Photoaging is the term used to describe the detrimental effects that UVA and UVB rays, brought about by sun exposure, has on the skin. Photoaging is the single largest preventable cause of signs of aging, including rough skin, sunspots, thinning skin, fine lines and wrinkles and more.

Here in Austin, we have bright, strong sun. Take a look at the UVA and UVB exposure for Texas in June supplied by the Environmental Protection Agency. You will see this is a consistent UV index of 10, which means it only takes 10-15 min to get a sunburn!

Unprotected sun exposure takes a toll on the skin, but thankfully we have treatments to combat these effects! In this article, we are going to discuss chemical peels and what sun related problems are able to be combated through their use.

WHAT ARE CHEMICAL PEELS?

Chemical peels are a group of treatments that use a variety of acids to help the body get rid of damaged layers of skin, thereby improving the overall texture and smoothness. Each peel has different abilities to strip away layers of skin, ranging from just the very outermost layer where little to no peeling is noticed, to deeper layers where heavy peeling is noted.

LIGHT CHEMICAL PEELS

Early sun damage can be effectively treated with light chemical peels such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid. These light peels work by stripping away the Stratum Corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin. This layer consists of the oldest skin cells that are close to being naturally shed off. By helping strip away this layer, you expose the new, younger underlying skin.

Light Peels are great for treating fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture around the eyes and eyelids. A good example of this is the SkinCeuticals Micropeel which is a combination peel consisting of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Phytic Acid, and can be used on sensitive skin, or for first time peel patients.

MEDIUM DEPTH CHEMICAL PEELS

Some blemishes such as age spots, freckles and actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous spots) are best treated with medium depth peels such as Glycolic Acid 70%, Modified Jessner’s Solution or Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) 10-30% peel.

Medium depth peels denature proteins in the outer and middle layers of the skin, thus shedding a larger volume of skin. This powerful reaction gives way for the body to start a healing signal cascade that reorganizes the skins collagen and elastin, resulting in rejuvenation and increases dermal thickness.

Because freckles, sunspots and melasma live in the epidermal layers, these conditions are effectively treated with medium depth chemical peels

DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS

The most powerful peels are deep chemical peels, which reach far into the dermis. These peels results in impressive rejuvenation, though do require the most care to perform.

Some examples of deep chemical peels are a TCA 50% or Baker-Gordon Phenol Peel. During these peels, the superficial epidermis and mid-dermis, called the papillary dermis, are removed through chemexfoliation. Because of the complexity of these peels, they are best performed by a dermatologist who can manage complications if they arise.

WRINKLES CAUSED BY UVA/UVB EXPOSURE AND TREATMENT WITH CHEMICAL PEELS

Other than pigmentary changes associated with chronic unprotected ultraviolet ray exposure, such as freckles, sunspots and melasma, the second major effect of exposure is wrinkles.

The reason wrinkle formation is sped up by sun exposure is the UVA/UVB rays damage the DNA within the skin cells, causing altered collagen and elastin formation. Over time, as DNA damage compounds, the skin is unable to regenerate collagen to the level it once was, and skin loses it’s tightness and plumpness. This becomes very apparent when you compare the skin between people in their 30’s and 40’s who spent a lot of time sunbathing as a teenager or in their 20’s to people the same age who consistently wear sunscreen and hat protection (think Korean skin care culture!).

Thankfully, medium depth chemical peels can re-organize and regenerate collagen and elastin in the top layers of skin where these superficial wrinkles form. Light peels unfortunately do not work in this manner, and thus are not recommended for advanced photoaging. Fine lines and wrinkles are effectively treated with 1-2 medium depth peels per year.

TAKE AWAY

• Unprotected sun exposure leads to early signs of aging such as wrinkles, rough skin, sunspots and other pigment changes. This is called photoaging.

• Chemical peels are an effective treatment for all of these conditions.

At Maui Med Spa, we understand that achieving beautiful, glowing skin requires a personalized approach. That's why we offer a variety of chemical peel options tailored to your unique needs and goals. Our experienced team of skincare professionals will work with you to select the right peel and customize it for your skin type and concerns. With our chemical peels, you can expect to see significant improvements in the texture, tone, and overall appearance of your skin. Whether you're looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize acne and scarring, or simply achieve a more radiant complexion, we've got you covered.

So why wait? Book your chemical peel treatment at Maui Med Spa today and discover the transformative power of beautiful, healthy skin!