The Professionals In Facial Rejuvenation

What can I do To Improve my Skin?
The best non-invasive procedure for reversal of the skin aging process involves medical strength glycolic acid peels. These chemical peels remove the damaged outer layer of skin and stimulate the formation of collagen; fine lines, sun damage, age spots and skin discolorations diminish, and the skin regains elasticity. This slows the aging process, leaving the skin tighter, brighter and glowing. Skin blemishes, unsightly pores and blackheads also improve.

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of all the alpha hydroxy acids, enabling it to penetrate deep into the skin, where our collagen and elastin cells are dying as we age. The professionals at Carolina MedSpa use a proven, un-buffered glycolic acid product with a very low pH to stimulate the turnover of skin cells and formation of new collagen, important for prevention of new wrinkles. In addition, glycolic acid peels unclog pores to dramatically control acne breakouts.

How is the peel done?
Glycolic acid peels are performed in the office at Carolina MedSpa. After thoroughly cleansing the skin, glycolic acid is applied for a short period and then neutralized with a cool, buffered solution. The peel takes about 15 minutes. Patients feel a tingling sensation during the peel and for a short while afterward. Makeup can be applied immediately after the peel.

What is the recovery period?
Patients generally return to their normal activities immediately following the peel. The most sun-damaged areas of skin may peel for a few days following the procedure. Hydrocortisone cream may need to be applied to the area during this time, to alleviate any irritation as the peel completes its action.

How often is the peel performed?
For best results, an initial series of 3 peels is performed 2 weeks apart at Carolina MedSpa. Following the initial treatments, maintenance peels may be performed every 4 to 6 weeks. Daily at home maintenance use of our “Academy” medical grade glycolic acid products will increase the effectiveness of the peel. These products contain much higher concentrations of anti-aging and skinlightening agents than products found at the cosmetic counter. Best results are achieved by using glycolic acid consistently over the long term.

I have rosacea. Is that a problem?
Rosacea and other skin conditions do not generally affect the peel’s tolerance or effectiveness. We do recommend that you delay your peel if you have active herpes lesions or are taking Accutane.

Can I still tan?
Tanning has been shown to accelerate skin aging and damage the skin. UVA/UVB rays damage collagen cells, creating premature lines and wrinkles. We recommend patients use sunscreen regularly and avoid tanning beds.

What is causing my skin to age?
Aging skin occurs from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Intrinsic Aging
Also known as the natural aging process, normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly, and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades. The signs of intrinsic aging are:

Fine wrinkles
Thin and transparent skin
Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck
Bones shrink away from skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin
Dry skin that may itch
I nability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin
G raying hair that eventually turns white
Hair loss
U nwanted hair
N ail plates thin, the half moons disappear, and ridges develop

A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are:

Repetitive facial expressions
Gravity
Sleeping positions
Smoking