What is an Alpha Hydroxy Peel?

A superficial alpha hydroxy chemical peel is a quick, no downtime procedure that renews the skin by lifting dead cells off the surface of your skin and stimulating the metabolism of the cells underneath. This is achieved with minimal to no visible peeling on the skin, unlike many other chemical peel solutions. With a series of alpha hydroxy chemical peels you can quickly achieve substantial improvement in the appearance of superficial lines and uneven pigmentation, while making your skin look and feel softer, smoother, and more radiant. Acne scars and enlarged pores may become less noticeable (although scarring may require additional procedures depending on depth and severity of the scarring). Acne breakouts may be reduced and, to an extent, controlled with regular Alpha Hydroxy peels.

When should one start Alpha Hydroxy Peels?

The skin is continually undergoing natural exfoliation. As one ages the epidermal cell turnover slows down and one's skin becomes dull because the topmost layer consisting of dead cells becomes too thick. This dead layer can impair the the skin’s natural functioning, causing whiteheads, blackheads, rough texture and uneven appearance of the skin tone. If one exfoliates regularly, new healthy skin cell are exposed to nutrients from the air, water and daily skin products. These nutrients are then transported to the deeper skin cells where they are needed, improving circulation and regular barrier function. Acne is improved by the unplugging of pores to release the excessive sebaceous secretions which cause pimples if they become infected with bacteria. Potential benefits of Alpha Peels include fresher, brighter looking skin with better penetration of active ingredients of skin care products.

Who would benefit from exfoliation treatments with Alpha Hydroxy Chemical peels?

Many skin problems are associated with excessive build up of dead cells making the skin hardened, uneven and dull. Problems are exacerbated by exposure to the sun, pollution, and other environmental effects, leading to damage and disease. Mild exfoliation treatments are usually suitable for all skin types including those patients with acne or sensitive skin.

• All skin types can be treated
• All age groups even the very young can be treated
• All areas of the body can be treated

What results can be expected after an AHA Peel?

• Fine lines and wrinkles become less apparent
• Skin tone evens out and improvement of overall skin colour
• Texture becomes more refined and smooth
• Oily or acne prone skin is improved
• Rehydrates tired, damaged skin as the AHA is hydrating
• Enlarged pores appear smaller and spots minimized
• Improves colour and smoothness of old scars (depending on the depth and severity of the scars)
• Skin appears healthier and more youthful
• Increased natural skin glow and radiance
• Overall improvement in skin condition of the face and body

What to Expect After an Alpha Hydroxy Acid Chemical Peel?

• Usually the skin is normal immediately after a mild Alpha Hydroxy Acid peel and makeup may be applied after your session.
• Depending upon the strength of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid chemical peel, a mild redness of the skin may occur following the procedure followed by mild scaling that ends within three to seven days. (Three days being the max for mild SHS Peels and this can be slightly extended when more aggressive AHA solutions are used, as when treating rough areas on the body)
• Mild Alpha Hydroxy Acid peels may be repeated at two to four-week intervals for a series of 6 peels until the desired clinical effect is achieved. With each additional treatment, you should see incremental gains in the overall appearance of the skin. Often, the best overall results are seen up to 30 days after the final treatment in the series.
• Your skin usually feels tighter and smoother but may also feel a little sting or itch.
• You have to care for your skin by using a mild cleanser for five days as well as protecting your new skin with adequate sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as an active ingredient. Ask us about our favourite Elta MD.
• It's best to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

When should one start Beta Hydroxy Acid Peels?

• The skin is continually undergoing natural exfoliation. As one ages the epidermal cell turnover slows down and one's skin becomes dull because the topmost layer consisting of dead cells becomes too thick.
• This dead layer can challenge the skin causing whiteheads, blackheads, rough texture and uneven appearance of the skin tone.
• If one exfoliates regularly, new healthy skin cell are exposed to nutrients from the air, water and daily skin products.
• These nutrients are then transported to the deeper skin cells where they are needed, improving circulation.
• Potential benefits of Beta peels include fresher, brighter looking skin and
• Better penetration of active ingredients of skin care products.

