If you want to restore your skin to a more youthful state without surgery or an aggressive procedure,
chemical peels may be your best option. PCA peels have been proven to be an effective anti-aging treatment for almost all skin types, and can effectively get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the effects of sun damage, and even clear up acne scars.
What Are PCA Peels?
PCA peels are made with various concentrations of salicylic acid, a naturally-occurring acid found in sweet birch bark, willow bark and wintergreen leaves. Salicylic acid is often found in many acne-clearing products and formulations designed to reduce blemishes because it helps to slough away dead skin cells, and stimulates cell renewal. Salicylic acid products are also used in facial treatments to target can-prone areas, but is available in a much higher concentration in the form of a PCA peel.
PCA peels are designed for skin rejuvenation, and are especially effective for treating mature, sun-damaged or pigmented skin. As long as the skin is not affected by active acne, a salicylic acid-based peel can be relatively safe.
Types of PCA Peels
There are several different types of PCA peels available, and the best treatment for you will depend on the condition of your skin, your skin type, and your primary goals. Different types of PCA peels include:
- Moderate Exfoliating Treatments
- Exfoliating Treatments for Ethnic Skin
- Hydroquinone Exfoliating Treatments
- Hydroquinone with Resorcinol Exfoliating Treatments
Effects of Different PCA Peels
The standard exfoliating treatment with a PCA peel is designed to slow down the production of pigment and smooth out and soften lines and wrinkles. This treatment can be used to reduce breakouts, clear up acne scars, and get rid of patches of sun-damaged skin.
PCA peels designed for ethnic skin are made without hydroquinone and other compounds that may cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of this skin type. Ethnic skin often reacts differently to salicylic acid than fair or olive skin tones, so a very mild version of the peel must be administered. When applied correctly, a PCA peel for ethnic skin can unclog the pores, lighten up the skin tone and smooth out wrinkles and lines.
Hydroquinone-based PCA peels are designed to get rid of pigmentation and lighten up sun-damaged or very dark patches of skin. Many women who have recently been pregnant are left with the ‘pregnancy mask’ where their skin looks much darker around their mouth and jawline than it does on other areas of the face. The hydroquinone-based treatment can help to lighten up the skin tone, correct discoloration and improve the overall texture of the skin. This type of treatment is also effective for treating post-inflammatory pigmentation from acne.
PCA peels made with hydroquinone and resorcinol are designed for oily skin that has been damaged by the sun, or skin that it is in the post-acne recovery stages. Oily skin is often difficult to treat with salicylic acid products alone, and this peel can penetrate deep into the epidermis to purge dead skin cells and get rid of pigmented skin. These peels contain both hydroquinone and resorcinol, a powerful combination for thick and oily skin.