Phoenix, AZ
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Croton Oil Peel in Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona

Croton Oil Peel

Introduction

Introduction to Croton Oil Peel

Sometimes, the idea of combating dramatic signs of aging can feel hopeless. Many individuals would agree these days that they often feel much younger than they really are; however, their skin doesn’t always reflect it. Sometimes it seems that surgical procedures, such as a facelift, may be going a step too far out of their comfort zone, but dermal fillers may not be doing enough to adequately combat advanced signs of aging, like deep wrinkles or uneven pigmentation. For those who want something in between, CraftMD in Scottsdale, AZ, offers croton oil peels. Keep reading to learn more.

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  • Before and After Plastic Surgery Results | CraftMD Scottsdale & Phoenix, AZ
  • Before and After Plastic Surgery Results | CraftMD Scottsdale & Phoenix, AZ
  • Before and After Plastic Surgery Results | CraftMD Scottsdale & Phoenix, AZ
  • Before and After Plastic Surgery Results | CraftMD Scottsdale & Phoenix, AZ
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What is a Croton Oil Peel?

In 1962, an easily mixed formulation of phenol, water, croton oil, and Septisol was published and became known as the Baker formula. For almost 40 years, Baker’s formula was mistakenly known as a “phenol” peel. In 2000, Gregory Hetter, M.D., demonstrated that the peeling agent in the Baker formula was croton oil, not phenol, and that varying the concentration of croton oil allowed surgeons to tailor the peel’s strength to specific patients and facial areas.

For years, the peel was associated with hypopigmentation. However, the feared complications of the peel were generally associated with the original version of the formula, which had significantly stronger concentrations of phenol. We now recognize that the key ingredient in peel is croton oil, not phenol, which has led to dramatic improvements in skin texture, tone, and the obliteration of deep wrinkles, with a shorter recovery period. The risks of complications from the modern version of this peel are low with an experienced peeler, and the potential benefits are unparalleled.

How Is This Different From Typical Chemical Peels?

The peels you may receive at a spa can only treat the upper layers of skin, making them superficial.

The croton oil peel provides a deep treatment, and as a result, may require IV sedation. However, for the results it offers, it is considered a far less invasive procedure than cosmetic surgery. Furthermore, due to the depth of the peel, we pre-treat patients with topical tretinoin and hydroquinone cream for 4 weeks prior to the peel to prepare their skin.

We usually explain to patients that none of the things we offer are like “Death Becomes Her” (a great movie) – i.e., a painless topical potion that completely turns back time without any recovery. Also explained as – there’s no free lunch. The more dramatic the regenerative outcome of a peel, the deeper the treatment must penetrate the skin to achieve that outcome. That means there is a recovery involved – and with a deep croton peel, that’s likely a couple of weeks. There are certainly other modalities with less of a recovery, but what is true for all of them is that the tradeoff will always be the depth of impact versus the degree of improvement/change achieved.

As with all things, training and experience matter. For a Croton oil peel, which can have significant complications if not applied appropriately, we recommend having this treatment only under the guidance of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist, such as Dr. Craft.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Croton Oil Peel?

Ideal candidates in Phoenix are men and women seeking a dramatic improvement in etched lines, deep wrinkles, and sun damage without undergoing a surgical facelift. You may be a good fit if you have:

  • Moderate to severe photoaging (fine and etched lines around the mouth and eyes, “smoker’s lines,” forehead and cheek rhytids)
  • Mottled pigmentation, sunspots, rough texture, or actinic changes
  • Mild to moderate skin laxity and crepiness, especially of the lower eyelids and perioral area
  • Atrophic acne scarring in selected areas

What Are the Benefits of a Croton Oil Peel?

One of the areas in which the Croton Oil Peel truly stands out from other modalities is the perioral area. You can achieve an outstanding rejuvenation of fine lines around the mouth, as well as deep wrinkles. Outcomes for the lower lid can also replace surgery in the right candidate. However, the peel is most used to treat the entire face, with significant change achieved.

