Everyone has seen or known someone with envy-worthy skin. It glows and radiates youth and beauty in the most effortless way possible, and all you know is yours doesn’t look like that, but you’ll do whatever it takes to get there. At Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics in Fulton, MD, we offer different chemical peels that can help you reach that envy-worthy skin status and resolve your problematic skin conditions in a way that your at-home topical products simply cannot.
All About Chemical Peels
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are treatments that exfoliate the skin by removing one or more layers of the skin. They use different natural acids, enzymes, and other effective ingredients to dissolve dead skin cells and in doing so, treat many different skin conditions. Not only do they exfoliate, but they can improve the tone and texture of your skin, unclog your pores and make them look smaller and tighter, and stimulate new collagen production in the skin. Peels reveal a fresh layer of new skin that glows and looks more youthful. They are an effective alternative to lasers and even surgery, because not only are they non-invasive, but treatments are relatively quick, and depending on what type of peel you choose, there’s little to no downtime. Patients often schedule their chemical peels before special events so that they can benefit from that lasting, post-peel glow.
Chemical Exfoliation
There are two different types of exfoliation: chemical and physical. Physical exfoliation is performed with scrubs or devices that use abrasion to physically exfoliate the skin. Physical exfoliation involves something tangible; you can feel it take place. Chemical exfoliation is different. When acids are applied to your skin, you may feel the application process, but you don’t feel the exfoliation process. Even though you can’t feel it, it works and it delivers amazing results. Both forms of exfoliation are important to your overall skin health, but chemical exfoliation is not so easy to do at home. You probably exfoliate your face weekly with a product or device that uses physical exfoliation, but it’s not easy to get your hands on chemical peels, nor is it safe. There is a reason that you can’t buy these products unless you’re licensed, which is why you can trust that when you choose our office, you’ll be in the hands of an expert.
What Do They Treat?
Chemical peels have multiple uses. Aside from providing your skin with a chemical form of exfoliation, they can resolve many different problematic skin conditions including:
- Skin discoloration
- Acne-prone skin
- Sun-damaged skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Irregular skin texture and tone
- Dull complexion
- Blotchy complexion
- Skin scarring
- Hyperpigmentation
Treating Melasma
Melasma is a stubborn skin condition that doesn’t respond to many topical products, no matter how promising they may seem. Our melasma peels can improve the appearance of discoloration and are even more effective than lasers and other skin rejuvenation techniques. Whether you have age spots, liver spots, brown spots, or other types of hyperpigmentation, our melasma peels will deliver results, even out your skin tone, and make your skin look beautiful.
Customizing Your Peels
Everyone’s skin is different. Not only that, but everyone has different skin needs and goals based on their skin tone and type. That’s the benefit of our chemical peels. Dr. Ife Rodney is a skin expert and not only can she customize the peels to your needs and goals, but to your lifestyle as well. If you don’t want to treat your whole face, she can apply the peel solution to specific areas that need improvement, such as wrinkles on the forehead or around the mouth.
What Are the Different Types of Peels?
At our office, we offer three different strength peels, each of which is designed to target different skin conditions. We can customize these peels to your needs and adjust the strength as necessary to help you reach all of your skin goals. The strength of a peel is determined based on which ingredients are used, the application technique, and the amount of time it remains on your skin.
Superficial Peels
Superficial peels are the lightest peels and typically use a combination of alpha or beta hydroxy acids, including salicylic acid, Jessner’s solution, and glycolic acid. These peels are ideal for beginners who have never experienced a peel or those who want to improve the skin but don’t want any downtime. These peels will brighten the skin, help improve lines and wrinkles, and give you an envy-worthy glow. They can be done every two to four weeks as needed.
Medium Depth Peels
Our medium peels contain TCA, also known as trichloroacetic acid. They can effectively treat and improve sun damage and wrinkles. They can reach deeper into the skin and affect more than one layer. Their skin transformative results are long-lasting.
Deep Peels
Our deep peels treat severe wrinkles that tend to form around the mouth, as well as moderate sun damage. These peels can contain TCA or phenol, which is why we screen patients before performing this peel to make sure that their skin can tolerate such a strong peel. Deep peels should only be done once a year or every few years depending on your skin condition and type.
Which Peel Is Right for Me?
If you’re wondering if there’s a peel that can help change your skin, the answer is yes. Our peels can be customized to meet all of your skin’s needs and help you resolve some of your most pressing skin concerns. When you visit our office, we’ll begin with a consultation. We’ll ask you about your skin, analyze it, and listen to your goals. Then, we’ll recommend a peel based on those factors and develop a treatment plan that will help you get the most beautiful skin possible.
Taking the Next Step
A chemical peel is a perfect treatment to transform your skin and create the change you’ve been unable to achieve at home. When you add peels to your skincare routine, you’ll notice an improvement in the health of your skin as well as any pressing skin concerns that you’ve been unable to successfully treat at home. Dr. Rodney has extensive experience in all aspects of cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology for all skin types. The entire team at Eternal Dermatology is committed to providing the very best experience possible in a patient-friendly and professional environment. Visit us in Baltimore and DMV area today. Schedule your consultation today!