Deep chemical peels, also known as Croton Oil Peels, are performed only by a physician in a surgical center using general anesthesia. They are performed to help rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.

Lines and wrinkles are developed over time because of sun damage, heredity, diet and repetitive muscle movement. Deep peels can penetrate into the dermal layers of your skin to drastically decrease deep lines, pigment abnormalities, deep acne scars, extensive sun damage, blotchiness of the skin and precancerous skin lesions. Downtime can last 10-14 days, as flakiness, swelling and redness will be noticeable. Unlike other peels, results from deep chemical peels are permanent and can last decades.

This treatment cannot be done on darker skin tones. It may also lighten your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun. However, results are dramatic and can help take years off of your appearance.

A croton oil peel is a specific type of deep chemical peel offering intense and aggressive skin resurfacing. Croton oil penetrates through the epidermis (first skin layer), papillary dermis, and into the reticular dermis where hair roots, sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands, blood vessels, and the protein matrix of collagen and elastin reside.

Croton oil peels provide significant and lasting results although they also carry an increased recovery time and risk of side effects. A croton oil peel is used to smooth skin tone/texture, lessen signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of sun damage, even skin discoloration, diminish scars, and treat certain precancerous skin growths.

Interested in our other less invasive peels? Learn about our VI Chemical Peels.

The ideal candidate for a croton oil peel is an individual with lighter skin who is seeking dramatic improvements to their complexion with an appropriate amount of time to dedicate to recovery.

Croton oil peels are not recommended for those with darker skin tones due to a high risk of hypopigmentation, those with active skin lesions/infections, sunburns, or those who are nursing or pregnant.

A croton oil peel permeates numerous skin layers for intensive exfoliation and stimulation of the body’s healing and rejuvenation processes for new skin growth.

1. Acne Scars & Scars: Croton oil penetrates multiple dermal layers to debride and remove scar tissue.
2. Uneven Skin Tone: Dermal layer penetration breaks down collections of hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone.
3. Uneven Skin Texture: Croton oil reduces deposits of dead and damaged skin cells and sebum.
4. Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Croton oil encourages high cell turnover for a significantly refreshed complexion.
5. Facial Skin Laxity: Collagen stimulation firms and tightens skin.

There are at least two weeks of acute downtime following a croton oil peel. Throbbing, burning, redness, edema, severe crusting, and peeling persists for one to two weeks, although certain side effects may last for several months. Special skin dressings and diligent skin care are critical during the first few post-procedure days to weeks.

Patients are to refrain from most all activities and work for two weeks. As results finalize, the treated skin may have a different pigmentation and have lost the ability to tan. Diligent skin care and limited sun exposure plus good sunscreen are important to facilitate recovery and enhance results.

Patients must prepare their skin for about four weeks prior to treatment with tretinoin, hydroquinone, phytic acid, or glycolic acid for the best results — ask your provider for their recommendation.

Croton oil peels are deep peels, designed for a more aggressive level of resurfacing and require more downtime, while VI peels are moderate-depth peels with less downtime and a quicker recovery.

The croton oil peel is performed strictly by physician under general anesthesia.  However, for the results it offers, it is considered a far less invasive procedure than a facelift surgery.