Superficial, medium, or deep chemical peels? 3 factors to consider

There is likely a chemical peel for your skin because the specific formula used for treatment is customized to your needs and personal characteristics. When searching for a “dermatologist near me in Washington, D.C.,” it is important to select a specialist like Dr. Ife Rodney. Dr. Rodney has considerable experience caring for a diverse patient base, including individuals with melanin-rich skin. Due to her expertise, Eternal Dermatology & Aesthetic Center customizes treatment to support your safety, comfort, and optimal results. 

Here are three factors that she considers when determining the most appropriate peel for you at our Columbia, Maryland, area office:

1 – Skin concerns 

Chemical peels are largely categorized by their depth of penetration into the skin. Superficial or light chemical peels only affect the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). Medium-strength peels reach the papillary dermis, which is the upper portion of your skin’s mid-layer. The deepest, strongest peels penetrate the epidermis and papillary dermis, reaching the mid-reticular dermis. This is the thicker, deeper dermal layer. Typically formulated with alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, superficial peels are often used to treat mild inflammation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Made with agents like Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), medium-depth peels are usually reserved for moderate wrinkles, shallow acne scars, stubborn hyperpigmentation, and severe sun damage. The deepest peels may be formulated with high-strength TCA. They are usually done only once in a person’s lifetime and are used to treat the most significant sun damage, extensive wrinkling, and severe scarring. 

Before & After Results

Chemical Peel to the Scalp

• This patient had brown spots on the scalp from ingrown hairs.
• We performed a series of superficial chemical peels on the scalp, spaced one month apart.
• The patient now feels confident wearing a bald hairstyle, with the scalp an even brown color.

View More Results

2 – Skin type 

Oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from lighter peels using acids such as salicylic acid. This option penetrates the pores deeply to clear sebum, dirt, and impurities. It also helps manage active acne by reducing inflammation. For more persistent or severe acne and acne scarring, stronger and deeper peels may be appropriate. Dry and sensitive skin tolerates lighter, gentler peels that will not strip the skin’s protective, natural barrier or cause additional irritation. These peels may be formulated with acids such as lactic acid, an incredibly nourishing exfoliant derived from milk. While normal and combination skin can tolerate a wider range of chemical peel types, superficial peels that use AHA/BHA blends support soft skin and a radiant complexion. They can both target oily zones and hydrate dry spots. Mature and sun-damaged skin may require medium to deep peels. These peels can penetrate deeply and make a visible difference in stubborn conditions like age spots and severe wrinkles. 

3 – Skin tone 

While lighter skin tones (Types I to III on the Fitzpatrick Scale) can benefit from stronger peels, darker skin tones (Types IV to VI) should avoid more aggressive formulations. TCA and phenol peels are simply not worth the risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark spots. In more melanated skin, such peels also increase your risk of burns and scars. Superficial peels with AHAs and/or BHAs are ideal because they remove the top layer of skin cells without causing damage. 

Deeper peels are a “one-and-done” treatment that gets results. However, they are associated with a potentially long recovery and downtime. Lighter peels require more treatment sessions to get results, but they are a no-downtime process. Due to these differences, Dr. Rodney also discusses your personal and lifestyle preferences with you before recommending the best chemical peel for your needs and situation. 

Call (301) 479-6544 to schedule your consultation at the Washington, D.C., and Columbia, MD area office of Eternal Dermatology & Aesthetic Center today. 

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