CHEMICAL PEEL
At our Virginia board-certified cosmetic laser and wellness center, we offer varying degrees of chemical strength that are safe for all skin types.
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
Chemical peel treatment is not a new thing anymore; it is a trend that’s continued to grow since its inception. Chemical peel treatment is an in-office treatment involving the placement of a gentle chemical solution on the skin’s surface to treat facial wrinkles, abnormal skin growths, or abnormal skin pigmentation. It’s a treatment available to people of all ages whenever the first effects of photo aging (damaging effects of sunlight on skin) begin to be visible on the face. At WellMedica, we provide our customers with a chemical solution that is customized based on their individual needs. The new skin following a chemical peel treatment is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.
CHEMICAL PEEL | BEFORE & AFTERS
Revitalize Your Skin with Chemical Peels in Reston VA at WellMedica
Skin health plays a vital role in overall appearance and confidence. At WellMedica, patients in Reston VA and surrounding areas have access to state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments designed to restore and rejuvenate the skin. One of the most popular and effective services offered is the chemical peel—a non-surgical solution for enhancing skin tone, texture, and radiance.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are in-office skin resurfacing treatments designed to improve the appearance of facial skin by applying a safe, chemical solution that exfoliates damaged outer layers. This process reveals fresh, smoother skin beneath and stimulates the body’s natural collagen production.
At WellMedica, each chemical peel is customized by Dr. Dima based on your skin type, concerns, and goals. Whether you're dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or sun damage, chemical peels in Reston VA offer a proven solution for achieving youthful, healthier-looking skin.
Types of Chemical Peels Offered at WellMedica
Different skin concerns require different levels of treatment intensity. At WellMedica, Dr. Dima evaluates your skin to determine the best type of chemical peel for optimal results:
1. Superficial Peels
Also known as “lunchtime peels,” superficial peels use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate only the outermost skin layer. These are ideal for patients looking to refresh dull or dry skin with minimal downtime.
2. Medium Peels
Using trichloroacetic acid (TCA), medium peels penetrate deeper layers of the skin to address pigmentation issues, age spots, and moderate wrinkles. These peels are highly effective for patients with more advanced signs of aging or acne scarring.
3. Deep Peels
Reserved for more significant skin concerns, deep chemical peels utilize stronger solutions like phenol to deeply exfoliate the skin. These treatments produce dramatic improvements in skin texture and tone but involve a longer recovery period. At WellMedica, deep peels are performed under careful supervision to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Benefits of Chemical Peels in Reston VA
Patients across Reston VA are turning to chemical peels because of their numerous benefits, including:
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Fading of dark spots and sun damage
- Minimized acne scars and breakouts
- Boosted collagen production
- Brightened complexion
Each treatment at WellMedica is performed with precision and care, ensuring safe, customized results tailored to individual skin goals.
Why Choose WellMedica for Chemical Peels in Reston VA?
Personalized Consultations with Dr. Dima
At WellMedica, patient satisfaction is the top priority. Dr. Dima, a renowned expert in aesthetic medicine, conducts comprehensive skin evaluations before recommending a treatment plan. Her personalized approach ensures that your chemical peel experience is not only safe but also effective and tailored to your specific needs.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Located in the heart of Reston VA, WellMedica offers a luxurious and medically advanced environment where patients can feel relaxed and confident. Every procedure is performed using cutting-edge techniques and medical-grade products that deliver lasting results.
Comprehensive Aesthetic Services
Beyond chemical peels, WellMedica offers a wide range of treatments including facial rejuvenation, anti-aging medicine, laser treatments, dermatological care, body sculpting, sexual wellness treatments, and weight loss programs. Patients enjoy access to a holistic suite of services to enhance their overall appearance and well-being.
What to Expect During a Chemical Peel Treatment
Step 1: Skin Assessment
Your journey at WellMedica begins with an in-depth skin assessment. Dr. Dima evaluates your skin tone, texture, and underlying concerns to determine the most suitable type of chemical peel.
Step 2: Preparation and Cleansing
Before applying the chemical solution, the skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove oils, dirt, and makeup. Protective coverings may be used for eyes and hair.
Step 3: Application of Peel Solution
The selected chemical solution is then gently applied to the skin. You may feel a mild tingling or warm sensation, which indicates the product is working.
Step 4: Neutralization and Post-Treatment Care
After a few minutes, the solution is either neutralized or self-neutralizing, depending on the type used. A soothing balm and sunscreen are applied to protect and hydrate the skin.
Step 5: Recovery
Recovery times vary based on the depth of the peel. Superficial peels may result in mild redness or flaking for a day or two, while medium and deep peels require more extensive healing over several days to a week.
Aftercare Tips for Optimal Results
Proper aftercare is essential for achieving the best results from your chemical peel. Dr. Dima and the team at WellMedica provide personalized guidance, but general recommendations include:
- Avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week
- Use only gentle cleansers and avoid exfoliants
- Moisturize regularly to support healing
- Apply SPF 30 or higher daily
- Refrain from picking or peeling the skin
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
Chemical peels are suitable for most skin types and ages. Ideal candidates are individuals in Reston VA who are looking to:
- Reduce signs of aging without invasive procedures
- Improve acne or acne scarring
- Brighten dull, uneven skin
- Treat sun damage or melasma
However, patients with certain medical conditions, active infections, or very sensitive skin should consult with Dr. Dima to determine their suitability.
WHAT TYPE OF CHEMICAL PEELS ARE USED?
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the uppermost layer of skin, allowing smoother, softer skin to be revealed through the healing process. There are several types of chemical peels offered at WellMedica that vary depending on what conditions they work best to resolve.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a water-soluble acid made from sugary fruits. AHA peels are relatively superficial, mild peels that are primarily used for enlarged pores, fine lines and surface wrinkles, mild hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Glycolic peels are the most common AHA peels.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) peels, on the other hand, goes slightly deeper into your hair follicle to dry excess oils and exfoliate dead skin when compared to the AHA peels. Hence, BHA is more suitable for patients that have normal to oily skin. BHA peels are used to treat acne-prone skin and reduce rosacea-related redness. Salicylic acid peels are the most common BHA peels.
Jessner’s peels are typically medium peels. That means these peels remove skin cells from the top layer of your skin (epidermis) and the upper portion of the middle layer (the dermis). These peels are often used in situations where the skin hasn’t responded to an AHA peel, but a mild peel is still desired. Jessner peels are used to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of scars, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and treat melasma (hyperpigmentation). Jessner peels are made up of a mix of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol in a 95 percent ethanol solution.
TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) peels are an analog of acetic acid (like vinegar) and are an active ingredient in many popular chemical peels. It is considered a medium-to-deep peel based on the strength and concentration used. A peel with TCA concentration in the 20 % range can be applied to the neck, décolletage, hands, and arms to help sun-damaged or aging skin.
- Peels with TCA concentrations up to 35% and more should only be applied to the face and can be used to treat deeper wrinkles and precancers.
- A lighter peel or a series of lighter peels is a good option if you don’t want or can’t afford days of downtime. Deeper peels often require a week or more of downtime, as the skin peels off and then renews itself, and can only be done once annually.
Phenol peels (Carbolic Acid) offer the greatest depth of treatment. The phenol peel is the chemical peel that goes deep enough to improve the dermis and the epidermis. The imperfections of the epidermis—wrinkles, scarring, textural irregularities, and extensive sun damage—are diminished as the acid removes the outermost layers. This results in renewed, refreshed, and beautiful-looking skin. They can treat deeper wrinkles, blotchy skin, and even precancerous lesions.
ARE CHEMICAL PEELS RIGHT FOR ME?
Chemical peels are typically used to restore wrinkly, blotchy, sun-damaged skin to a more youthful, vibrant appearance. Chemical peels are becoming more popular because they’re so versatile. At WellMedica, we can customize your needs to achieve specific effects based on the individual’s unique goals, such as:
- Clearing acne breakouts, acne scars, and other scarring.
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduce sun damage and dark spots, including age spots.
- Improving the skin color, texture, clarity, and tone.
- Addressing visible skin imperfections.
- Stimulating collagen and healthy skin cells to have a radiant complexion.
- Improving skin tone and hydration.
SOME OTHER ADVANTAGES OF A CHEMICAL PEEL
- Chemical peels offer a fast track to smoother, line-free skin.
- Confidence booster: There’s no quicker path to confidence than a smooth, glowing complexion.
- Minimal cost: Unlike spending hundreds of dollars on the newest anti-aging products, chemical peels offer concrete results at a reasonable price.
- Fast: Sometimes referred to as the “lunchtime peel,” chemical peels require minimal downtime, i.e. you can get one, and get back to your life without worrying about recovery.
HOW MANY CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of peels required to see results depends on the condition being treated and the type of chemical peel. If you are treating concerns such as sun damage or acne, multiple peels will be required. Some improvement will be seen after each peel, but it typically takes a series of 6 - 8 peels, spaced 3 - 6 weeks apart, to see the full effect if a light peel is required. When using a medium to deep peel, 1 - 2 peels might be required depending on the condition.
HOW MUCH DO CHEMICAL PEELS COST?
The cost starts at $225 per session. There are a variety of factors that determine the overall price including the type of peel and area treated. To ensure that your chemical peel procedure is affordable, we accept a variety of payment methods including special financing plans.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT?
The treatment generally takes under an hour for the application of the chemical solution to the face and involves minimal discomfort. After treatment, the skin is generally red, which fades as the skin heals.
Before your chemical peel treatment, we recommend:
- Stop exfoliating the area treated with the chemical peel at least two days before your appointment to reduce sensitivity.
- Ensure that your skin is hydrated and moisturized on the day of your appointment. Drink plenty of water in the days leading to your treatment.
- If you have a history of cold sores, please discuss this with Dr. Dima Ali to ensure that you start your antiviral medication prior to your scheduled appointment.
After your chemical peel treatment, the skin is generally red and mildly swollen but fades as the skin heals. Around the second or third day, you might notice your skin starting to peel. Depending on the type and depth of the peel, your skin may peel for 3 to 10 days.
Generally, medium chemical peels will take 5 to 7 days for the peeling to stop. With deeper peels, you might experience crusting, peeling, and swelling that might last several days to weeks.
The right care and following the post-care instruction provided by one of WellMedica's providers is important to ensure quick and comfortable healing. The success of the chemical peel is up to you if you want to get your desired results.
Aftercare instructions include:
- Immediately following your chemical peel treatment, ensure that you take extra precautions to guard against exposure to the sun.
- On the first night, avoid washing your face.
- On days 2 through 7, avoid harsh cleansers, scrubs, creams, and moisturizers.
- When washing your face, pat your skin dry. Do not rub.
- Avoid picking or pulling on your skin when peeling starts to prevent scarring and hyperpigmentation.
- Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream over treated areas to minimize redness, itching, irritation, and hyperpigmentation (optional). If you have a darker skin tone, this is not optional.
- Avoid strenuous exercise until skin peeling stops and your skin is healed to avoid irritation.
- Avoid having any other facial treatments/procedures for at least one week after peeling or until flaking/peeling stops.
REMINDER: It is not a requirement to experience deep peeling of facial skin after a light peel. If peeling does not occur, please know that you are still receiving all the benefits of the peel, such as stimulation of collagen production, improvement of skin tone and texture, and diminished fine lines and pigmentation.
IS IT SAFE?
A chemical peel is usually a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced professional. At WellMedica, Dr. Dima has great experience with various skin types and will evaluate your skin before determining whether chemical peels are the best option for you.
TESTIMONIALS
I wanted to see Dr. Dima about my acne and bad acne scars. She recommended starting off with doing a series of Chemical Peels. I was apprehensive at first because of how the skin sheds, but afterward, my skin was baby smooth and my acne scars have faded!
~Google Reviews
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Through a number of innovative solutions, Dr. Dima has helped thousands of patients achieve their desired results through a number of innovative solutions. Contact us today for more information.