Q: How much discomfort should be expected when having a peel?
A: The level of discomfort experienced depends on the treatment. Most Physician's Choice chemical peels are gentle and create little or no burning or stringing in the skin. Dramatic wrinkling, sun damage or acne scars may require a deeper peel, which may cause moderate stinging for a few minutes. More dramatic results can be expected from a deeper peel, however deep results are not necessary for most skin types and conditions. Superficial chemical peels create minimal discomfort and produce beautiful and immediate results for most patients.

Q: May pregnant or lactating women receive a peel?
A: No. PCA does offer the Oxygenating Facial Trio and Detox Gel treatments for pregnant or lactating women. However, Skin Affair does not offer those. Always consult your OB/GYN for personal recommendations.

Q: Will a chemical peel make thin skin even thinner?
A: Dry skin is partially the result of dead cell buildup which actually hinders the absorption and penetration of vitamins and nutrients. Having an Ultra Peel I or Sensi Peel Exfoliating Treatment will remove surface buildup, hydrate the skin and give it a plumper, "thicker" appearance. The use of topical vitamin C products in a treatment, as well as a home care regime, will help build the collagen in the skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.

Q: Are there any good treatments for rosacea?
A: Physician's Choice of Arizona, Inc. offers many options to help control rosacea. Our gentle TCA and L-lactic acid peel blend solutions are wonderful choices for rosacea. Esthetique Peel, Ultra Peel I and Sensi Peel Exfoliating treatments all act as antibacterial agents that reduce inflammation and help remote healing. Rosacea is best controlled with a combination of in-office treatments, home care products and lifestyle considerations. Heat is an enemy of rosacea-stay cool!

Q: Is it OK for someone using Retin-A, Differin, Accutane or Tazorac to have Physician's Choice professional treatments?
A: We generally recommend that Retin-A and Differin use be stopped five days prior to a peel and five days post-treatment because of potential irritation and uneven peel penetration. Those using Tazorac generally need to stop use 10 days before treatment to avoid this irritation. Accutane users tend to have very dry and sensitive skin and need to be treated with peels that are appropriate for their skin type. We have found that most of the Physician's Choice chemical peel solutions are Accutane friendly. However, patients should always consult their physician before discontinuing use of any prescription. The patient's skin care specialist should always be made aware of any prescription medication use. Remember, good communication with your skin care professional is vital.

Q: What skin type or condition will benefit most from the Pumpkin Peel and what results are expected?
A: The Pumpkin Peel BETA-C Mask Treatment is best for dull, rough skin and/or acne. It provides nutrient input and will brighten the skin. It is also great on very sun damaged skin that has lumps and bumps.

Q: Can I receive a peel on my first visit?
A: No, it is necessary to have a full consultation to determine if there are any contraindications (problems/allergies, etc.) and to get set up on a pre-peel home care system 2 weeks prior to the peel. It is also useful to make sure you have no allergies to PCA products, because many of the same ingredients in the home care products are in the professional peels too.

Q: May people who are frequently in the sun receive peels?
A: Yes, but only if they are compliant with using sunscreen protection every day. Sunbathing should be avoided directly following a treatment and while the skin is peeling. If you are getting peels to lighten the skin, it is imperative to use the appropriate pHaze 13 Pigment Gel Dyschromia Controller followed by pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 25 to reduce any change of further hyperpigmentation.

Q: Which peels may be used on someone who exercises frequently?
A: Someone who is active may have any peel but all peel patients must wait 48 hours after treatment.

Q: Which peels are recommended for use in conjunction with
microdermabrasion?
A: Using Physician's Choice chemical peels which microdermabrasion will enhance results. The Ultra Peel I, Ultra Peel II and Sensi Peel exfoliating treatments, Detox Gel for Normal/Sensitive Skin, Esthetique Peel and Oxygenating Facial Trio are all very effective choices for use following gently microdermabrasion. These treatments may be used to encourage peeling, hydration and lightening of the skin.