Trying a new skin care treatment or procedure can be intimidating. With new treatments surfacing every day, it can be difficult to choose the best option for your skin. One type of skin treatment familiar to skin care enthusiasts is the chemical peel. Although it is a well-known treatment, undergoing a chemical peel for the first time can be a little scary. At DermApproach here in Reston, Virginia, we seek to answer all of your questions and ease any fears you might have regarding chemical peels.
Chemical Peels and Skin Concerns
A chemical peel is a wonderful treatment option for a variety of skin problems including acne-prone skin. It is also a more cost-effective treatment — a cost of light to medium chemical peels can vary between $150-$200. A chemical peel is the application of a specific acid to remove the outermost layer of the dermis. After the skin is peeled away, a fresh, healthy layer of skin is revealed.
Skin problems that chemical peels correct include:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Sun spots
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin tones
Essentially, chemical peels work to smooth and improve the texture of your skin leaving you with a bright and radiant complexion.
Chemical Peels and Skin Types
To ensure you are getting the best peel for your skin type, be sure to have an in-depth discussion with your aesthetician about your skin concerns. Here, at DermApproach, we are ready to work with you to formulate the best peel for your skin. There are a variety of peels that are well suited for your specific skin concerns.
For example…
- TCA Chemical Peel is a non-toxic chemical (trichloracetic acid), which has been used by skincare professionals for 20 years and counting. This type of peel targets deep wrinkles and scars left from acne and other factors. It improves and lifts sagging skin, evens out the skin tone and reduces skin discoloration.
- Kojic Peels could be a lifesaver if you developed sunspots or various form of hyperpigmentation and melasma. Kojic Acid helps to stop the production of pigment in your skin and lightens those dark spots.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) peels are very light, mild peels that are effective at minimizing acne scars and correcting uneven skin tones.
- Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) peel is another mild peel that penetrates the skin a little deeper than an AHA peel. The most common acid used in BHA peels is salicylic acid, which is a prevalent ingredient found in many skin care products. Salicylic acid is great for those with acne-prone skin, because it reduces inflammation and it is oil-soluble, making it an effective treatment for those with oily skin. Salicylic Acid is also a perfect chemical for acne spot treatment. BHA is a much deeper peel due to the molecular structure as opposed to the AHA peel.
Let’s also not forget about Corrective Peels, which are designed to dramatically correct the imperfections you’ve had on your skin for a long or short period of time. The purpose of the corrective peel is to decrease the presence of skin discoloration due to excessive sun exposure, aging and other factors, while at the same time creating a smooth texture and refining the appearance of your pores. As a result, you can see a restored, bright and a more clarified skin tone.
While AHA and BHA peels are the most well-known acid peels, there are others that are less or more intense depending on your skin needs, as mentioned above. We also treat with a combination of different acids depending on your specific issues.
Chemical Peel Guidelines
A chemical peel is a common in-office treatment that should be done by a professional aesthetician or dermatologist.
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid chemical peels.
- If you have darker skin, make sure to discuss the possible outcomes with your aesthetician.
- Those with skin maladies such as dermatitis or psoriasis should also refrain from getting chemical peels.
Follow any instructions your aesthetician gives you before your peel. The professional who is giving your peel will prep your skin before applying any acid. After your peel, it will be important to follow all care instructions. Your skin will be sensitive to the sun, so it will be necessary to supply your skin with extra sun protection during the weeks following your peel. Depending on the type of peel you receive, recovery time can be anywhere from a day to over a week. The most important thing to remember after a peel is to avoid any unrealistic expectations. Many aestheticians will recommend a series of peels with a month between each treatment before real results are seen.
Depending on the peel you get, due to percentage and depth of the peel. Even there’s no visual peel, your skin is still peeling in a microscopic way. For example, with every face wash.
Chemical Peels at Our Reston, Virginia Office
We pride ourselves for being a premier skin care clinic striving to bring you exceptional service. If you want healthy, beautiful skin, try a chemical peel at our Reston, Virginia office. Our extensive experience in the skin care industry has allowed us to develop top-of-the-line procedures to meet many of your skin care needs (if not all).
Click here to find out more about our acne spot treatments, chemical peels and chemical peel cost. We have an amazing team who is eager and ready to help you obtain beautiful, healthy skin.
