Minimally invasive skin treatments are becoming increasingly popular for patients looking to improve and maintain their skin beyond what a daily skin care regimen can offer. As the types of skin services continue to increase, deciding which treatment is right for you can be overwhelming.
At Bridges to Beauty, we offer two popular skin resurfacing services–microneedling and chemical peels. Below, we explore both procedures and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a skin treatment targeting your skin’s superficial and deeper layers. From a deep glycolic acid peel to a lighter trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, there’s a chemical peel made to target your skin concerns.
When you undergo a chemical peel, it typically begins with cleansing and then applying the concentrated formula. After the chemical peel solution has sufficiently absorbed into your skin, it is removed, and moisturizer is applied. Over the next few days, the old skin cells will slough off of your face, revealing the smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.
Skin Concerns Chemical Peel Address
Chemical peels help reduce or eliminate the following skin concerns:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Acne and acne scars
- Uneven or rough skin texture
How Many Chemical Peel Sessions Will You Need?
The number of chemical peels you need will depend on what you’re treating and your expected results. Light chemical peels can be done monthly, while deeper peels should be spaced out according to the treatment plan created with Dr. Bridges.
Advantages of Chemical Peels
Easy to Customize
You can choose the type and strength of your chemical peel depending on what skin concern you want to address. You can start with a lighter peel to see how your skin responds and move on to a more advanced peel once you know what to expect. Mix them up or stick to your tried-and-true because the choice is yours!
They Can Make Skincare More Effective
By exfoliating away dead and dry skin, chemical peels reveal the smoother skin underneath. Without the barrier of dead skin cells, your skincare products will perform more efficiently, improving your complexion.
They’re Completely Non-Invasive
Chemical peels are as simple and non-invasive as a facial, requiring no lasers or needles. For this reason, they’re a great way to dip your foot into a world of incredibly effective skincare treatments that extend beyond what you can achieve at home.
Disadvantages of Chemical Peels
Dry, Flaky Skin
After a chemical peel, your skin expels old skin cells, and new cells come to the surface. Your skin may feel dry and tight, so it’s essential to keep it moisturized. If you underwent a light peel, you may notice some flaky skin on your face. If you underwent a deeper peel, you may have some crusting or scabbing. These are all temporary parts of the healing process, and it’s vital that you keep the area clean and do NOT peel or pick at your skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Chemical peels may not be the optimal treatment for patients with darker skin tones. Because skin cells are removed, skin pigmentation goes with it. There’s no way to know if there are areas of your face where the peel may remove more pigmentation than expected, but it typically goes unnoticed on fairer skin. However, the light patches may be more noticeable on darker skin.
They Often Require Downtime
Because the strength and depth of chemical peels vary, so does the required downtime after your treatment. Light peels may only require a few days of staying out of the public eye. But deeper peels may require weeks of downtime and care, so ensure you have sufficient time to heal.
Microneedling With Dermapen®
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation procedure used to address various skin concerns. During treatment, Dr. Bridges uses a specialized device to make a series of minuscule punctures on the surface of your skin. Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling causes your body to boost its collagen production to heal the microscopic skin injuries. Instead of leaving scars, microneedling stimulates the repair response, resulting in smoother, tighter skin.
Dermapen® is a mechanized device that allows Dr. Bridges to precisely control the needle spacing, depth, and pattern. These customization options mean you’ll get increased collagen production in the areas where you need it most.
Skin Concerns Microneedling Addresses
Microneedling helps reduce or eliminate the following skin concerns:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Uneven skin texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Scars
- Stretch marks
How Many Microneedling Sessions Will You Need?
The number of microneedling sessions you require for optimal results depends on the skin conditions you want to treat. Dr. Bridges will discuss a treatment plan with you at your initial consultation so you know what to expect.
Advantages of Microneedling
It’s an Extremely Versatile Treatment
Unlike some skin rejuvenation treatments, microneedling is safe and effective for all skin tones. It is also safe to use when pregnant and breastfeeding.
It’s an Effective Treatment for Other Parts of Your Body
Microneedling can also be performed on other parts of your body, including your neck, chest, stomach, and scalp (just to name a few).
Minimal Downtime
While you may experience some minor swelling and redness immediately after your microneedling treatment, there’s no downtime required. Dr. Bridges will review aftercare instructions, but you can resume your daily activities almost immediately.
Disadvantages of Microneedling
Risk of Scarring if Performed Incorrectly
When done at home or by an inexperienced provider, microneedling can have the opposite of its intended effect. Improper microneedling treatments can increase your risk of scarring or infection, so it’s essential that you see a qualified provider.
Increased Sensitivity or Skin Irritation After Treatment
Because your skin has technically been “injured,” you may find it is temporarily more sensitive to your skin care products after microneedling. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and avoid using products containing retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliants for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Post-Treatment Breakouts
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may experience breakouts after your microneedling treatment. If you do break out, use gentle skin care products, and most importantly, do not squeeze or pick at your blemishes–it can cause scarring and increase your risk of infection.
Learn More About Microneedling and Chemical Peels in Shreveport
When you’re ready for skin rejuvenation in Shreveport, Dr. Bridges and the highly skilled team at Bridges to Beauty are prepared to help. To schedule a consultation, call 318-219-8555 or fill out the online contact form.