Medium To Deep Strength Acid Peels JESSNER'S PEEL This medium depth treatment, is designed to promote peeling and remove sun damaged layers of skin. This peel consists of a mixture of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol, an exfoliating agent. The healing time takes 5 to 7 days, during which it is recommended that you remain indoors and refrain from applying make-up. Initially the skin darkens and feels very tight. After 3 to 4 days it should begin to crack and peel. It is very important not to pick or pull at the peeling skin, as this may cause hyperpigmentation and prolong the healing process. During this time, petroleum jelly or an ointment recommended by your specialist can be applied to the skin to soothe it. White vinegar soaks are helpful in removing the dead skin. Dilute 1 tsp of white vinegar in 8 oz. of cool water and apply to the face with a washcloth for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, after which any remaining peeling skin can be gently removed. After the peeling stops, the skin will emerge feeling incredibly soft and smooth. This rejuvenating treatment is excellent at evening out pigmentation, improving the texture of the skin and minimizing fine lines. TCA PEEL (TRICHLOROACETIC ACID PEEL) This medium to deep chemical treatment consists of 15, 20 or 35% TCA applied in layers. The strength and number of layers applied, depends on the condition of the skin and determines the depth of the peel. The stronger the concentration, the greater the improvement. Peels of 15 to 20% remove only the epithelial (superficial) layers of skin and take 5 to 7 days to heal. These lower concentrations TCA peels are comparable in their results to the Jessner's peel. In concentrations of 35% or greater the penetration reaches deeper into the dermal layers of the skin and healing takes 10 to 12 days. The TCA peel is an outpatient procedure used to smooth out fine wrinkles, reduce sun damage, even out pigment irregularities and improve mild acne scarring. BEFORE TCA PEEL AFTER TCA PEEL This peel is often advertised as the Blue Peel. Developed by Dr. Obagi, this variation of the TCA peel was designed with a built-in, dye based safety mechanism to avoid unnecessarily deep penetration. This mechanism may be helpful to beginners, but an experienced professional should rely on other factors to determine the endpoint of the peel. PHENOL PEEL This is the deepest of the chemical peels. It penetrates into the reticular dermis to correct severe sun damage, acne scarring and deep wrinkles. Due to its toxicity, a complete physical examination and an electrocardiogram is required prior to the procedure. The healing takes approximately 2 weeks and the procedure can be repeated in 1 year if needed.