What You Should Know about Chemical Peels, TCA, & Glycolic Acid

Dr. Rebecca Baxt Gives Expert Advice

Chemical peels are one of those skin care treatments you hear about all the time, but they can sound a little intimidating until you learn what they do and how to get one safely. A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a blend of chemical solutions, at varying strengths, to “peel away” the top layers of the skin, resulting in healthier, smoother, and younger-looking facial appearance. After a properly administered chemical peel, your complexion will look smother, brighter, and more youthful. However, because every peel is a little different, it’s always best to have a board-certified dermatologist perform the peel to ensure that the correct acid and strength is used and properly applied so there is no skin damage.

Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends medical grade chemical peels to help reverse and improve the effects of acne and photoaging. People of all ages can benefit from removing the outer layer of skin (epidermis) with a peel to address:

• Acne breakouts and scars
• Hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin texture
• Sun damage

At BAXT CosMedical^®, a premier medical and cosmetic dermatology center located in Paramus, NJ, only Dr. Rebecca Baxt performs chemical peels.

Chemical peels are generally divided into three main categories based on their strength:

• Light (superficial) peels: Provide a quick skin refresh with no downtime.
• Medium-depth peels: Target acne scars, deeper lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This peel offers optimal benefits as the peel is deeper and the skin regenerates and heals over time. Because they penetrate further, they offer more noticeable results, though some recovery time is needed.
• Deep peels: Used for significant wrinkles and advanced sun damaged. These peels require a longer healing period as the skin heals and regenerates.

In certain cases, Dr. Baxt may recommend chemical peels to treat pre-cancerous skin changes, offering both cosmetic and medical benefits.

To aid in your skin’s recovery after a chemical peel, Dr. Baxt will recommend a gentle skincare routine for you to follow. It is important that chemical peel patients avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks following treatment, sunblock and a hat are recommended!

Chemical Peels for Photoaging

You may cleanse, moisturize, stay hydrated, eat well, and apply sunscreen every day, and those habits absolutely matter. But even the best skin care routine can’t fully prevent the effects of time, sun exposure, and environmental stressors on your skin. As Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist, explains, healthy skin is built on three effective essentials: hydration, sun protection, and consistent skincare.

Still, many people begin to notice the signs of photoaging, including fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and changes in skin texture. Chemical peels offer a safe, effective way to address uneven pigmentation.

Chemical Peels for Acne Scars

Acne is a common skin condition that can occur at any age, and while simple breakouts themselves may be frustrating, some teens and adults have more severe acne that can leave behind scars which can be even more distressing. Because every patient’s skin type, acne severity, and healing patterns are different, Dr. Rebecca Baxt takes a highly individualized approach when recommending treatments for acne and acne scarring.

At BAXT CosMedical^®, your care always begins with a comprehensive consultation and skin examination with Dr. Rebecca Baxt. From there, she determines the safest and most effective treatment plan for your skin.

Chemical peels are one of several proven options for improving acne and acne scars. However, Dr. Baxt strongly advises against using over-the-counter DIY chemical peels. Without proper training, these products can cause severe chemical burns, scarring, and long-term skin damage. For safe and effective results, a board-certified dermatologist should always perform chemical peels.