A chemical peel is a facial rejuvenation treatment that resurfaces your skin for a smooth, dewy complexion. It works by removing the damaged outer layers of skin and encouraging cellular renewal to create a more youthful-looking appearance, effectively treating blemishes, age spots, fine lines and other imperfections. Chemical peels are available in varying strengths and solutions designed to penetrate distinct layers of the skin, allowing your practitioner to select the best formula for your needs.

At Northcoast Laser, we offer three proven chemical peels to remove dull, damaged skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. From mild peels to more aggressive treatments, our aestheticians can help you choose the right chemical peel based on your skin care needs and will thoroughly evaluate your skin to ensure highly personalized results. Keep reading to learn more about the peels we offer at our location in Mentor, Ohio — Stimulator Peel and ZO 3-Step Peel.

What is a Stimulator Peel?

Also known as the “red carpet” peel, the Stimulator Peel uses three proven ingredients to rejuvenate dull, rough-looking skin with minimal redness or peeling. It works by combining salicylic, lactic and citric acid in a three-step process to exfoliate and refresh your skin’s appearance, removing dead skin cells, impurities and blemishes to reveal a smooth, clear complexion. This treatment also stimulates cellular renewal to improve collagen and elastin production, making it effective at treating a number of common skin problems, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Enlarged pores
• Mild acne
• Uneven texture

The acids used in the Stimulator Peel are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are safe and effective for all skin tones and types. Combining AHAs with retinol can increase irritation and sun sensitivity, however, so it’s best to consult with one of our practitioners about your skin care routine before your procedure. Most clients notice a visible difference after just one treatment, but the Stimulator Peel can be repeated two weeks after your last appointment. At Northcoast Laser, we recommended a series of three to four treatments for optimal results, but this may vary depending on your needs and specific goals.

What is a ZO 3-Step Peel?

The ZO 3-Step Peel is an advanced treatment that delivers outstanding results with a multi-step process designed to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Often used to minimize the signs of aging, improve skin texture and eliminate dry, damaged skin cells, the ZO 3-Step Peel combines a more aggressive peel solution with a stimulating retinol cream that works to improve cellular turnover and enhance collagen production. The result is firm, supple skin that glows with renewed health and vitality.

The ZO 3-Step Peel is a multi-step process that begins in-office but will be completed at home. The three steps that make this treatment so effective are:

Step 1 — Peel Application

Your skin care expert will apply the peel solution in-office, which is formulated with salicylic, lactic and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove the damaged outer layer of the skin.

Step 2 — Retinol Cream

After the peel, a retinol cream will be applied to stimulate cellular renewal and boost collagen production. The peel solution will allow this cream to penetrate deeply to provide maximum benefit to your skin. You will be given retinol cream to apply the next day, as well.

Step 3 — Calming Cream

Next, a calming cream will be applied to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and restore moisture. This cream contains ceramides, antioxidants and collagen-boosting peptides to promote healthy skin, and you will continue to apply it twice daily at home for optimal results.

You will begin to peel within two days after your treatment, which often starts around the mouth before spreading up and out. Don’t pick or pull at any peeling skin and allow it to slough off naturally — otherwise, you may interrupt the healing process and compromise your results. You should also avoid sun exposure for seven to 10 days after your treatment. To minimize downtime and ensure a healthy recovery, you will be given detailed aftercare instructions and be able to contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.

The ZO 3-Step Peel is suitable for all skin types and provides dramatic, long-lasting results. Most clients notice an improvement after their first treatment, but this peel can be repeated after three to four weeks if you need a deeper level of skin repair. Our skin care experts will recommend the number and strength of peel best suited for your concerns and develop an individualized treatment plan to help your goals.

Which Peel is Right for Me?

With all of the chemical peel options available today, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why our team of skin care experts will work closely with you to identify your main concerns and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. Before your treatment, we will also thoroughly evaluate your skin and ask about any problem areas, sensitivities or conditions you may have to ensure a safe and effective procedure. Although our practitioners can find the right chemical peel for all skin tones and types, you may not be a good candidate if any of the following applies to you:

• A history of keloids or abnormal scarring
• Are taking medications that increase skin sensitivity (Accutane, certain antibiotics)
• Have open wounds, cuts, sores or burns
• Are suffering from an active infection or skin disease

Additionally, some concerns such as sagging, severe scarring or deep wrinkles may not respond to a chemical peel, but our team can recommend a different approach for helping you reach your aesthetic goals. At Northcoast Laser, we also offer more intensive treatments like laser resurfacing and injectables for a wide range of skin care needs.

Advantages of a Chemical Peel at Northcoast Laser

Chemical peels are a quick, easy and effective solution for many common skin issues, but also provide a plethora of other benefits compared to other facial treatments.

One of the biggest advantages of a chemical peel is that it can be personalized just for you. Depending on your needs and sensitivity level, your practitioner can use a mild, medium or heavy peel to target your specific concerns, whether it be aging, acne or a dull complexion.

Another advantage is that a chemical peel can boost the effectiveness of skin care products you already use. By removing dead skin cells, excess oil and other impurities, the active ingredients in your skin care products will be able to penetrate deeper and work their effects where it matters most. This promotes long-term effects and helps you maintain a bright, radiant complexion long after your treatment.

Other advantages of chemical peels include:

• Improved effectiveness of skin care products
• Easy exfoliation
• Highly customizable treatments
• Light, medium and heavy peels for all skin types
• Stimulates collagen production

Chemical peels can also be repeated to further enhance your results or combined with other treatments for a more dramatic outcome. At Northcoast Laser, we offer Botox, dermal fillers and microneedling, which can be combined with your chemical peel either before or after your treatment to achieve the beautiful, long-lasting results you deserve.

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