Category Archives: Acne

Professional Chemical Peels

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There are a wide range of professional chemical peels available. These treatments range from light glycolic acid peels that can be incorporated into cleansing facials to intense TCA peels that require 8-10 days of recovery time.

This is a comprehensive list of the most popular peels/peel ingredients in each category: light, medium and deep. New combinations of these ingredients are being used all the time (and often given new names) so don’t be afraid to ask what acids are in the peel you are about to receive.

Light Chemical Peels:

Glycolic acid is the most widely used chemical peel ranging in strength from 2%-70%. Glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of the skin which minimizes surface pigment, fine lines and blackheads. It is safe to use during pregnancy and while breast feeding. The peel solution is applied to the face, left on for 2-5 minutes, then neutralized with water. This makes glycolic acid an ideal chemical peel to incorporate into a basic facial.

Salicylic acid is the most effective chemical peel for acne prone skin. Derived from white willow bark, it is chemically similar to aspirin which makes is unsafe to use during pregnancy and while breast feeding. Most professional salicylic acid peels are 20% strength: the solution is applied to skin after cleansing and degreasing with alcohol or acetone. 5-7 minutes after application, the heat and tingling subside and a cooling serum is applied; this is called a self-neutralizing peel. The solution must remain on the skin for at least 5 hours after the application but you may apply sunscreen and makeup during this time. Often, there is some light flaking of the skin 2-3 days after the peel is applied. This is normal and should subside with an application of moisturizer.

Lactic acid is the most gentle chemical peel available. It is derived from a milk enzyme and gently digests the dead skin cells. Lactic acid ranges in strength from 2%-70%, it ideal for sensitive skin types and is self-neutralizing.

Medium Chemical Peels:

The Jessners Peel is 14% lactic acid, 14% resorcinol (a phenol derivative), 14% salicylic acid and .3% retinoic acid. This specific combination of acids was pioneered over 30 years ago by Dr. Max Jessner as a way to reduce the harsh side effects of stronger acids yet provide significant results. There are a number of “modified Jessner’s” on the market and many of them have their own names: the Vitalize Peel from Skin Medica is a popular one. Jessners Peels are the most effective peel for lightening hyper-pigmentation and melasma. The formula is self-neutralizing and the depth can be controlled by the number of layers applied. The final layer is .3% retinoic acid which leaves a yellowish tint on the face. You may apply sunscreen and makeup but the solution needs to remain on the skin for at least 5 hours. Approximately, 36-48 hours after the application, the skin begins flaking. The amount of flaking depends on the amount of dead skin build up: if you exfoliate regularly the flaking may be light, if not it may be more intense. The flaking lasts for 3-5 days and you are left with smoother, more even toned skin.

The South Beach Peel is 7% TCA (tricholoracetic acid), 2% salicylic acid and .3% retinoic acid and was developed by a Miami-based doctor whose goal was to create a peel that wouldn’t leave his patients with increased sun sensitivity. This formula is self-neutralizing as well and the final layer is .3% retinoic acid which leaves a yellowish tint to the face. You may apply sunscreen and makeup but the solution needs to remain on the skin for at least 5 hours. Approximately, 36-48 hours after the application, the skin begins flaking. The flaking is usually more intense than the Jessners Peel and lasts for 4-7 days.

Deep Chemical Peels:

Tricholoracetic acid peel, commonly know as “TCA peel” is the most aggressive commonly used chemical peel. Lower strengths (5-7%) will provide a medium depth peel, while higher concentrations (10-30%) provide a deeper peel and require recovery time. There haven’t been conclusive studies about the effects of TCA and pregnancy so it is best to avoid while pregnant or breast feeding. The application process is similar to the Jessners Peel and The South Beach Peel; TCA is self neutralizing and needs to remain on the skin for at least 5 hours. The recovery period of peeling and redness can last from 8-10 days. TCA is the best option for large areas of the body, it minimizes sun damage and can even exfoliate surface cancer cells.

The I Derm Deep Skin Ionization Treatment

Acne Hannah Sowd Skin Care Professional Treatments Leave a Comment  / No Comments Yet!

The I Derm Deep Skin Ionization Facial, also known as the Iderm® Treatment, uses a direct galvanic current to introduce water soluble solutions into the skin, kill bacteria associated with acne and firm the skin. Dermaculture has utilized Ionization techniques for the treatment of skin for over 70 years. The Iderm® Treatment (a proprietary treatment technology owned by Dermaculture) introduced the concept of Ionization to the entire skin care industry. The photo above displays the galvanic mask (with the electrodes on the outside; the opposite of how it is used during treatment) for a feature in German Vogue.

What is an Iderm® Treatment?

The Iderm® treatment is the most comprehensive approach to treating the skin. This treatment uses a direct galvanic current which effectively introduces water soluble solutions into the skin by a process called iontophoresis. Skin naturally rejects whatever we put on it, so the only way we can truly affect the lower layers of the skin, is to draw vitamin rich solutions into the dermal tissue by means of electricity.

Is the Iderm® Treatment Safe?

The Iderm® treatment process uses a very low intensity current, a milliamper (1/1000th of an ampere) which is both safe and effective for application to the skin.

What Results Can I Expect?

You will notice how exceptionally clean and rejuvenated your skin looks and feels after the first treatment. A combination of treatments and proper use of skin care products will give your skin the appearance of a smoother, more youthful tone and texture.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, you can book your Iderm® Treatment with me; in Seattle, book with my good friend Jody at Dermaspace; and in Los Angeles or New York check out The Face Place.

All About Acne

Acne Hannah Sowd Skin Care Professional Treatments Skin Care Leave a Comment  / 1 Comment

Zits, pimples, spots, blemishes- call them what you want but we’ve all had to deal with them at one time or another!

There are many creams, lotions, and gels-both prescription and non- that claim to cure, prevent and treat acne but what really works and why?

Genetics, hormones, stress, and lifestyle all play a part in the condition of our skin. The two most common types of blemishes are cystic acne and comedones. Comedones can be open (commonly called blackheads) or closed ( commonly called whiteheads) but come from the same source, a build up of debris in the skin’s pores. Cystic acne blemishes are large, often painful bumps that start deep under the top layers of the skin.

Comedones are fairly easy to control while cystic blemishes are more severe and often need to be treated with prescription medication. Your esthetician can assess your skin and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.

Comedones are a result of excess oil from overactive oil glands, dead skin, and external debris clogging the skin’s pores. During a deep cleansing facial the skin is exfoliated (often with a light glycolic peel), then steam is used to dilate the pores before the comedones are gently extracted. Once the skin is deep cleaned, the first step in preventing the build of of the comedones is to clean the face regularly

Begin by washing your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser. Often, it is necessary to wash the face a second time in the evening to ensure removal of makeup, sunscreen and surface debris. A toner is not necessary but an astringent can help control oil in extremely oily skin types.

Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times per week using an enzyme exfoliant. This will remove dead skin and surface debris before it has a chance to clog the pores. Additionally, if your skin produces excess oil, a clay mask can be helpful in absorbing the oil and keeping your skin clear. Apply the mask once a week and allow it to dry before removing it with a warm washcloth.

When dealing with acne, it is important to keep in mind the goal is to balance, not dry, the skin. Wash your face with  warm water and use a light moisturizer even if you are prone to breakouts.

Spot treatments are good for drying up existing breakouts and preventing new ones in acne prone areas. The two most effective ingredients are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide; try both and see what your skin responds to best.

Regular cleansing facials, light glycolic acid peels and proper home care will help most skin get clear and stay clear!