Check out the page on Dr. Lo’s website which lists the cosmetic facial procedures available to patients, and you’ll see that there’s something for everyone. From facelifts to non-surgical procedures, whatever cosmetic enhancement you choose, Dr. Lo is able to accommodate your cosmetic needs. One of the least-invasive procedures can remedy a number of skin issues. Whether it’s acne, age spots, discoloration, fine lines, freckles, melasma (patchy, dark pigmentation), or sun damage, chemical peels can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin.Chemical peels offered by Dr. Lo include in-office and at-home peels, so there’s a procedure tailored to  everyone. There are different types of peels, and—based on the amount of time the chemical is left on the skin—different strengths. Depending on the results you’re seeking, you and Dr. Lo can decide, during your initial consultation, which peel is right for you. The three most commonly performed cosmetic peels are:

• Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) Peel
• VI Peel®
• Obagi Blue Peel®

Let’s look at the differences and similarities in those three peels.

• Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) Peel 

According to Healthline’s website, AHA peels are water soluble peels that come in varying strengths, and are made of either glycolic, lactic, citric, or mandelic acids. The face is cleansed, the AHA peel is applied and, after a few minutes  neutralized.Alpha hydroxy peels can be pain free, although sometimes patients experience a tingling sensation.  Most often, AHA peels affect only the outermost layer of skin; the chemical does not penetrate deeply into the skin. Even though it’s the top layer of skin that’s removed, an AHA peel has an ability to diminish acne scars, sun damage, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, an AHA peel has been shown to increase collagen production, giving the face a fuller, younger look. Real Patient Ratings gives the glycolic-peel procedure 4.82 stars out of 5, with a 96.4% patient-satisfaction rating. 

• VI Peel

The VI Peel is named for the Vitality Institute, where it was created. The VI Peel removes the toplayer of skin. According to SoCalPulse, the peel includes, “key ingredients: Retinoic Acid, totrigger peeling and unclog pores while boosting collagen and elastin; and TCA, or TrichloroaceticAcid, which is used in combination to remove  the skin’s surface layers.”Results are evident after one peel, however, for skin that has excessive damage, the VI Peel is safe enough that the procedure can be repeated every four to six weeks. The VI Peel was rated by 155 patients on Real Patient Ratings and received a score of 4.40 out of 5, with 102 patients giving the procedure a 5-star rating. 

• Obagi Blue Peel

The reason it’s blue is so the doctor can easily see where it’s been applied. The active ingredient, however,  is trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which can remove dead skin. Depending on the condition of the skin, the TCA is allowed to penetrate deeper to repair more damaged skin. The Blue Peel is especially effective when treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation from the sun, as well as wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars.According to RealSelf, the procedure takes about 30 minutes and can leave skin with a bluish tint for 12-24 hours. Peeling can continue for up to 10 days and, as with every peel, avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen as recommended. Real Patient Ratings give the procedure 4.63 out of 5 stars and a patient-satisfaction score of 92.6%. Besides chemical peels, Dr. Lo has other non-invasive skincare options available like dermaplaning, exfoliating, and medical-grade facials. Plus, patients work with Dr. Lo and his professional staff—including two trained nurse injectors—to create a plan based on patient goals. While every plan is different, some may  include products to be used at home, in conjunction with the procedures done in the office. If you’d like to look younger, more refreshed, give your skin a new lease on life with one of the procedures  offered by Dr. Lo and his talented staff at About Faces Cosmetic Surgery. Contact us to arrange a consultation or call us at 520.877.2725. We look forward to seeing you during 2021!