Chemical Peels At Our McLean, VA Office
Chemical peels are a great way to get more beautiful skin quickly. Do you ever feel like your skin condition is just getting away from you? You’re seeing more acne pop up than normal or you’re just noticing the texture is not what it once was? Maybe you’re noticing it’s not as firm as it used to be and you’re seeing some signs of skin aging? A chemical peel can get you back on track and will keep your skin looking younger longer.
Chemical peels are topically applied acids used on both face and body to help rejuvenate the skin’s surface. This is accomplished by creating an even and controlled shedding of the top layers of skin, thus allowing new, smoother skin with tighter cells to occupy the surface.
This chemical exfoliation process is used to reduce and improve wrinkles, blemishes, pigment spots and sun damage all while stimulating collagen production. You will uncover a brighter appearance and a refreshed, more even tone.
Our peels range from light enzyme peels designed for minimal downtime to give your skin a refresh, up to medium depth peels (strongest possible performed by a Master Esthetician) which provide a week of peeling and significant results after only one treatment.
Superficial/Light Peels
Superficial or light peels are the gentlest type of peels available. They only remove the top layer of the skin and can give your skin an instantly brighter look as well as a smoother, more even texture. They can be used to minimize fine lines, sun damage, mild acne scarring, age spots and dry or flaking skin. A course of between six and ten treatments is usually recommended to achieve the best results. Superficial peels do not hurt (you should only feel a slight tingling or stinging sensation) and have virtually no recovery time. Your skin may be a little bit pink afterwards and you may experience some mild flaking. With a superficial peel you can return to work or go out immediately afterwards
Medium Depth Peels
Medium depth peels give more dramatic results than superficial peels. They penetrate deeper into the skin and can be used to treat sun damage, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. You will feel some mild discomfort during the treatment such as burning and stinging. You may want to hide yourself away for a few days following a medium peel as you could experience some minor swelling and redness and will have significant shedding of the skin for about a week. A course of between three and six treatments is usually recommended for optimal results.
PEEL MENU
A light peel blended with 30% vitamin C, fruit enzymes, poly peptides and a vast array of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Vitamin C, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and gentle yet effective enzymes speed up cellular turnover lightening, tightening and brightening all skin types, even Rosacea and sensitive skin while hyaluronic acid provides superior hydration. Skin type indications: Redness-prone, dry/dehydrated, smoker’s skin, tired/ dull
We offer both 50% and 70% medical grade Glycolic peels. 50% Glycolic peels may be used on both face and body. 70% Glycolic peels may only be used on areas of the body with thicker skin like the back, elbows and knees. Glycolic peels are used to treat dryness, roughness, fine lines, uneven pigmentation and sun damage. Price varies depending on body part.
This medical grade peel combines salicylic and glycolic acids to exfoliate with meadowsweet and comfrey to calm inflammation, polypeptides to revitalize, antioxidants Vitamin C and green tea to protect, and bearberry to lighten old acne marks. It will heal and treat active acne lesions, decrease the appearance of old acne marks and prevent further break-outs. It’s a total solution. For optimal results we recommend a series of 5 peels spaced 4 weeks apart plus proper at-home care. Can also be used on other parts of the body that experience acne.
This medical grade refined Jessner’s peel typically results in 3-5 days of shedding. The 60% acid blend combines salicylic acid (oil control), lactic acid (exfoliation), resorcinol (lightening agent) and retinol (promotion of collagen synthesis). Best for advanced aging, pigmentation and acne. For optimal results we recommend 3-6 treatments at 4 week intervals.
Our strongest chemical peel, we offer a range of percentages of TCA depending on skin condition. Indicated for clients with advanced aging, severe sun damage, and acne scarring. This peel can be performed 3 – 4 times per year depending on skin condition.
FAQs
One week before your peel avoid these products and/or procedures:
Electrolysis
Waxing
Depilatory Creams
Bleaching Creams
Laser Hair Removal
Four days before your peel you should stop using active ingredients which include:
Topical retinoids such as Retin A, Tazorac, Differin and products containing retinol; other topical acids such as glycolic acids, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and salicylic acids
Patients who have had Botox injections should wait until they see the full effect of their treatment before receiving a chemical peel.
It is recommended to wait at least 4-6 hours after your peel to wash your face.
It is imperative that you use a sunscreen containing at least 8% zinc oxide and avoid direct sunlight for 7-10 days.
Patients with hypersensitivity to the sun should take extra precautions to guard against exposure immediately following the procedure.
Your skin may be more red than usual from 2 to 5 days. Please avoid strenuous exercise during this time.
Approximately 48 hours after treatment your skin will start to peel. This peeling will generally last 3 to 7 days. DO NOT PICK OR PULL THE SKIN. Allow skin to peel at its own pace. Cuticle scissors can be used to trim excess peeling.
When washing face, do not scrub, do not use a wash cloth. Use a gentle cleanser that does not contain soap.
You may resume the regular use of Retin-A, alpa hydroxy acid (AHA) products or lightening agents ONLY after the peeling process is complete.
Wait until peeling completely subsides before having ANY OTHER FACIAL PROCEDURES, including: Facials, Microdermabrasion, Laser treatments including laser hair removal, facial hair removal, Botox injections, injectable fillers.
Patients with active cold sores or warts, skin with open wounds, sunburn, excessively sensitive skin, dermatitis or inflammatory rosacea in the area to be treated
Patients with a history of allergies (especially allergies to salicylates like aspirin) rashes, or other skin reactions, or those who may be sensitive to any of the components in treatment
Patients who have taken Accutane within the past year
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Patients who have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Patients with vitiligo
Patients with a history of an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, ect.) or any condition that may weaken their immune system.