Looking for smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin? Chemical peels remain one of the most effective ways to address a wide range of skin concerns. These highly customizable treatments let us choose the best peel to treat your skin issues with as little downtime as possible.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A facial chemical peel chemically exfoliates the outer layers of skin to remove dull, damaged cells. Chemical peels use ingredients such as trichloroacetic, glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids. At Capital Laser & Skin Care, our selection of chemical peels lets us customize the depth of your peel to address your specific needs. We will choose a peel that achieves results while minimizing your recovery time.
What to Expect After a Chemical Peel
Your recovery after a chemical peel depends on the depth of your chosen peel.
Light Peel
After a light peel, you may have some minor redness that will fade within a few hours. Your skin will not peel, although it will be highly sensitive to sunlight and need sun protection. You can expect to see brighter, softer skin within a few days.
Medium Peel
After a medium peel, you can expect five to seven days of downtime. Skin typically peels starting around the third day. We recommend over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs to minimize discomfort while you heal.
Deep Peel
These peels reach into the deeper layers of skin where they can address concerns such as deep wrinkles or scars. Recovery time takes about two weeks. During this time, you can expect to see significant peeling and redness.
What Can a Facial Chemical Peel Treat?
A facial chemical peel can treat various skin conditions, depending on the peel selected and your treatment goals. Chemical peels can improve many skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dullness
- Dryness
- Enlarged pores
- Acne breakouts
- Uneven skin tone
- Deep wrinkles
- Precancerous growths
- Significant scars
How Often Should I Get a Chemical Peel?
You can get light chemical peels every few weeks to maintain your brighter, smoother skin. A medium peel may require three to nine months between sessions. Most people will only have one deep peel.
If you need to minimize downtime due to work or other obligations, you may choose a series of lighter peels that will achieve improving results over time. If you prefer a treatment with more dramatic results and fewer sessions, you may prefer a deeper peel. We will help determine which peel will fit best with your goals and lifestyle.
Am I a Candidate for a Facial Chemical Peel?
Most people make good candidates for chemical peels. The lightest peels are gentle enough for very sensitive skin, so we can choose a peel that will work for your skin type.
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 Next 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.
*Individual results may vary.
