Reveal Smoother Skin with a Chemical Peel

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. Likewise, you can’t always judge your skin’s potential by the outer layer of skin. A chemical peel is a method to bring your healthy, smooth-textured skin to the surface by removing the damaged outer layer. Dr. Anne Nickodem performs this non-invasive treatment to minimize the appearance of:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Age spots
• Sun damaged skin
• Scars
• Acne
• Freckles
• Irregular skin color

How Chemical Peels Work

A chemical peel involves the application of a mild chemical solution to your face. This solution adheres to the outside, damaged skin of your face so it can be gently peeled it away. This causes a controlled wound on the face that begins healing right away. As the skin heals, the underlying regenerated, smoother skin becomes visible.

There are different strengths of chemical peels, ranging from superficial to deep. Some patients start with a deep peel and then maintain their skin with superficial peels every few months. Dr. Nickodem will assess your skin condition and recommend the right treatment and follow-up plan for your unique skin.

Side Effects of Chemical Peels

Fair-skinned, light-haired people typically have better results with chemical peels than those with darker skin. This is because darker skin tones may look uneven after a peel. Dr. Nickodem may recommend a pre-peel skin care plan for several weeks to reduce the chance of potential side effects.

Chemical Peels Downtime

The stronger the chemicals used, the longer the skin will take to heal. Although the healing process is longer, deep chemical peels can create a dramatic improvement in your skin tone. The recovery process for superficial chemical peels can range from 1-3 days. During this time the skin may peel and look red. Medium and deep peels may result in swelling and blisters that heal over the course of 1-3 weeks. It is important to shield your skin from the sun during the healing process. The results from a chemical peel can last 1-2 months, so we may recommend that you repeat the process every 4-6 weeks to maintain your appearance.

To learn more about chemical peels in Annandale, VA, and find out if you are a good candidate for this treatment, contact us today to schedule your Cosmetic Consultation.