RAPID CITY, S.D. — What if you could simply peel away the signs of aging, sun damage, acne and acne scars from your face, hands, neck, chest, back and body? You can. Chemical peels offer a solution that will literally peel away the hands of time. This noninvasive aesthetic option is a corrective solution for a variety of skin conditions.
The procedure works through the application of acids, vitamins and other chemicals to the skin, by a licensed medical professional with the purpose of causing a reaction. That reaction penetrates the outer layers of dead skin, which falls off, or “peels” and allows for new collagen to be generated and the body to create new skin. Traditionally this has been a painful process but has been continued to be used because of the lasting results.
“Chemical peels in the past were very painful and invasive,” said Nic Yost, CNP, FNP-BC, who owns and operates BeautyMed in Rapid City, “So painful that most people never came back to get another one, which hindered their treatment.”
Yost has found a solution for her practice that is safe, painless and vegan, the Vi Facial Peel (Vi). “Vi was the first painless chemical peel developed. The fact that it is also vegan allows me to provide a more natural solution for my patients and continue to focus on healthy solutions in aesthetics,” said Yost.
Another reason Yost was drawn to the Vi product was that it has been proven safe for all skin tones. Those with darker skin pigment have not been able to use this treatment option previously because the chemicals posed the risk of permanently changing their skin tone, explained Yost.
“Vi Peel is an invaluable product for those with medium to darker skin tones,” said Yost, “Everyone ages and has skin concerns regardless of their skin pigmentation and people with medium to darker skin tones have had few options in treating conditions aggressively.”
The number of treatments needed to see lasting results depends on the area(s) of concern being addressed. More severe acne or scarring may require a series of applications as frequently as every 30-days. For general skin care maintenance an application once every four months will produce healthy smoother skin and a reduction in fine lines.
Yost explained, “A chemical peel works with your skin to pinpoint areas of concern. Bringing a chemical peel into your regular skin care regimen is key to keeping healthy, youthful looking skin. Botox and fillers are amazing, but if you don’t take care of your skin on a foundational level, they will only go so far … you have to treat the whole package.”
Typical results after one 30 to 60-minute session varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of the condition being treated, as well as the patient’s ability to follow through with an aftercare regiment that includes sunscreen. Noticeable results will be seen two weeks to one month after the first chemical peel application.
Photo courtesy of ViPeel @skinmechanixx
As the name chemical peel would suggest, there is a phase of peeling after the procedure. The most noticeable days of peeling are on days three, four and five with peeling ending around five to seven days after the application.
“It can be challenging to wear makeup, because of the peeling around day three to five but by day seven you should be back to your normal skin regimen,” said Yost.
Yost has found chemical peels to greatly complement other services she offers such as micro-needling, botox, and dermal fillers. Especially for patients who have lower pain tolerance or a fear of needles. She explained, the benefit from micro-needling treatments derives from the depth that the needle penetrates, and that depth is different for each patient. “Ultimately I encourage people who are considering their skin care treatment options to schedule a consultation. We can then review their concerns and find the right treatment option for their individual needs,” said Yost.