Chemical Peels
In-Office Treatments

These treatments will effectively help to reduce the depth of surface lines, smooth out rough skin texture, help fade brown spots and assist in clearing acne/blemished skin. The naturally-occurring AHA's (fruit acids) in these treatments will loosen the dead cells from the skin's surface. This allows the healthier skin cells to come through, giving a smoother texture to your skin and a glowing, radiant appearance.

PCA Peel® exfoliating treatments

These patented and proven light-to-medium peel formulas effectively exfoliate, bleach and inhibit pigment production. These peels help to repair and reduce breakouts, control oil, soften lines and provide a more even, smooth skin texture. PCA Peel® exfoliating treatments are available in the following three formulas:

Ultra Peel® I and II exfoliating treatments

Ultra Peel® exfoliating treatments are appropriate for all skin types, conditions and sensitivities. These treatments are especially ideal for sensitive skin, as they produce a reduced stinging sensation. Ultra Peel® treatments will help treat acne, pigment disorders, aging skin, menopausal skin, smoker's skin and sun damaged skin.

Moderate to aggressive exfoliation will be experienced, depending on the number of layers of Ultra Peel® I exfoliating treatment that are applied. Overall, the final result will be plump, hydrated and ultra soft skin.

Ultra Peel® II exfoliating treatment may be used alone or on top of any other Physician's Choice® peel, producing a lightening, tightening and brightening effect. It is a cream mask containing natural hormones and vitamins to provide freshening and moisturizing properties to aging skin. These natural hormones make this peel great for males as well as females, as it helps to counterbalance testosterone levels that create frequent breakouts during teenage years.

Physicians Choice® treatments and home care products are chirally-correct.

Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatment

Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatment was formulated primarily for Asian skin as well as all other extremely sensitive skin types. The solution contains a blend of L-lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Plant-derived progesterone leaves the skin feeling plump hydrated. The Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatment is formulated with L-ascorbic acid for strengthening and brightening while L-arbutin and kojic acid help treat hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The kojic acid, as well as azelaic acid provide anti-acne and antibacterial properties to the solution. The Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatment is excellent for calming rosacea, as redness and inflammation subside substantially after treatment.

Esthetique Peel™

The Esthetique Peel™ is an advanced formulation of L-ascorbic, L-lactic and L-retinol with a host of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins and humectants. It smoothes, tightens and improves the texture of the skin, while also helping to correct a variety of common skin concerns. The Esthetique Peel™ is effective for treating all skin types and conditions. Perfectly suited for extra-sensitive skin, including rosacea. The results are exciting!

Clarifying Mask

Clarifying Mask's blend of 20% salicylic acid with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents makes this an ideal choice for helping to improve acne, breakout prone skin and even sluggish and dull complexions. It brings new clarity and freshness to the skin. Clarifying Mask is appropriate for all skin types except for hypersensitive conditions.

Detox Gel for Oily/Problem Skin

The Detox Gel's low percentage (1.5%) of naturally sourced glycolic acid helps to degrease excessively oily skin. This formulation containing hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid and aloe smoothes the skin's surface, minimizes breakouts and kills bacteria. Excellent for facilitating extractions.

Detox Gel for Normal/Sensitive Skin

The Detox Gel for Normal/Sensitive Skin is formulated with naturally sourced L-lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid and aloe to keep the surface of the skin smooth, yet hydrated. This option allows for antibacterial, smoothing action without the dehydration that may occur with extended use of glycolic acid.

 

Most Commonly Asked Questions

Q. How much downtime is expected with a peel?

A. There is no downtime whatsoever with Physician's Choice® chemical peels. You can actually receive a peel on your lunch hour and return to work.

Q. When will I start "peeling," for how long and how much?

A. Everyone's experience will be different. However, on an average, you will see flaking by day two or three following the treatment. It is possible to see flaking for up to five or six days. With all Physician's Choice® chemical peels, only light to medium exfoliation will be experienced.

Q. Should I expect any discomfort when having a peel?

A. It will vary depending on which treatment is chosen. You may experience mild tingling or stinging, which only lasts for a few moments.

