The chemical peel is a type of skin treatment that can safely address skin problems such as discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and dullness. It is done using different chemicals and for various durations of time depending on the treatment required.
The chemical solutions used in a chemical peel cause the layers of damaged and dead skin to peel away and make way for new skin cells. The treatments may cause a temporary stinging sensation but are otherwise comfortable. A chemical peel must be administered by a qualified medical professional.
Types of Peels
Chemical peels are classified based on their strength, which is based on the chemicals used and the skin layer the chemicals penetrate down to.
Superficial Peel – A superficial, or light, peel is done using a mild acid such as alphahydroxy acid. The chemical in this peel seeps into the outermost skin layer only. The peel can treat rough skin and slight discoloration. It can also remove dull skin from the face, neck, and hands. This peel is quite safe and does not require anesthesia.
Medium Peel – This type of peel is done using trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid to soak into the outer and middle skin layers. It can effectively remove age spots, wrinkles, freckles, and discoloration. It can also be used for actinic keratoses (precancerous growths on skin). No anesthesia is needed for a medium peel.
Deep Peel – A deep, or strong, chemical peel is done using phenol or at times trichloroacetic acid to soak into the middle layer more deeply than a medium peel. It can treat scars, age spots, lines, and freckles. These peels require local anesthesia with sedation in order to preserve patient comfort.
The Benefits of Chemical Peels
With chemical peels, you can achieve smoother and more youthful skin during one or more safe treatment sessions. You can get rid of blotches and blemishes of any kind on your skin. Peels can remove skin dullness and restore that rosy glow.
Chemical peels are also effective in removing signs of sun damage. Some medium peels can even lighten birthmarks on the face and neck. Deep peels can remove severe acne scars, control acne, and even treat skin growths. Deep peels offer long-lasting results.
The Chemical Peel Treatments We Offer
Given the efficacy and popularity of peels, we offer a number of peel options to our patients:
VI Peel – This peel is extremely effective for removing aging signs from the skin. It can make skin smoother and typically offers results within a week’s time.
Rejuvenize Peel – This deep peel effectively treats sun-damaged skin, acne scars, and fine lines in a single treatment.
Vitalize Peel – This peel can be used to treat mild skin conditions. It is a popular way to add a glow to skin instantly. It is a superficial peel and contains different acids to work effectively to tighten pores and boost collagen production.
Illuminize Peel – This mild peel is helpful for giving the skin a rosy glow. It can treat mild skin problems, and it is also used to brighten skin for special events, as it produces quick results.
Glycolic Peel – This peel option contains antioxidants along with glycolic acid for adding radiance to skin. It can treat pores and remove wrinkles.
VI Peel Precision Plus – This peel is used for treating age spots, severe discoloration, and extremely rough skin. It can also treat lesions and melasma.
Unisex Intimate Bleaching Peel – This peel has a special formula to lighten the vaginal region, anal region, areolae, and underarms. It is also able to smooth skin that has razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
Schedule a Consultation to Pick Your Peel
Speak with Dr. David Shafer, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, to learn more about our peel options and choose the one that’s right for you. To set up your consultation, contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses chemical solutions to remove damaged and dead skin layers, promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells. It can address issues like discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and dullness by peeling away the outer skin layers.
Chemical peels are classified into superficial, medium, and deep peels based on their strength and the depth of skin penetration. Superficial peels use mild acids and affect only the outermost skin layer, medium peels penetrate the outer and middle layers, and deep peels reach deeper into the middle layer for more intensive treatment.
A superficial peel uses mild acids like alphahydroxy acid to treat rough skin, slight discoloration, and dullness on the face, neck, and hands. It is safe, requires no anesthesia, and primarily affects the outermost skin layer to refresh the skin's appearance.
A medium peel uses stronger acids such as trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid to penetrate both the outer and middle skin layers. It effectively removes age spots, wrinkles, freckles, discoloration, and can treat precancerous skin growths, offering more significant results than a superficial peel.
Deep chemical peels use phenol or strong trichloroacetic acid to penetrate deeply into the middle skin layer, treating severe scars, age spots, lines, and freckles. Due to their intensity, these peels require local anesthesia with sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
Chemical peels can provide smoother, more youthful skin by removing blotches, blemishes, dullness, and signs of sun damage. They can lighten birthmarks, control acne, and reduce severe acne scars. Deep peels offer long-lasting results and overall skin rejuvenation.
The VI Peel is a chemical peel designed to effectively remove signs of aging and make the skin smoother. Patients typically see noticeable improvements within about a week, making it a popular choice for skin rejuvenation.
The Rejuvenize Peel is a deep chemical peel that effectively treats sun-damaged skin, acne scars, and fine lines in a single treatment session, providing significant skin renewal.
This specialized peel is formulated to lighten sensitive areas such as the vaginal region, anal region, areolae, and underarms. It also smooths skin affected by razor bumps or ingrown hairs, improving both tone and texture in these areas.
Chemical peels are safe when administered by qualified medical professionals who can select the appropriate peel type and strength for your skin condition. Proper medical supervision ensures comfort and minimizes risks during the treatment.
Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. David Shafer can help you select the most suitable chemical peel based on your skin concerns and desired results. A professional consultation ensures personalized treatment planning.
