. There are different types of brow lift techniques depending on one’s own specific needs, but the temporal brow lift has the least risks and minimal recovery time.
What is a Temporal Brow Lift?
A temporal brow lift, also known as the lateral brow lift, includes the process of making changes in the forehead area while lifting the eyebrows at the same time. It is used to correct the outer one-third position of your eyebrow while giving the eye a very attractive look.
The Different Types of Brow Lift Surgeries
The different types of brow lift surgeries include a coronal lift, endoscopic lift, trichophytic lift, transblepharoplasty brow lift, non-surgical brow lift using neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport), and the temporal brow lift.
There are two other brow lift techniques that are not very popular due to the huge scars left behind by the incisions used. These techniques are now limited to patients suffering from severe eyebrow asymmetries caused due to trauma or facial nerve paralysis.
Temporal Brow Lift – Procedure
A temporal brow lift is mostly performed along with eyelid surgery but can be performed on its own as well. The procedure involves the surgeon making approximately one-inch incisions behind the hairline, just above the forehead.
The underlying tissue of the brow area is then lifted and repositioned for the desired results. The procedure will require only local anesthesia.
The Benefits of the Temporal Brow Lift Surgery
A temporal brow lift has a number of great benefits that include: has innumerable benefits unlike other brow lift surgeries as it involves the least risk with good results. The benefits include:
• A refreshed, vibrant, and aesthetically appealing look.
• Minimal Downtime and less risks.
• Hidden post-surgical marks since the incisions are made behind the hairline.
• The end-result can last for years.
Temporal Brow Lift – Recovery
After the surgery is completed, there is no need to spend even a night at the hospital. In fact, you can carry on with your normal daily activities within a week. The heavily sagging eyebrows will be gone after you heal completely. You will instead have perfectly positioned eyebrows.
Other brow lifts like trichophytic and endoscopic brow lifts, on the other hand, leave behind bruises that last for approximately ten days.
Temporal Brow Lift vs Other Brow Lifts
Your surgeon is the best person to talk to to determine the correct brow lifts for you. This will depend on your preferred look and type of brows, which includes your hairline. Temporal lift is best for those whose medial brow is in a good position and the lateral brow is flat or downsloping. It helps in improving the aesthetics of the eye.
However, there is no doubt that the lateral or temporal brow lift is the safest among all brow lifts as it involves less risk and shorter healing time.