iS Clinical recently released two new chemical peels, The Prodigy Peel System P2, and The Prodigy Peel System P3. We’ve been working behind the scenes learning and testing these two new treatments for several weeks and now we are thrilled to be releasing them to our clientele. Both of these peels are 100% medical-grade, which means they must be performed by a licensed medical esthetician.
Prodigy Peel System P2
The Prodigy Peel System P2 combines resorcinol, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid to target multiple skin concerns ranging from mild to moderate aging, mild acne and pigment irregularities. These acids are combined with a powerful ‘booster’ which features an advanced form of salicylic acid, enhancing the benefits when compared to other peels. The unique formulation allows for a decreased chance of pigment irregularities and can it can therefore be used on all skin types, including darker skin tones.
Prodigy Peel System P3
The Prodigy Peel System P3 combines resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid together with a powerful booster that features an advanced form of salicylic acid, which provides a medium-depth chemical peel, which results in a brighter and more youthful complexion. This chemical peel works to target skin laxity, acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. It can be used on all skin types but is better suited to Fitzpatrick types I, II and III. It is particularly beneficial to individuals with hyperpigmentation, aging, and blemish-prone skin.
What’s the difference between the two peels?
Both Prodigy Peel systems are similar in their application and feature witch hazel to prepare the skin for the second step, the actual peel. Both peels use resorcinol (a keratin hydrogen disrupter that prepares the skin for peeling and helps to remove excess pigmentation), lactic acid and salicylic acid, but the P3 system uses an advanced form of salicylic acid which is designed to maximize cell renewal at a deeper level.
Both peels feature the booster, which contains retinol (an antioxidant that encourages healthy collagen and cell turnover), capryloyl salicylic acid (an advanced form of salicylic acid in a unique lipid-soluble formula that removes debris from the pores and enhances smoothness) and hexylresorcinol (an ingredient that has powerful lightening properties with the ability to lift uneven pigment) to encourage collagen production and protect against UVB and UVA damage.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for these peels?
Due to the chemical nature of these procedures, the following individuals are excluded:
- Pregnant or possibly pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Any active cold sores, Herpes Type I or II, or warts in the treatment area
- Open wounds, sunburned or excessively sensitive skin
- Allergies to aspirin or salicylates
- Vitiligo
- History of autoimmune diseases, or any history of immune deficiency
- Any inflammatory dermatitis, including rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or lupus
- Hyperpigmentation related to any prior use of hydroquinone-containing products.
It is also necessary to avoid the following 1 week prior to treatment:
- Laser hair removal or electrolysis
- Waxing
- Depilatory creams
- No skin products that contain a 100% ethyl alcohol base, such as Cleocin topical antibiotic
- Exfoliation products or facial treatments that have been irritating, including dermaplaning and microdermabrasion
- All Retinoids and Retin-A products
48 hours before receiving the Prodigy Peel, please avoid any neurotoxin treatment (i.e. Botox, Dysport or Xeomin).
We are also unable to perform this treatment on anyone who is currently, or has in the previous year, used Accutane or had chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What is the downtime, and what to expect during and after this treatment?
As with any chemical peel, you can expect some mild tingling and/or a warming, burning sensation after the peel and booster are applied. We use a fan during the procedure which helps to cool the skin.
Post-peel, you will need to avoid sun exposure, and no products (other than the SPF we apply at the conclusion of the peel) should be applied to the face until the evening. At that time, you may wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. A recovery serum may be used, such as iS Clinical Recovery Balm or SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel or Phyto Corrective Masque.
The skin will begin to peel within 2 days, and it is very important to not scratch, pick or peel the skin. The flaking skin should fall off on its own. There may be some redness, remember the skin is very sensitive at this point and it’s very important to stay out of the sun and apply sunscreen daily! The peeling should begin to subside within 10 days.
This peel can be repeated, but the frequency depends on the patients’ response to the chemical peel solution and our assessment of the reaction to the peel. It’s best to avoid this treatment in the summer as we tend to spend more time outside and in the sun.
It’s important to note that healthy skin takes approximately 28 days to go through a full cycle of natural exfoliation and recovery. Aging and severely photo-aged skin may take longer for recovery & renewal (up to 8 weeks) and over-exfoliation may damage the skin further.
