Guess what? I’m almost to the point where I am comfortable enough with my skin that I don’t HAVE to go out wearing makeup! WOOOHOOO! It’s been YEARS since I’ve felt that way. That’s because of a few KEY things I’ve done over the past couple of months on my face. OH and before you read further, YOU can get a special GLOW Chemical peel for just $75! WOW… just tell them MyDFWMommy sent you! This is a GREAT DEAL and you can learn more about it below.
You see, I’m trying to learn all I can about the secrets to looking younger that doesn’t cost an arm & a leg! I have been visiting with our expert, Dr. Lori Stetler from The Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics. I’m telling you, she keeps it “real” and fun and she’s one of the best in town!
Through all of this, I’m learning the graceful agers aren’t aging better, they’re just aging smarter, so that is why I’m doing this series on the Secrets of Looking Younger.
We’ve discussed:
Botox (plus deals for our readers)
Clear+Brillant (plus deals for our readers)
This week we are discussing Chemical Peels
Peeling agents have been used for decades to correct flaws in the skin. The strength and depth of the chemical peel used depends on the condition being treated as well as the amount of improvement desired. The general rule is: the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery period.
Your Chemical Peel Options
Glycolic Acid Peels
The glycolic acid peel is the most conservative peel and is designed to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. It is very safe and effective controlling certain types of acne as well as lightening dark patches known as melasma. Because it is such a superficial peel, there is little to no associated recovery time. The skin may appear pink for a short time after treatment and may be slightly drier for a few days.
Salicylic Acid Peels
Salicylic acid peels, although they are still superficial in nature, are slightly stronger and go somewhat deeper into the skin. This peel is beneficial for the improvement of skin tones and texture. There is also little to no recovery time needed for this treatment. After these peels, the skin may also appear slightly pink and feel a little tighter. Mild peeling may be noticed in a few days following the peel. This is a great peel for patients with oily or acne-prone skin. These mild to moderate chemical peels are sometimes referred to as “lunch time” peels because they literally take just minutes to perform and generally the patient may return to their activities without any disruption. Glycolic or salicylic acid is typically the active agent.
Trichloroacetic Acid
Trichloroacetic acid is used for medium depth chemical peels. This acid can go much deeper into the skin, removing a portion of the dermis. Trichloroacetic acid is very useful for the treatment and correction of sun damage. It may be used to remove skin freckling and other pigmentation irregularities, as well as pre-cancerous changes in the skin. Some improvement with fine lines and scars is noted with these peels. Immediately after this peel, the skin is pink to red in color and feels very tight. Because of the depth of this peel a recovery period is needed. Peeling of the skin begins in 2 – 3 days and may last for as long as 7 – 10 days.
I did the SkinMedica Vitalize Peel which is a chemical exfoliation procedure composed of salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol and a retinol solution designed to address mild to moderate skin imperfections such as sun-damage, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scarring, uneven skin tone and texture.
It was a piece of cake putting in on (just don’t breath in deep during application cause the fumes are STRONG :)). I was told to leave it on all day and my skin tightened but didn’t look funny. I was told to expect peeling from 2-7 days. For me though, I didn’t start peeling until about 11 days in and it’s a very light peel. I’ve noticed a fresher look and the dark spots on my skin have become SIGNIFICANTLY lighter. No one noticed a thing throughout, even the peeling.
Basically the peel took off the damaged outer layer and made way for healthy NEW skin to take its place. I have a more uniform color and the sun damage on my face is now minimal, which certainly says something as I was a “sun goddess” as a kid.
However, chemical peels are not the answer to every skin imperfection. They will not improve loose or sagging skin, nor will they change deep furrows or scars significantly. For these issues, ask about laser skin rejuvenation procedures like Fraxel® or Thermage®.
Special for MyDFWMommy readers: Get a Glow Chemical Peel for just $75 (1/2 off) when you mention MyDFWMommy.
This is PRE-Treatment below:
Here are some great lessons I’m learning during this series:
Lesson #1: If you’re wanting to do any type of treatments, get back to your original skin color.
Lesson #2: Dr. Stetler advised in get “hooked” on sunscreens. The higher the number the better. She said SPF 30 is great IF you re-apply but many of us often don’t nor do we put it on well enough. Her opinion, go higher on sunscreen for added protection. For me, she suggested sunscreens with helioplex, for example Neutrogena, Aveeno an LaRoche Posey. For more information on sunscreen, you can read my post on How to Choose the Best Sunscreen here.
Lesson #3: Become one with an umbrella and hat when your out in the sun.
Lesson #4: Don’t just protect your face, protect your body and sun will damage and age other parts including your legs, hands, etc.
Lesson #5: Botox is a REALLY quick way to bring back youth and fix trouble spots. This FDA-approved product helps to soften facial expression lines around the forehead, eyes, and mouth without surgical intervention or unnecessary downtime.
Lesson #6: There is really no quick-fix to undo damage to your skin. It takes time and patience and choosing the right plan for you. That’s why it’s important to choose the right doctor.
I’ll be checking back in with you and sharing before and after shots along the way and hope you will learn secrets to staying younger with Dr. Stetler right along with me!
Lori Stetler, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas whose career path began with an undergraduate education from Baylor University in Texas. She was a summa cum laude graduate and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School where she was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She completed an internship in internal medicine and a dermatology residency at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She served as chief resident her senior year. She became board-certified in dermatology in 1993. Following her residency, Dr. Stetler began her private practice in dermatology in Dallas at Medical City. She moved her practice to its current location in Preston Center in 2001.
Training and Achievements
Dr. Stetler specializes in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, dermatologic surgery and general medical dermatology. Dr. Stetler is a Clinical Professor in the department of dermatology at UT Southwestern. She currently trains dermatology residents, fellows and medical students in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Stetler is a national speaker and trainer for several pharmaceutical companies in the proper use and injection techniques of neurotoxins and injectable fillers.
Dr. Stetler is active in a number of local and national organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. She has served as president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Dermatological Society. Dr. Stetler has been named one of the “Best Doctors in Dallas” by D Magazine annually since 2001.
