Who is a Candidate for Chemical Peels?

Does a chemical peel make you look younger? Our Little Rock-area patients ask us this question all the time when they’re seeking cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate their skin.

Acne, scars, an uneven complexion, wrinkles, visible blood vessels and other skin imperfections may develop on your skin or elsewhere on the body as you go through life because of genetics and environmental conditions. Each patient’s situation is unique, and everyone will have different types of stressors that affect the appearance of their skin.

Sometimes you will lose that healthy glow that can be seen on younger skin. Skin rejuvenation strategies like chemical peels can restore that glow and treat various aspects of skin damage. Peels enhance the look of wrinkled skin and blemishes through the application of various types of chemical solutions to shed the damaged outer layers of the skin. By diminishing signs of aging and making your skin smoother and brighter, they can make your complexion look more youthful.

During your consultation, we may carry out a physical examination to assess the skin that will be treated. We will ask about your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking. Our team will also evaluate the tone and thickness of the skin. Chemical peels are effective for a wide range of skin types and tones, but they usually work best on people who have fairer skin tones and lighter hair. If you have a darker complexion, there is a higher risk of having an uneven skin tone due to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation after having a chemical peel.

Those who have a history of abnormal scarring, naturally have a dark skin tone, are likely to have extra pigmentation on their scars, have used certain types of acne medications within the last year, or have extremely sensitive skin because of skin conditions and medications may not necessarily be good candidates for chemical peels. Note that peels may not be effective for skin sagging and more severe wrinkles.

The best way to determine if a peel is right for you is to schedule a consultation. Contact our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas for answers to this and other questions about chemical exfoliation treatments. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you’re interested in learning more about this procedure.


3 Spring Skin Care Suggestions

The old saying “March winds and April showers bring May flowers” reminds us of how spring is a time of renewal and hope. After a long, bitter winter, we have brighter and warmer weather to look forward to as the Earth brings forth its new life. When it comes to skincare, many people also look forward to shedding the dead skin that has built up throughout the winter (we recommend chemical exfoliation from our Little Rock team) and making their complexion look more vibrant as they get ready to wear more revealing clothes and enjoy more outdoor activities.

Keep in mind, however, that increases in temperature, humidity, and sun exposure will also bring about their own challenges.

Even though we might be more than ready to enjoy sunshine, our skin needs a longer time to adapt to seasonal changes. Some of the most common warmer-weather skin issues include acne breakouts, contact dermatitis from touching certain plants, grass and pollen allergies, eczema flare-ups, insect bites, dry skin, rough skin, and sunburn. One thing’s for certain: Even though you still need to be wearing SPF during the winter, proper sun protection is definitely more important during the shift.

Want to maintain healthy skin as the world wakes up? See below for some of our suggestions.

Exfoliate

Dry and flaky skin is a common issue during the winter, but it can still be a problem when your skin comes out of hibernation. In fact, your skin will probably be even more sensitive to weather changes now. Dry skin will be much more noticeable when we ditch the sweaters and scarves to expose more of our surface. Exfoliating during the dead of winter isn’t always advisable, but spring is the perfect time to start. Slough away winter skin with chemical peels for the face or use an exfoliating mitt in the shower for your body.

Manage Acne Breakouts

Use a cleanser that contains acne-fighting ingredients, and “spring clean” to get rid of any old beauty products that may have expired or developed bacterial colonies while lurking in your medicine cabinet for the past year.

Lighten Up on Moisturizers

Switch from heavier creams to lighter, gel-based moisturizers and cleansers that hydrate but won’t clog your pores or feel greasy.

Want more advice on seasonal skincare? Contact our team at the Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or fill out a contact form online to request a consultation.