Q. What is the difference between the PCA Peel® and the Ultra Peel® exfoliating treatments?

A. Due to the complexity of the Ultra Peel® formula, it is less sensitizing than the PCA Peel® exfoliating treatments. The PCA Peel® formulas have more of a drying effect and the Ultra Peel® exfoliating treatment have a more hydrating effect. The PCA Peel® formulas have more instant lightening ability, whereas, the Ultra Peel® exfoliating treatment process is more gradual.

Q. Why would Ultra Peel® II exfoliating treatment be applied, and when?

A. Ultra Peel® II exfoliating treatment increases hydration and will encourage more flaking and peeling post-treatment. It may be applied after any Physician's Choice® treatment or is a very mild treatment when used alone. It's loaded with L-retinol AGP!

Q. What is resorcinol? Why use the PCA Peel® with HQ & Resorcinol and who is an appropriate candidate?

A. Resorcinol is an antiseptic, antifungal, astringent and flaking agent. The PCA Peel® with HQ & Resorcinol formula is excellent on active acne, smoker's skin, oily, thick, resilient skin and ideal for hand and arm treatments.

Q. Can people who are frequently in the sun receive peels?

A. Yes, only if they are complaint with using sunscreen protection. However, directly following a treatment and during peeling, sunbathing should be avoided. If you are getting peels to lighten the skin, use of the appropriate pHaze I3 Pigment Gel® dyschromia controller followed by pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF 15 or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 15 is ideal to reduce any chance of further hyperpigmentation.

Q. Which peels can be used on someone who frequently works out?

A. Someone who frequently works out can have any peel but must wait 48 hours after their treatment to work out. If you don't want to wait, the Non-Burning Facial Peel treatment or Intensive Vitamin C treatment are great choices. These treatments use our Ultra Peel® II exfoliating treatment which is acid-free, time-released retinol cream. It has delayed flaking action that creates no irritation or downtime and leaves the skin glowing and hydrated.

Q. My skin is very thin. Why would I want to peel? Wouldn't that make my skin thinner?

A. If your skin is dry and thin, often there is a buildup of dead cells that actually keeps your home care products from penetrating. Having an Ultra Peel® or Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatment will remove that surface build-up, hydrate the skin and give it a more plump, "thicker" appearance. The use of topical vitamin C products in a treatment, as well as in your home care program, will help to build the collagen in your skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.

Q. Are there any treatments that are good for rosacea?

A. PCA offers many options for the effective treatment of rosacea

A. Our low-burning TCA and L-lactic acid blend solutions are wonderful choices for rosace

A. The Ultra Peel I®, Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatments and Esthetique Peel all act as antibacterial agents while reducing inflammation and promote healing. Rosacea is best controlled with a combination of in-office treatments, home care products and lifestyle considerations. Heat is an enemy of rosacea - stay cool!

Q. Can someone using Retin-A® or Accutane® have any Physician's Choice® treatments?

A. We generally recommend that Retin-A® use be stopped five days prior to a peel and five days post-treatment because of potential irritation and uneven peel penetration. Accutane® users tend to have very dry and sensitive skin and need to be treated only with peels that are appropriate for their skin type. We have found that most of the Physician's Choice® chemical peel solutions are Accutane® friendly. However, your skin care specialist should always be made aware of any Retin-A® or Accutane® use.

Q. Can pregnant or lactating women receive a peel?

A. No. We recommend only the Oxygenating Facial Trio, Dextol Gel for Normal/Skin or Detox Gel for Oily/Problem Skin for pregnant or lactating women. Consult your physician for a personal recommendation.

Q. I thought TCA was a very aggressive and required a week at home for recovery. Why is this not true for your peels that contain TCA?

A. Ultra Peel® I and Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatments are effective because their formulations, but work in a way that does not traumatize the skin like traditional, straight TCA peels. As with all other Physician's Choice® chemical peels, there is no downtime. Following Ultra Peel® I and Sensi Peel® exfoliating treatments the skin is glowing and hydrated; exfoliation occurs more as flaking, unlike straight TCA.

