Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels

As a specific acne treatment or as part of your general skin care package, the effects of microdermabrasion and chemical peels include better skin color and texture, and reduce the visibility of age spots.

We offer a Physician-grade Microdermabrasion, which is a series of treatments that progressively work up to an aggressive level of exfoliation. This type of microdermabrasion is not found in typical day spas.

What Can Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels Do For Me?

Although different in approach and technique, both Chemical Peels and microdermabrasion result in the same thing: exposure of a new layer of fresher, healthier skin.

By exfoliating superficial layers of the epidermis (whether by a sanding or chemical process), various skin conditions can be addressed, including acne-damaged and sun-damaged skin or simply irregular pigmentation, superficial blemishes and fine wrinkles.

What Areas Of The Body Can Be Treated By Microdermabrasion And Chemical Peels?

In addition to the face, Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels are available for the neck, chest, arms, back and hands.

How Many Treatments Are Necessary?

For optimal results, about four Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peel appointments are scheduled, one every four weeks. Upon completion of this series of treatments, results should be evident for up to one year. Schedule your free consultation, and our expert staff will help you choose a path of treatment.

Does Microdermabrasion Hurt? What About Chemical Peels?

Microdermabrasion: No. People often compare the sensation of exfoliation by Microdermabrasion to that of being licked by a cat, which certainly does not require anesthetic.

Chemical Peels: Depending on the type of chemical used in the peel, a stinging sensation might be felt upon application, but passes quickly and is also eased by our use of a chilled-air blower. In fact, some chemical solutions naturally act as anesthetics themselves. You may experience redness, mild swelling, itchiness, and some burning sensation during the first night following the Chemical peel. This will pass and is generally mild in nature.

Which Chemicals Do You Use In Your Chemical Peels?

Medium depth peels can be achieved with a variety of chemicals. At Illuminations Medical Spa, we perform most chemical peels with TCA (trichloroacetic acid). TCA is recognized throughout the industry to be highly effective in promoting skin smoothness, removing superficial discoloration and eliminating fine wrinkles. Depending on skin type and desired outcome, however, other agents including Jessner’s solution, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, may also be used.

How Long Is Each Treatment?

Plan at least 15 minutes for Chemical Peels and a minimum of 30 minutes for your Microdermabrasion appointment.

Is There A Recovery Time For Chemical Peels Or Microdermabrasion?

Chemical Peels: Recovery time may be up to seven days. Expect to have the most significant time of peeling around 24-48 hours after application. You may experience redness, mild swelling, itchiness, and some burning sensation. This is generally mild, but the use of moisturizer will help to alleviate any discomfort. Never peel the loose skin away or scarring may occur. We recommend using a small pair of scissors to cut the peeling skin from the attached skin, otherwise scarring will occur. No serums, vitamin C or A lotions, glycolic acids, lactic acids, salicylic acids, or Retin-A are to be used during this 7 day period. Only use gentle cleanser to cleanse face, moisturizer, and sun protection. We offer Vivant Skincare for these needs.

Microdermabrasion: Recovery time can be up to five days of slight flaking of skin and mild redness for up to 24hours. We recommend using your regular skin care regimen after treatment, however, no major exfoliation treatments for at least 14 days.