Aesthetic Procedures & Why Skin Tone Plays A Role

Have you ever looked at a celebrity’s post-treatment glow and wondered how to achieve similar results for your own skin? While genetics play a role, understanding your unique skin type is the key to unlocking a safe and effective chemical peel experience. Here at Summit Medical Spa, we leverage the Fitzpatrick scale, a cornerstone of personalized aesthetics, to ensure your chemical peel journey delivers optimal results.

In this article, you will learn about what your Fitzpatrick type is and why it is taken into account by your aesthetician.

How Does Skin Tone Factor Into My Treatments?:

Our skin color is a direct result of the amount of melanin a person’s skin has. Likewise, the more melanin a person has, the higher the sun protection they have against ultraviolet rays and the sun. The reason why this matters is because your Fitzpatrick type is directly correlated to how effective a treatment is, what the outcome may be, and the expectations of the client.

The Fitzpatrick Scale:

The Fitzpatrick Scale is the most commonly used system to date and is used by skincare specialists to classify a patient’s skin type.

The scale was created in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was a Harvard Medical School dermatologist who studied complexions and reactions to sunlight, such as burning and tanning. Today, the Fitzpatrick Scale is used worldwide by dermatologists, aestheticians, and skin specialists to determine protocols for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures such as laser tattoo removal. (Milady Standard Advanced Esthetics, Chapter 12)

Decoding Your Fitzpatrick Type: A Roadmap to Personalized Care

The Fitzpatrick scale categorizes skin types on a spectrum of I to VI, with Type I being the fairest and most sun-sensitive, and Type VI having the darkest complexion with the highest natural sun protection. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you identify your type:

Decoding Your Fitzpatrick Type: A Roadmap to Personalized Care

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemoexfoliation, also known as chemical peeling, is a method of targeted cutaneous ablation using specific caustic agents that allow for rapid, predictable, and uniform thickness of chemoablation to a desired cutaneous depth, ultimately resulting in an improved appearance of skin. ( The Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology, Teo Soleymani, MD, Julien Lanoue, MD, and Zakia Rahman, MD, P1). Meaning, your esthetician will be using a cocktail of chemicals to denature (Destroy) your skin cells causing your skin to shed its top layers. Think of your peel as a controlled wound, resulting in “ the normal healing signal cascade, including stimulation, development, and deposition of new dermal collagen and elastin, reorganization of structural scaffold proteins and dermal connective tissue, and regeneration of new keratinocytes.” ( The Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology, P7)

The Benefits Of Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels utilize a precisely controlled application of chemical solutions to remove the topmost layers of skin.This controlled exfoliation process triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of youthful, radiant skin. The result? A smoother, brighter, and more even complexion with reduced signs of aging and sun damage. There are many benefits to receiving a chemical peel. Chemical peels reveal a brighter, smoother, and more refined complexion. People also see improved appearance in the overall look and feel of the skin in just one treatment. Other benefits of receiving a chemical peel include:

• Fine Line and Wrinkles
• Acne or Acne Scars
• Irregular Skin Pigmentation
• Rough skin, Dry Patches, Scaly Patches
• Scarring
• Sun-damaged Skin
• Dull Skin
• Tone and Texture
• Hydration
• Congestion

At Summit Spa & Float we like to call our chemical peels “progressive not aggressive.”Our modified and enhanced Jessner’s peels are sure to help you prevent acne and heal from acne scarring. For enhanced results we recommend a series of three peels followed by a micro-needling session a week after your third peel.

Chemical peels offer a multitude of benefits for various skin concerns. Here are some of the improvements you can expect from our customized treatments:

• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Chemical peels effectively target the upper layers of the skin,minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly those caused by sun damage and aging.
• Improved acne control and minimized scarring: By removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell turnover,chemical peels can help prevent breakouts and minimize the appearance of acne scars.
• Faded sun damage and hyperpigmentation: Chemical peels can effectively address uneven skin tone, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation, revealing a more radiant and even complexion.
• Smoother texture and reduced rough patches: Chemical peels remove rough, dry patches, leaving your skin feeling smoother and more refined.
• Enhanced hydration and a radiant glow: Chemical peels stimulate the production of new skin cells, leading to increased hydration and a more youthful, radiant appearance

At Summit Medical Spa, we believe in a personalized approach that prioritizes safety and optimal results. We don’t subscribe to a “one-size-fits-all” mentality when it comes to chemical peels. Instead, we utilize modified and enhanced Jessner’s peels, known for being gentler yet effective. This means they offer the following benefits:

• Reduced risk of side effects: Jessner’s peels, traditionally formulated with a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol, are known for being well-tolerated by a wider range of skin types, including those more prone to sensitivity. Our aestheticians at Summit Medical Spa can further customize the peel’s strength and application to minimize potential irritation.
• Gradual yet noticeable improvement: Modified Jessner’s peels can be administered in a series of lighter peels,allowing for a controlled approach to achieving your desired results. This is particularly beneficial for those with Fitzpatrick Types IV, V, and VI, where hyperpigmentation is a concern. With each treatment, you’ll experience a gradual improvement in skin texture, tone, and overall radiance.
• Safe for addressing various concerns: While Jessner’s peels are often known for their ability to improve acne and sun damage, our aestheticians can tailor the peel’s formulation to target specific concerns. For instance, we can incorporate additional ingredients to address fine lines and wrinkles or uneven skin texture.

Types Of Chemical Peels:

Types of chemical peels include: Very superficial, Superficial, Medium and Deep. Very Superficial: Exfoliation of the stratum corneum.

Glycolic acid. GA is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in sugar cane. Other AHAs include citric (from citrus fruit), malic (from apples), tartaric (from grapes), and lactic acid (from milk). It’s available in concentrations ranging from 20 to 70% and does require neutralization with an alkaline solution such as a 10% sodium bicarbonate solution or water. 

 Trichloroacetic acid. TCA is a self-limited peel that does not require neutralization, and which has proven to be a relatively safe and effective agent. The concentration of TCA is 10 to 25% and 30 to 40% for penetration to the papillary dermis.

https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/chemical-peels-demystified

Complications

• Herpes simplex flareups
• Infections
• Contact dermatitis
• Hyperpigmentation (Darker fitzpatricks are more prone)
• Hypopigmentation (Darker fitzpatricks are prone)

High-Risk Groups

• Types III-VI skin
• Types I and II skin following intense sun exposure and tanning or use of photo-sensitizing agents
• Use of photosensitizing agents such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, etc.
• Early exposure to sunlight without adequate broad-spectrum sunscreens
• Estrogen containing medication, e.g., oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels

• What can I expect after a chemical peel? Following your treatment, you may experience some redness, flaking,and tightness in the treated area. This is normal and typically subsides within a few days. Our aestheticians will provide you with specific post-peel care instructions to optimize healing and minimize discomfort.
• How long will the results of a chemical peel last? The longevity of your results depends on several factors,including the type of peel, your skin type, and sun exposure. However, you can expect to see improvement for several weeks to months following your treatment. To maintain optimal results, we recommend incorporating sun protection into your daily skincare routine and scheduling regular maintenance peels.
• Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel? During your consultation at Summit Medical Spa, our aestheticians will assess your skin type, overall health, and aesthetic goals to determine if a chemical peel is right for you. Certain medications and skin conditions may preclude candidacy for chemical peels.

Ready to unveil your best skin?

At Summit Medical Spa, we are committed to providing you with a safe and effective chemical peel experience.Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss how our customized approach can help you achieve your desired results.