Exfoliative Peels FAQs

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It seems like exfoliative peels are growing in popularity lately. Men, women and teens everywhere are willing to deal with a week or so of pretty intense peeling of their skin for the more radiant glow and even skin tone that results after a successful peel. To help you decide whether this treatment is right for you, Dr. O of Your Time Medical answers some common questions.

WHAT EXACTLY IS AN EXFOLIATIVE PEEL?
Exfoliative peels (or chemical peels as they are commonly referred to) are primary acids applied topically and used to remove the outer layer of the skin. Different treatments are used based on the intended depth of skin penetration: superficial, medium or deep.

As we age, our skin undergoes numerous levels of damage: pigmentary (sun damage, freckles or malasma), textural, wrinkles, dry or rough skin, open pores or just plain saggy. Exfoliative peels can improve signs of this damage.

WHAT IS THE EXFOLIATIVE PEEL PROCESS?
During your consultation, I look at the entire visage, consider your skin history and lifestyle and recommend which peel would be the most appropriate for you.

After determining the right peel, your face is cleansed, I do a mini-facial with a massage, I apply the pre-peel with a towellette, and then I paint your face with your peel. You may experience some stinging but nothing that my super fan cannot relieve.

We review all post care procedures and you are off to await your peeling. All patients, especially my first time peelers have a direct way of getting in touch with me with any questions or concerns.

WHAT MUST I DO AFTER GETTING AN EXFOLIATIVE PEEL?
Everything that is discussed during your post peel discharge process. Mainly, wash your face with the provided gentle cleanser, apply the towellettes, sunscreen and post peel protectorate. And do not under any circumstance peel your skin off, no matter how tempting this may be.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER AN EXFOLIATIVE PEEL?
As with everything else we do to our body, it is slightly unpredictable and varies from person to person. For sure you WILL peel. I wish I could say for exactly how long or which area will peel first but I cannot. There will be some stinging, slight burning, which can be alleviated with a cream in your post peel survivor pack.

IS THERE DOWNTIME?
There is no downtime, but depending on your job and how self-conscious you are the peeling time could be considered your downtime, which again varies per individual.

If your work requires you to be face to face with people, I recommend an early morning Wednesday or Tuesday evening peel, as it usually takes a day or two to peel. You can have the weekend to peel away. Medium to deep peel should not be scheduled less than two weeks away from any important event.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
I get so excited when a client asks this because I know how satisfied they will be with the results. It is important to note that some people do require a second peel 4-6 weeks after the first one to achieve the desired results.

But generally you will have baby soft skin that is lighter, or even free of some blemishes and pimples. And since peels can also be used on the hands and back these results can be the same there as well.

If you take care of your skin, moisturize, use sunscreen the results can last 6-8 months, maybe longer depending on your lifestyle.

ANY IMPORTANT WARNING YOU GIVE YOUR PATIENTS?
Stop using any Retinoid products prior to a peel and inform me of all and any products prior to getting your treatments.

Please do not google or call your friend with questions; I am available and willing to answer all questions for my clients.

WHAT IS THE SAFETY RECORD FOR EXFOLIATIVE PEELS?
Exfoliative peels are generally very safe with the exception of pregnancy and certain medical conditions; it’s all about identifying the right product for the each client. Exfoliative peels are also safe for skin of color.

More and more men, women and adolescents are interested in receiving an exfoliating peel. I mention the younger population because this is an appropriate treatment for teens with acne or scarring, especially prior to prom or homecoming.

Schedule your first peel in the comfort of your own home or YTM suite by calling Dr. O’s office at 443-294-2101.

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I. Monet Ouwinga, MD is a Brooklyn, New York native completing undergraduate at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York and first generation of Haitian decent. Dr. O (as she prefers to be called) completed her basic sciences, obtained her MD at the University of the Americas on the island of Nevis. Completing her clinical rotations in North Carolina and Illinois, Dr. O did her residency in Illinois at Loyola-Cook County Family Medicine and served as Chief resident at her last year. Along with participating in multiple international medical missions, to Haiti and Peru she completed a fellowship in Maternal Child Health at West Suburban Hospital in, Illinois. Dr. O, a born city girl, has dedicated her life to treating patients with the same care she would provide to family members and friends. She has recently become more active in the mental health community, especially after sharing her own diagnosis of Anxiety and Depression. She is passionate about helping others with various ailments from routine visits to complicated diagnosis, ages from new born to geriatrics, in office, online or in their home. Dr. O has made a home in Southern Maryland with her husband and son in 2014 and it has proven to be one of the best life decisions she has made. Together with Travis Roberts, CRNP at their practice OT Family Medicine in Calvert County, they take care of the young, old and everyone in between with dignity and respect.