Chemical Peels at the Kovak Cosmetic Center

Chemical peels work by using an acid solution to remove multiple layers of skin in a very non-invasive manner. The chemical peel will remove damaged surface skin to reveal the smoother and fresher layer of skin beneath. Having the procedure has many benefits, including:

• The visual effects of sun damage will be reduced
• Lines around the mouth and eyes will be reduced
• Melasma, freckles and acne will be less prominent
• The skin will look and feel more youthful
• Scars will be less visible
• Pigment problems, like age spots, will be less prominent
• Skin texture will be improved

Chemical Peels at the Kovak Cosmetic Center

Different varieties of chemical peel are available at the Kovak Cosmetic Center to treat a diverse range of skin types and create different degrees of result. Each of our chemical peels are carefully designed using some of the best acids for optimum results every time. The three types of chemical peel that we specialize in are glycolic, salicylic, and mandelic acid peels.

Glycolic Acid Peels

Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA’s) that’s very commonly used for chemical peels due to the acid’s superior ability to stimulate collagen and skin growth. Depending on the strength of the chemical peel required, the concentration of glycolic acid used in the peel will vary, but even with a lower concentration, the results of a glycolic acid peel can be exceptional.

The smaller particle size of glycolic acid, when compared to other AHA peels, allows for a deeper skin penetration. The result of a glycolic peel is smoother skin that feels much softer to the touch. Due to the deeper penetration of the acid, treatment with this type of chemical peel is normally recommended once every 2-3 weeks.

Mandelic Acid Peels

Mandelic acid is another type of AHA chemical peel. This type of acid is created from bitter almond extract and has a number of important benefits for patients who suffer from skin pigmentation and premature aging due to UV exposure. Despite being an AHA peel, mandelic acid peels are very different to glycolic acid peels as the particle size is significantly larger.

A mandelic peel is a very gentle peel, so it’s often used for patients who have never had a peel procedure before. It’s also a good choice for dark skin tones and skin that is prone to acne. When used in conjunction with lactic acid, a mandelic peel will help to improve the signs of premature aging, lentigines and melasma.

Salicylic Acid Peels

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that’s derived from the willow tree, and can be found in numerous foods, such as cucumbers, radishes and fennel. The BHA peel works in a similar way to its AHA counterparts but it’s particularly well suited to patients that have acne-prone skin or very oily skin.

Chemical peels with salicylic acid can achieve great results, as the penetration is generally much deeper than with AHA peels; despite the good penetration, the treatment is very gentle. Salicylic chemical peels have numerous great benefits, including the ability to clean pores, treat acne problems, can decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The Procedure for Chemical Peels

The procedure involved in chemical peel treatment is very straightforward and non-invasive. On the day of your treatment, the area of skin that’s going to be treated will be thoroughly cleaned. Once the skin has been prepared, the acid solution will be applied to your skin. This will be done in small sections at a time, to maximize results.

There will be a slight discomfort during the treatment, often described by patients as a burning feeling, that’ll remain for a short duration of time. Once the treatment has finished, the skin will be left to heal, a process that can take up to a week. Further treatments can then be scheduled to ensure the best results.

Chemical Peels in Chicago: FAQ

If you’ve never had a chemical peel in Chicago before, then here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the procedure:

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Most chemical peels take just 30 minutes to complete, and patients won’t be required to stay overnight after the treatment.

How Often are Chemical Peels Recommended?

Depending on the type of chemical peel, treatments can be recommended either between 1-2 weeks or 3-4 weeks apart, for the duration of the procedure.

Are Chemical Peels Safe?

There are very few risks involved in a chemical peel when the treatment is performed correctly. Some patients find that they get cold sores and the skin may darken or lighten in some cases. Two very rare risks of chemical peels are infection if the area isn’t cared for properly, and scarring.

How Do I Know Which Type of Chemical Peel Is Right?

Before undertaking any treatment, you’ll have a full consultation with an expert at the Kovak Cosmetic Center in Chicago to determine which type of chemical peel is right for your skin type and desired results.

What Happens After a Chemical Peel?

After a chemical peel, the treated area will require time to heal. Soreness, redness, blistering and swelling are common side-effects of the treatment, and mean that the skin needs to be treated carefully during the recovery time. The skin should be cleaned gently, and moisturizer should be applied.

Are Chemical Peels Painful?

Chemical peels are not normally very painful, although mild discomfort should be expected during the treatment and in the days following the treatment as the skin begins to heal.