Sun exposure is at an all-time high during the summer months, especially for our clients here in Tampa. Despite our best effort to wear sunscreen and seek shade, strong UV rays often leave behind their mark, causing concerns like dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma.

When summer fades into fall, “Peel Season” is the perfect time to address these signs of damage! We designed this guide to help walk you through it.

What is a peel?

The peels that we offer fall into two categories: chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments. Both are non-surgical options that cause the skin to peel – literally! By removing the top layer of the skin, we’re able to reveal healthier skin underneath.

The main difference? A chemical peel is a topical, medical-grade solution, whereas a laser resurfacing treatment uses light and heat.

What peels are available at ÉLAN Aesthetics?

CHEMICAL PEELS

PRX Derm Perfexion: Combining hydrogen peroxide, 33% TCA, and kojic acid, PRX Derm Perfexion provides immediate aesthetic improvement and deep hydration with little to no downtime.
Cosmelan Peel: Cosmelan is the world’s leading depigmenting method and the best option for treating melasma. This peel begins with the application of a thick, mud-like mask at ÉLAN. Six to 10 hours later, you’ll wash off the mask at home with a gentle cleanser and begin step two, a daily anti-spot cream. This regimen helps maintain results while preventing new dark spots and areas of pigmentation.
Perfect Derma Peel: Suitable for all skin types, the Perfect Derma Peel includes the powerful anti-oxidant Glutathione, which lightens and brightens the skin, slows down the aging process and helps prevent wrinkles.
SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel: The SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel is a deep superficial peel that exfoliates dead skin cells, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, laxity, and stubborn discoloration. This in-office treatment includes a post-peel restorative masque to soothe and reduce skin temperature immediately following application.
ZO 3-Step Peel: The ZO 3-Step Peel is an innovative, in-office peel followed by an at-home treatment to combat signs of aging and skin discoloration. The treatment utilizes a blend of exfoliants, retinol, and multi-action agents.

LASER RESURFACING TREATMENTS

Tetra CO2: Tetra CO2 uses ablative laser technology to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin, stimulating healthy growth of the skin tissue underneath. As a deep resurfacing treatment, CO2 is ideal for clients with deep lines and wrinkles, and other moderate to severe skin concerns. It requires five to seven days of downtime.
Tetra CoolPeel: CoolPeel is a more gentle resurfacing treatment that minimizes the telltale signs of aging, such as fine lines, skin laxity, and sun damage. Less intense than CO2, downtime is typically only one to three days.
Fotona Resurfacing: The deep heating effect of Fotona’s Nd:YAG laser beam helps rejuvenate and stimulate the skin, while the Er:YAG beam helps the body to form new, tighter skin.

Why is fall the best time to get a peel?

During the fall, it’s easier to recover from a peel since we tend to spend less time in the sun, UV levels are lower, and our schedules are (typically!) lighter.

Plus, getting a peel in the fall gives you plenty of time to heal—and reveal radiant new skin—before the holidays. You’ll want to look and feel your very best for festivities with friends and family.

How long is the downtime?

We offer light, medium, and deep peels. As a rule of thumb, the deeper the peel, the longer the downtime.

Light: PRX Derm Perfexion
Medium: Cosmelan, Perfect Derma Peel, ZO 3-Step Peel
Deep: SkinCeuticals TCA Peel

When it comes to laser resurfacing treatments, we can adjust the depth according to your aesthetic goals and preferred length of downtime.

Will I definitely peel?

The way each person responds to a peel will be a little different. Most people will experience some immediate redness, flaking or peeling. Rest assured, your peel is still working even if you don’t see peeling.

How do I know which peel is right for me?

A complimentary consultation with an ÉLAN provider is the best way to find out which peel is right for you! To book, please call (813) 440-8743 or use our online scheduling platform here.

Your Guide to Peel Season