While no treatment works for everyone, few are as versatile and customizable as a chemical peel. These effective treatments can address a range of pigmentation and textural issues to give you smoother, more radiant skin. A chemical peel allows you to choose the treatment experience that fits your lifestyle and goals.
What is a Chemical Peel or Facial Peel?
Chemical peels, also known as facial peels, are combinations of different acids and other ingredients to target specific skin concerns. These acids, such as glycolic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acids, separate layers of damaged or dead skin cells. These are washed away with the peel or flake away within a few days of treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
One reason for the ongoing popularity of chemical peels is that they can be customized to work for almost anyone. Good candidates may want to treat specific concerns or achieve overall skin improvements. Unlike some lasers, chemical peels are safe on all skin tones and can be adjusted for even the most sensitive skin types. You may be a candidate for a facial peel if you want to address:
- Dullness or lackluster appearance
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
- Dark spots
- Melasma
Chemical peels should not be used on broken, injured, or irritated skin. You should also not have one if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. Because you can choose how much downtime you can tolerate, chemical peels also fit into any schedule.
How Strong is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are generally grouped into three categories based on how deeply they work. However, most peels are adjustable in intensity.
Light Peel
Light peels offer immediate skin brightening, and over time they can address minor hyperpigmentation problems, fine lines, or sun damage. These peels usually require no downtime, although your skin may look red for a few hours.
Medium Peel
Medium peels work at a deeper level so that they can treat more significant issues like dark spots, wrinkles, and acne scars. They may have a few days of downtime where your skin looks red and flakes or peels. They will provide results in fewer sessions than a light peel.
Deep Peel
Deep peels, also known as phenol peels, are only performed by our board-certified dermatologists. They can produce dramatic improvements in wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and even precancerous lesions. They usually require up to a few weeks of downtime.
How Often Should I Get a Chemical Peel?
How often you get a chemical peel depends on your needs and the strength of the peel. You can typically have a light peel as often as every few weeks to maintain bright, clear skin. Most medium peels can be performed every three to six months, and you can only have one deep peel.
Capital laser and skin care is the best dermatology practice I’ve ever been to. I’ve seen both Dr. Peters and Dr. Tanzi, who are both extremely intelligent, caring, highly skilled, practical – and gorgeous! The staff is excellent – very caring, skilled, excellent training, professional, and easy to talk to. I highly recommend Capital Laser to anyone seeking to take fabulous care of their skin. You will be in the best hands here.
Take the First Step
Interested in learning more about chemical peels? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.