In general, patients can expect:

  • Significantly improved complexion
  • Diminished sunspots and discoloration
  • Tighter facial skin: 20 to 25% skin tightening
  • Dramatic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, lips, forehead, and cheeks
  • Lifting and tightening of the upper and lower eyelids
A focused, close-up portrait of Dr. Randy Craft shows him in profile, looking up and to the right with a determined expression. He is preparing for a procedure, pulling a black scrub cap over his head with both hands. He is wearing a black scrub top with the "CRAFT MD Aesthetics / Wellness" logo and his name, "Randy Craft, MD", embroidered on the chest. The background is a dim, uniform gray-blue.

What’s the First Step?

Your journey starts with a personalized consultation at CraftMD in Scottsdale. During this visit, Dr. Craft will:

  • Listen to your goals and examine your skin
  • Determine your skin type and review your medical history, medications, and prior procedures
  • Map a customized plan that varies the croton oil concentration by area to maximize results while protecting sensitive regions.
  • Set expectations for downtime, redness, and the progressive “tightening” that can be expected over the following months.
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What to Expect on the Day of Croton Oil Peel Treatment

  • Arrival & Prep: You’ll review consent forms, take standardized photos, and confirm your plan. The skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased, allowing the peel to penetrate evenly.
  • Precision Application: We apply the solution by facial subunits, adjusting croton oil strength to the needs of each zone. You may feel heat or tingling as the peel works. Visual “endpoints” guide the exact depth achieved.
  • Barrier & Instructions: A protective ointment or occlusive dressing is placed. Before heading home the same day, you’ll receive your post-care kit and a simple, hour-by-hour guide for the first 48–72 hours. A responsible adult should drive you home.

The active treatment takes 60–90 minutes, depending on the areas addressed.

A wide shot of Dr. Randy Craft in black scrubs, sitting next to a smiling female patient, who is seated in a gray armchair. Dr. Craft is holding an open laptop and looking down at it, while the patient is looking to her left and laughing brightly. The background features a white wall with abstract black line-art of a face, and a large sign with the text "CRAFT AESTHETICS / WELLNESS" partially visible.

Croton Oil Peel Recovery

Days 1–3: The skin feels hot and tight, with oozing that gradually subsides. You’ll perform frequent gentle soaks (often dilute vinegar) and keep the skin continuously coated with the provided ointment to support healing. Sleep with your head elevated; avoid heat, sweating, and pets touching your face.

Days 4–7: The outer layer darkens and sloughs. Do not pick. New, fresh pink skin emerges. Itching is common as healing progresses.

Days 7–10: Most patients are comfortable returning to non-strenuous work and video calls with concealer or mineral makeup (once cleared at your check-in).

Results timeline: You’ll see a major improvement in texture and etched lines as early as 2–3 weeks, with continued refinement and visible tightening over 3–6 months as new collagen matures.

At CraftMD, we utilize Reyagel to enhance the healing process significantly. This FDA-cleared wound matrix contains exosomes and other advanced regenerative components. Reyagel has truly been a game changer, often cutting healing time in half and supporting a smoother, faster recovery experience for our patients.

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How Much Does a Croton Oil Peel Cost in Phoenix, AZ?

The cost of a Croton Oil Peel in the Phoenix area depends on the areas treated, peel strength, anesthesia, and aftercare needs. As a general guide:

  • One area only: $2,500–$4,500
  • Combination areas (e.g., mouth + eyes or cheeks): typically $4,000–$7,500

Your exact, all-inclusive quote will be provided after consultation, once we finalize your treatment map and sedation plan. Many patients choose to pay by credit card or utilize third-party medical financing; our team can walk you through current options.

A photograph of two doctors, Dr. Randy Craft (left) and Dr. Matt Anderson (right), standing side-by-side in what appears to be a consultation or treatment room. Both men are smiling, have their arms crossed, and are wearing black scrubs embroidered with the "CRAFT MD" logo and their respective names. Behind them is a large, illuminated sign in a window that reads "CRAFT MD AESTHETICS / WELLNESS", and a wall of white glass-front cabinets.

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Craft?

CraftMD in Scottsdale, AZ, is led by Dr. Randall Craft, affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM). His experience and expertise in the field extend to the rest of our team, allowing every single treatment and procedure we offer to be filled with artistry, safety, compassion, and a dedication to delivering natural-looking results.

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