Glowy Skin wanted. Would a chemical peel be good for my skin? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am getting married next year and really want to start treating my skin so that it's picture perfect! I have large pores, textured and combination skin. Would a chemical peel be good for my skin based on photos? Thanks!

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Chemical Peels are a good way to accomplish a lot improving skin appearance. Whether you have issues with pigmentation, pores or rough texture, there are chemical peel options that will help. Plus, they are quite affordable.As with any treatment for your skin, take care in choosing where you have them done. There are peel solutions that are extremely powerful (and therefore risky) that should never be undertaken outside of a doctor's office.Go slow, get some professional advice from a dermatologist on an assistive  skin care regimen and take the time to self-educate on the different kinds of peels and what you can expect.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Deborah M. Longwill, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and sharing your picture. Great that you are planning ahead with ample time. An n person consultation is recommended to seek a proper treatment plan. 
However, from what I can view from your picture, I would recommend the following: Monthly facial treatments including hydrating facials, such as Intraceuticals Oxygen facials, a series of light to medium depth peels to soften skin texture as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling with PRP to diminish the appearance of enlarged pores as well as fine lines and wrinkles. These treatments will also stimulate collagen production and improve appearance of dullness, giving the skin the glow you are seeking.
A rigorous and suitable homecare regimen for your skin and daily use of SPF is key. Best of luck.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Chemical peels are a great way to address different skin issues.  A chemical peel can stimulate collagen production to reduce signs of photo-aging (including fine lines and wrinkles), improve the appearance of hyper-pigmentation and dullness, and soften the skin’s texture.  Anyone who is considering chemical peels should sit down for a consultation.  Every skin peel is specifically chosen for that patient's skin type and begins with a thorough consultation.  Alternatives to peels include microneedling and laser skin resurfacing.All the best,

David Hansen, MD · Answer

A medium TCA peel yearly is great for everyone and adding the Morpheus8 for skin tightening is even better and will help get you ready for that photo day.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

First, let me congratulate you on your engagement and upcoming wedding next year. Your question is a very frequent one in my personal experience. In general, best effects can be obtained by a combination of both an at-home daily regimen of prescription strength topical preparations and periodic in-office superficial peels. A home regimen typically includes the use of gentle twice daily cleansing and the application of a high potency alpha hydroxyacid, such glycolic or lactic acid, in the morning and a retinoid, such as adapalene or tretinoin gel, at bedtime. The accompanying in-office superficial peels can include glycolic acid 70% peels (or high strength salicylic acid or  low concentrations of TCA) performed at bimonthly or monthly intervals for a total of about four to eight treatment sessions, depending upon individual response and needs. Other relatively expensive topical products often recommended, such as all kinds of peptides, hyaluronic acid, etc. do not have the science behind them to support them as do the the alpha hydroxyacids and particularly the retinoids, and these other ingredients may just cost more and just sit on the skin surface without any significant penetration or effect. You would be well advised to seek consultation with a board certified aesthetic dermatologist to obtain the most appropriate combination of treatments for your specific issues. Best of luck to you, and once again congratulations.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Identify Your Goal
Everyone wants to look their absolute best on their wedding day, but not everyone has the same concerns. To put your checklist together, it’s important to first identify what you actually need help with. Is it clarity? Even tone? Smoothing fine lines? Honing in on those issues will help your doctor advise you and give you plenty of time to remedy them.

I suggest meeting with your dermatologist at least three months before the wedding and following up monthly. I want everything wrong with your skin to be squared away well before the date, and the reality is that may take a few tries to get right. This is especially important with health-related concerns like acne, pigmentation, and redness, as they may need more aggressive treatment.
Peels are a great pre wedding treatment that won't leave much downtime!

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your message and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! A combination of treatments typically works best to get your skin in shape for the wedding. Chemical peels are a great option to help increase cell turnover leading to a fresher and more brightened complexion. Adding in monthly facials and microneedling for pore size would also be a great option! This is definitely the time to start with all of these treatments though! You typically do not want to start something brand new close to the wedding date!

Bonnie Gong, MD · Answer

We have treated a lot of brides to be with similar problem like yours. What really transformed their skin and gave them glowing skin was the combination treatment of Infini Rfmicroneedling with PRP whicj is great for acne scars and LaseMD which gives glowing skin as it improves tone, texture and pigment.

Anna Toker, MD, FACS · Answer

A chemical peel helps promote cellular turn over and so- this definitely improves the appearance of the skin. One is not enough, and I would add other treatments. I would combine hydrafacial with chemical peel monthly and then as the event got closure would switch to intraceuticals oxygen facials. On a daily routine get s high quality cleanser, toner, moisturizer spf. Obagi makes a 3 step kit and it will be well worth the money!