Chemical Peel Q&A
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Best Chemical Peel for Sun Damage
asked 3 years ago by bojana in san diego
Latest answer by Dina D. Strachan, MD
Question viewed 22,598 times
Tags: age spots, brown spots, dark spots, sun damage
I'm concerned about how to get rid of sun damage and dark brown spots on my face. I'm 37, caucasian and have medium skin pigment and tone.
Can you please advise which chemical peel (if any) would work best for these issues? What concentration is necessary for the chemical peel to be effective?
9 answers to Best Chemical Peel for Sun Damage
+2
A multiple approach plan is likely the best.
Bojana,
To help improve your skin, it is best to start with prevention with SPF sun block and moisturizers for your skin. The next step is to start with good skin hygiene and a maintenance program. This could include Retin-A and possibly Hydroquinone. The next step would be intervention with chemical peels or laser. However, your plan has to be individualized to your skin, so it is hard to give specifics without examining you.
I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD
+2
Sun damage and the treatments
At Home treatments for sundamage; 1- Zinc oxide sunblock - I like EltaMD for prevention. 2- Hydroquinone 4% lotion or creams as a bleaching agent for the skin. 3-Retin-a for dispersion of melanin granules, thus reduces the chance of further sunspot formation. Doctors office treatments; 1- Alpha Hydroxy acid peels - (lactic, glycolic, acetic, salicylic) are better light peels with minimal downtime (lunch hour peels) and modest melanin dispersion. 2- Jessner Peels - a great intermediary peel...
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Robert M. Freund, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1
Best chemical peel for sun damage
You have many choices as how to address your sun damage especially given your lighter skin type. An evaluation would be necessary to determine which is best. You also would have to consider how much downtime you would be willing to tolerate. Having worked in both California and New York, I am aware that people tolerate more downtime on the West coast and that TCA peels are more popular. In New York, I would probably treat someone like you with a series of Jessner's peels which are great...
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Dina D. Strachan, MD
New York Dermatologist
New York Dermatologist
+1
You need an examination to figure this out
Hello,
The pigment change you describe would probably be ideal for a TCA peel although lighter peels may also lighten it somewhat. Depending upon your skin type and preferences in length of recovery and desire for (or against) anesthesia, TCA would probably be your best bet.
+1
Chemical peel ideal choice for hyperpigmentation and sun damage
Assessment of patients preoperatively is crucial to the success of a chemical peel. Although a clinical examination is necessary for individualized recommendations, Caucasian patients with melasma and sun damage are candidates for a medium depth TCA peel.
I routinely perform chemical peels in my office and have found them to be effective with a high safety profile. Preoperatively, I instruct patients to utilize a specific and accelerated skin protocol to ensure that the risks of the...
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Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Multiple TCA peels work wonders !
For the average 37 yr old caucasian with medium complexion and with sun spots and sun damage, I recommend 1 or 2 chemical peels of the combination Jessner's solution plus 35% TCA given at 2-4 week intervals. The cost is roughly $1000-1,500 each and does wonders for the skin although you do look bad for about a week or so. Some patients prefer no down time and therefore will do 5-6 lighter Jessner's solution plus 10% TCA peels at 2 week intervals at a cost of roughly $350 each. Good...
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+1
There is no generic answer to this question.
The most important decision for you is not which peel, but which doctor. There are so many great options to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, that it is impossible to recommend just one. It is important for the doctor to choose the right peel or laser for your individual needs, skin type and lifestyle. A really good pre- and post-treatment skin care regime must be given for optimal, long-lasting results. Lastly, sun damage means you are at risk for skin cancer. Can your doctor...
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+1
Effective skin care program may help without peel
I would not limit your choices to a chemical peel. Various peels can be effective, but their results are often improved by starting first with an effective prescription-grade skin care treatment program.
Skin preparation should entail daily application for about 4-8 weeks. Use products that contain RetinA (trentinoin, not "retinoids"), hydroquinone 4%, and hydroxy acids. We use the Obagi system, under supervision of our aestheticians, including education and monitoring. ...
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Sutton Graham II, MD
Greenville Plastic Surgeon
Greenville Plastic Surgeon
+1
Accurate diagnosis is essential for good results from Chemical peels for photodamage
A thorough evaluation is essential for a good result from a chemcial peel for photodamage. Visual examination of the skin followed by an UV light examination can determine the nature and depth of your photodamage. We also use the Fitzpatrick scale to determine your existing skin tone. In my practice we also perform an ultrasound examination of the skin. This gives us an indepth view of the exact level and degree of photodamage.
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Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon