Which Chemical Peel Is Right for You?
Do you ever wish you could just lift off the wrinkles, scars, and spots you’ve collected on your skin over the years? You’re in luck, because that’s exactly what a chemical peel does for you.
But all chemical peels aren’t the same, and choosing the right one is the only way to ensure you get the best results.
Here at Contours LaserSpa, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to skin care, and neither should you. Not only are your skin tone, texture, and type different from others, but you also have a unique set of issues that vary in severity and importance to you.
That’s why Dr. Tammy Jones and our experienced team of master aestheticians offer several types of chemical peels to rejuvenate your complexion.
We feature the full line of PCA Skin® chemical peels — including lactic acid-based peels, retinol peels, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels — that tackle various degrees of hyperpigmentation, acne, minor scarring, and dull, uneven complexions.
Here’s a guide to help you narrow down your chemical peel choices.
Understanding chemical peels
Chemical peels use acids to gently slough away dead skin cells and remove the upper layers of your skin. Once the old skin is removed, the new skin below can replace it, giving you a fresher, cleaner, and healthier appearance.
This treatment literally peels away a multitude of blemishes, including:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Melasma
- Acne scars
- Crow’s feet
- Liver spots
Your specific skin complaint helps us advise you about the right kind of peel for you.
Choose your chemical peel
Chemical peels are categorized into three groups based on their strength and the depth of skin they target. The main differences are the type and strength of the acid we use to achieve different effects.
Shallow peels
This superficial peel is the mildest chemical peel we offer. It refreshes your face without any downtime.
Medium peels
Medium peels are stronger, and work well on removing age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Deep peels
As the name suggests, deep peels get down to the inner layer of your skin to tackle the blemishes that live below the surface. These can only be done once or twice in your lifetime, but they can drastically improve your appearance by removing scars and deeper wrinkles.
Choosing which peel is best for you depends on your aesthetic goals and your skin’s needs. When you book a consultation with Dr. Jones or one of our team members, we discuss your desires and expectations to make sure we match you with the right treatment.
It’s also important to remember that the stronger chemical peels require some downtime, so this should factor into your decision.
Chemical peel results
It can take about a month for your skin to fully heal after being peeled, so you should treat it gently during your recovery period. The degree of redness and swelling and the amount of time it takes to heal depend on the type of peel you choose and your individual skin.
We send you home with detailed aftercare instructions. It’s important to follow them carefully to protect your skin and ensure the best results.
One of the most critical aspects of your healing process is to guard your delicate new skin from the sun. Use a high-quality facial sunscreen after receiving a peel, as new skin is more susceptible to burns and damage.
And remember that certain skin care products might be too harsh to use on your freshly peeled skin, and you might need to moisturize more frequently.
To learn more about your chemical peel options or to schedule a consultation, call us at our Fairfax, Virginia, office or book your appointment online today.