Who would benefit from exfoliation treatments with Beta Hydroxy Chemical peels?

Many skin problems are associated with excessive build up of dead cells making the skin hardened, uneven and dull. Problems are exacerbated by exposure to the sun, pollution, and other environmental effects, leading to damage and disease. Mild exfoliation treatments are usually suitable for all skin types including those patients with acne or sensitive skin.

• All skin types can be treated
• All age groups even the very young can be treated
• All areas of the body can be treated

What results can be expected after a Beta Hydroxy Peel?

• Fine lines and wrinkles become less apparent
• Skin tone evens out
• Texture becomes more refined
• Oily or acne prone skin is improved
• Enlarged pores appear smaller
• Superficial scars appear reduced
• Skin appears healthier and more youthful
• Pigmentation is reduced in all skin types

What to Expect After a Beta Hydroxy Chemical Peel?

• Usually the skin is normal immediately after a mild beta hydroxy peel and makeup may be applied after your session the skin immediately looks and feels noticeably smoother and tighter.
• Depending upon the strength of the beta hydroxy acid chemical peel, a mild redness of the skin and dryness may occur following the procedure followed by mild scaling that ends within three to seven days.
• Mild peels may be repeated at one to four-week intervals for a series of 6 peels until the desired clinical effect is achieved.
• With each additional treatment, you should see incremental gains in the overall appearance of the skin. Your skin usually feels tighter and smoother but may also feel a little sting or itch.
• You have to care for your skin by using a mild cleanser for five days as well as protecting your new skin with adequate sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as an active ingredient.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and ensure you wear protective sun hats when going outside.

Is SWiCH™ safe to use during pregnancy?

Your skin care professional will have a list of ingredients for the SWiCH™. Please consult with your physician for their opinion on what is best for you and your child. While there are no known contraindications, there is also no data on the effect of SWiCH™ on pregnancy. We believe in erring on the safe side, and recommend avoiding as many chemicals as possible during pregnancy.

Can I administer the SWiCH™ treatment more frequently than one per month?

We do not recommend it. The skin needs time to process the changes and get ready for another treatment. In some instances, such as very oily, thick skin, the SWiCH™ could be given every three weeks.

Is it safe and/or beneficial to use SWiCH™ on the hands, arms, and décolleté?

Yes, SWiCH™ works well on the hands and lower arms for age spots, discolorations and general signs of aging. It is safe for use on the neck and décolleté, although it is generally more sensitive than the face and you may have more flaking and irritation. You will need extra home care products.

Do the treatments need to be stopped at some point?

As long as the skin continues to improve and it is in healthy condition, the SWiCH™ treatments may be continued indefinitely. All treatments at some point seem to reach a plateau. If the client experiences a standstill in progress sometimes taking a break and continuing with a series of regular facials for a few months will allow the skin to renew. Going back to a series of SWiCH™ later will give noticeable results once again.

Does one have to stop all glycolic acid products before the SWiCH™?

Absolutely. We do not recommend mixing other product lines (especially glycolic acid) when the client is having SWiCH™ treatments.

Will the SWiCH™ help acne?

The SWiCH is an anti-aging treatment. There are better choices for acne such as the Cocoa enzyme application with the Oxygen Rx Treatment. The skin type and grade of acne will determine what treatment is best for each individual condition.

Will the SWiCH™ help to rid the skin of brown spots?

Yes, it will. You should use a Brightener two weeks prior to the first SWiCH™ treatment. It should be used daily along with the Vitamin C Serum and the Light Day Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF-37+ for the duration of the SWiCH™ treatments.

When should one start having SWITCH treatments?

It is best to wait until at least 30–35 years old to begin the SWiCH™ treatments. One will benefit from home care products such as Vitamin C Serum, Light Day Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF-37+. The Alpha/Beta or the Lactic acid peel could be administered, finishing with the Azulen Mask.