Light Chemical Peel
Dr. Brock Lanier, MD, FACS | OncoPlastic Surgery in Newport Beach
How It Works
Light chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the top layers of skin. The ZO Stimulator Peel is also known as the “lunchtime” peel - 30 minutes, no downtime. You can go back to work feeling refreshed. Even though it’s gentle and most patients don’t have any side effects, the ZO Stimulator Peel improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone.
Light Chemical Peels: at a glance
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Not all chemical peels are the same. They can vary from deep to light/superficial. The ZO Stimulator Peel is considered a superficial peel.
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Non-surgical, performed in the clinic.
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Usually about 30 minutes. Numbing medicine or anesthesia are typically not needed. Most patients describe minimal discomfort - a warm sensation with some “spiciness”.
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Complications are very rare. Some patients report a few days of skin dryness, a pulling sensation like tightness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight and certain products.
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Recovery is typically minimal. No downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some patients may experienced redness and mild dryness. These can be improved with a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen, and typically only last a few hours.
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Wait until any redness or discomfort completely goes away before resuming strenuous activities and exercises. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.
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An improvements is often seen the day after a single treatment. The best results are seen with a series of 3-6 treatments at 2-week intervals.
Many patients choose monthly maintenance treatments!
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Depending on a patient’s individual concerns, this treatment can be combined with many other options including deeper resurfacing treatments , BroadBand Light (BBL), Botox, & fillers.
Keep in mind this is general information about a typical or usual experience. Individual experiences can vary.
Treatment Areas & Concerns
The most common area treated is the face. However, this versatile peel can also be performed on other areas of the body including the neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.
What are the benefits and risks of a light chemical peel?
Light Chemical Peel Benefits
Improved skin texture and tone: reveals a brighter, smoother complexion by removing outer dead skin cells and stimulating new cell growth.
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: stimulates collagen production, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Acne treatment: helps clear breakouts by deeply exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores.
Minimized pores: exfoliation can make pores appear smaller.
Fading of hyperpigmentation: improves various pigmentation issues including sun damage, age spots, and melasma.
Improved skin cell turnover: stimulates new collagen and skin cell growth, resulting in firmer & more elastic skin.
Enhanced effectiveness of skincare products: removing the top layer of dead skin allows for better penetration & absorption of skincare products.
Non-invasive treatment: offers significant benefits without the need for surgery, needles, or downtime.
Long-lasting results: effects can last for several months, especially with proper skincare maintenance.
Light Chemical Peel Risks
While generally safe, peels carry some potential risks. Complications are rare but can occur.
Burning sensation: Some patients may experience a mild burning sensation in the hours after a light peel.
Redness and irritation: Temporary redness, swelling, and irritation sometimes occur after a light peel.
Peeling and flaking: Sometime mild peeling occurs after light peels.
Skin sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light and sun exposure is typical following treatment.
Skin color changes: Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin may occur, especially in people with darker skin tones.
Infection: If you have a history of cold sores, they can reactive with a peel. This can be prevented with medication.
Who is it for?
Light chemical peels have no downtime but still provide substantial results. These may be a good option for individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the procedure, and are looking to address issues like:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin tone or texture
Acne and acne scars
Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Age spots and freckles
The ZO Stimulator Peel is one of the most popular requests for both men and women in all age groups.
How is it performed?
Skin Preparation: The skin is thoroughly cleaned.. Anesthesia and numbing cream are not needed.
Chemical Application: The chemical solution (containing gentle acids) is applied evenly to the targeted area.
Reaction Time: The solution is left on the skin for a few minutes, allowing it to gently exfoliate the outermost layer.
Post-Peel Care: A soothing moisturizer and sunscreen are applied.
It usually takes about 30-60 minutes to perform.
After your treatment…
On the day of treatment, some patients describe the skin feeling tight or stinging a little bit.
In the days following the peel, most patients don’t have symptoms. Some do report dryness, a pulling sensation like tightness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight and certain products.
Gentle moisturizers and sun protection (avoiding direct sunlight and using sunscreen) minimize any symptoms.
Recovery & Results
No downtime with the light ZO Stimulator Peel. If any symptoms develop, wait until redness or discomfort completely goes away before resuming strenuous activities and exercises. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.
Improvement is often seen the day after a single treatment. The best results build with a series of 3-6 treatments, usually at 2+ week intervals.
A lot of patients love the ZO Stimulator Peel & choose monthly maintenance treatments!
