The effects of aging and sun exposure can cause damage over time, leaving you with dull and tired-looking skin. But you don’t have to live with skin that makes you feel less than your best. Chemical peels smooth the tone and texture of your skin by removing the surface layer — and they’re safe and effective.
During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to your face that causes your skin to exfoliate its dead cells. New, smoother skin will grow underneath, revealing a fresher, more youthful you. While results will vary with the type of chemical peel treatment you receive, chemical peels are a cost-effective way to improve your skin’s look with real results. Peels can treat a number of skin conditions, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne or acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Scars
If you’re bothered by any of these treatable skin conditions, let Dr. Waseem Garbia and our team here at Dontage help you attain smooth, even-toned skin again. Our team is highly trained in applying light, medium, and deep chemical peels. Let us help you find the best chemical peel for your skin concerns.
We’ve pulled together some information for you about the three types of peels:
Light chemical peels
You might be a good candidate for a light peel if you have:
- Acne
- Uneven skin tone
- Fine lines or wrinkles
Light chemical peels remove the epidermis, or outermost layer of skin, in a light exfoliation. These peels typically use alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, and are mild choices for your skin. Recovery usually lasts anywhere from 1-7 days, with minimal irritation and redness.
You can receive light chemical peels regularly to achieve your desired look. While the results of light chemical peels are rarely dramatic, your healthy glow will increase with more treatments.
Medium chemical peels
Dr. Garbia might recommend a medium chemical peel for you if you have:
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin tone
- Deeper lines and wrinkles
Medium chemical peels remove the epidermis and the dermis (both the outer layer and upper middle layer). Trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid are typically used in medium peels, and these acids can cause more redness, stinging, and flaking than light peels, but results are more distinct.
With a medium chemical peel, you can expect your skin to be noticeably smoother and younger-looking after one treatment.
Deep chemical peels
A deep peel might be right for you if you have:
- Sun damage
- Scars
- Blotchy skin tone
- Precancerous growths
- Deeper lines and wrinkles
Deep chemical peels use phenol to penetrate your skin to the lower dermal layer, which causes your skin to regenerate from deep within. Recovery from a deep chemical peel can take several weeks, and it is very important to use your prescribed moisturizer and stay out of the sun while your skin heals.
The results you will see with a deep chemical peel are substantial, and the improvements in your skin can last up to 10 years. You can usually only get one deep chemical peel in your lifetime.
Choosing the right type of chemical peel for you
Dr. Garbia will evaluate your skin and talk with you about your goals to help you decide which peel is best for you. He and his team may ask about your overall medical history and your skin care regimen to help determine which type of chemical peel is the best choice.
Depending on your skin health and your personal goals for your appearance, Dr. Garbia will propose a chemical peel treatment plan for you. If you’re ready to start your journey to more beautiful skin, call our office in Falls Church, Virginia, or schedule an appointment online today.