Q. What is the difference between Physician's Choice® chemical peels and glycolic peels?

A. Glycolic acid tends to dehydrate skin after extended use. PCA uses L-lactic and citric acids which are skin-friendly because they are natural constituents of your skin. Physician's Choice® chemical peels are unique because they are moisturizing and hydrating and leave your skin fresh, soft and supple. Burning sensations are minimal.

Q. I have hard that salicylic acid is good for acne. How does it work and which treatments offer this ingredient?

A. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid. It helps to keep not only the surface of your skin free of excess cell build-up, it also reduces this build up within the follicles on your face. When dead cells build up inside the follicles and mix with oil, breakouts form. The Clarifying Mask is an intensive salicylic acid treatment, although it is not uncomfortable when applied. The PCA Peel® exfoliating treatments contain salicylic acid.

Q. I have breakouts, but my skin just looks sallow and dry. How can I be dry and have breakouts at the same time?

A. This is called "asphyxiated." Your skin becomes 'choked' with a layer of dead skin cells that do not exfoliate naturally on their own. Over time, the skin becomes oxygen depleted and it appears dull and lifeless. The de-oxygented condition is also the perfect environment for bacteria growth, causing breakouts. Treatments that oxygenate the skin and fight bacteria would be best for you. The Oxy Trio or the Detox Gel for Normal/Sensitive skin would help your skin to 'breathe' and look healthy and breakout free!

Q. Is there one treatment that is especially for anti-aging?

A. All of the Physician's Choice® treatments can help the skin function optimally, which in the end is what helps you win the battle against time. The Esthetique Peel™ is especially good for this purpose because of its combination of L-lactice acid, L-retinol and L-ascorbic acid blended with a host of nutrients and antioxidants to help your skin fight free radical damage. Mild exfoliation also helps to freshen the skin's appearance. Another top choice is the Ultra Peel® I exfoliating treatment. The inclusion of the progesterone in addition to the TCA and lactic acid makes this an exceptionally hydrating, plumping formula. In addition, L-ascorbic acid helps stimulate collagen production thus diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The formulation philosophy of Physician's Choice of Arizona, Inc. is to achieve results without pain or irritation!

We use AHA's to adjust the pH of our products.

We prefer lactic acid as it is the natural AHA of human skin.
Post-Treatment Tips

After receiving your chemical peel, you may experience some light flaking in a few localized areas for up to five or six days and slight redness for one to 12 hours. Although you may or may not actually "peel" during the first or second treatments, you will probably experience slight exfoliation and your skin will feel tight and pulled.

Patients should always follow the Home Care Regimen sheet provided by their technician, but the following post-treatment tips are also recommended to maximize the benefits to your skin:

* Do not apply any medications following your treatment not recommended by your technician, including AHA products.
* It is ideal to let the skin stabilize and rest overnight, but makeup can be applied following the treatment if absolutely necessary.
* Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use your pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF 15 or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 15 for daily sunscreen protection.
* Do not pick at or pull on any loosening or exfoliating skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
* Home use of pHaze 13 Pigment Gel® dyschromia controller is recommended twice a day to continue lightening hyperpigmented areas.
* Inclusion of pHaze 24 Rejuvenating Serum and pHaze 17 ReBalance is recommended to help reduce inflammation and redness.
* Do NOT go to a tanning booth for at least three weeks before or after a treatment.
* Discontinue the use of Retin-A®/Renova® or Differin® for five days after treatment.
* Do not have electrolysis, collagen injection, Botox®, facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately five days after the treatment.
* Do not schedule another treatment until your technician advises you to do so.

For two days following:

* Do not apply ice or ice water to treated areas.
* Do not put the face directly into a hot shower spray.
* Do not use whirlpool baths, steam rooms or saunas.
* Do not go swimming or participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.
* Do not use Buff-Puff® pads or other means of mechanical exfoliation.
* Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.
* Getting over-heated internally can cause hyperpigmentation. Stay cool!