Chemical Peels

We all want clear, vibrant skin, but it can be challenging to actually achieve it. Over time, sun damage and age take a toll on our skin that is hard to reverse with at-home skincare alone. That’s why Capital Laser & Skin Care offers many skin rejuvenation treatments, including chemical peels, to restore your skin’s health and youthfulness.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Light Peels

  • Pairs well with other treatments
  • More radiant complexion
  • Results last several weeks
  • Little to no downtime

Medium Peels

  • Improves skin tone, texture, wrinkles, sun damage, and more
  • Results last several months
  • A few days of downtime

Deep Peels

  • Dramatically improves skin health and complexion
  • Approximately two weeks of downtime
  • Results last years

Learn More About Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses an acidic solution to deeply exfoliate the skin and boost collagen production. By clearing away damaged cells on the surface, a peel instigates healthy cell turnover and growth. Similar to microneedling, this treatment also causes controlled injury to the skin to trigger your body’s healing process, increasing collagen production for firmer, brighter skin.

Chemical peels are helpful for a variety of common skin conditions, including:

  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne
  • Sun damage
  • Melasma
  • Uneven complexion
  • Enlarged pores

At Capital Laser & Skin Care, we use several types of chemical peels to customize each treatment based on individual needs. During your consultation, our board-certified dermatologists closely evaluate the skin and listen to your concerns. It is important to personalize each peel to meet the specific needs of the condition and skin type. 

Chemical peels typically fall into three categories: light, medium, and deep. Lighter peels address mild skin concerns and surface issues and require little to no downtime. Deeper peels can help treat more severe conditions in the deeper layers of your skin and may require some downtime.

We offer a range of chemical peels using the following solutions:

  • Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
  • Vitalize® (combination of salicylic, lactic, retinoic acids, and resorcinol)
  • PCA Ultrapeel® (combination of TCA, lactic, kojic, and azelaic acids)
  • Various strengths of glycolic acid

On the day of your procedure, one of our experienced dermatologists will perform your chemical peel. Before the treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any dirt or makeup before applying the peel. Your physician will then apply a personalized chemical solution to the targeted areas of your skin to initiate the peeling process, allowing a new, healthy layer of skin to come to the surface.

Depending on the depth of your peel, the solution may be left on your face for just a few minutes up to an hour, and you may feel a mild stinging sensation for part of this time. A fan or cooling device is provided for your comfort. Deeper peels sometimes require a local anesthetic.

After the peel, your provider will give you specific skincare instructions to use during the healing period. It is essential to follow all post-peel instructions as outlined by your physician to ensure rapid healing and the best results.

Peeling will normally occur over the course of 3-14 days as the old skin cells are shed to reveal a glowing new layer of skin. At this point, you can expect healthier, more radiant skin. Depending on your skin condition and personalized peel, you’ll likely enjoy improved skin tone and texture, reduced lines and wrinkles, and increased skin elasticity.

The results of a light peel will typically last a few weeks, while medium peels can last months. Deep chemical peels can last years, and most people only have them done once.

To maintain that healthy glow, your provider may suggest chemical peels at regular intervals or may recommend other treatments such as DiamondGlow®, a HydraFacial®, or laser skin resurfacing to keep your skin looking its best.

Recovery will vary based on the type of peel you have. For light and medium peels, you may experience redness or skin sensitivity for a few days. It’s important not to pick at your skin as it peels. Use a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin as it heals and minimizes discomfort.

Deep chemical peels are a more intensive treatment, and you may need to take a week or two of downtime. During this time, you may experience significant swelling and redness. If you have a deep peel, your provider at Capital Laser & Skin Care will guide you through the recovery process and make sure you know what to expect.

Since we offer so many peel options, there’s a treatment option for a variety of skin conditions and types. Almost anyone can benefit from light peels to revive their skin and improve mild concerns. However, patients with sensitive skin or dark complexions may not be ideal candidates for deeper peels. We’ll assess your skin during your consultation and determine what kind of peel is best for you.

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about our 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.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION