For any skin concern, whether caused by aging or environmental factors, there is an equivalent surgical and non-surgical solution. For instance, patients who have mild to moderate facial skin issues can choose between non-surgical solution such as chemical peels, dermal fillers, and Botox^®. For other skin concerns like loose or sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and other aging-related issues, facelift, eyebrow lift, and a mini lift are some of the readily accessible surgical options.

Of all the non-surgical options for facial skin rejuvenation, a chemical peel is among the treatments most preferred by both women and men because this treatment is a simple, out-patient procedure than can be completed in less than an hour.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are basically three different types of chemical peels, and how they differ from one another is actually based on the strength or depth of treatment. To expound further, here are the three different types of chemical peels:

1. Light

A light chemical peel is recommended for patients with minor skin concerns like mild to moderate wrinkles, mild skin discoloration, and light acne scars. As you can see, skin issues that a light chemical peel can effectively address are those that aren’t severe because in general, what a light chemical peel does is to remove the outer layer of the skin (also known as epidermis) to reveal a lighter, more even skin tone. Additionally, a light chemical peel is recommended for patients with dry skin. One session is usually enough for a light chemical peel.

If you wish to include light chemical peels into your regular beauty regimen, you can safely receive this treatment once every two weeks or if you wish to space treatments farther apart, every five weeks. Your doctor will determine the ideal schedule for you.

2. Medium

For moderate skin issues, whether wrinkles or skin discoloration or acne scars, a medium chemical peel might be what your doctor would recommend. Unlike light chemical peels, which are superficial and which peels off the outer layer of the skin or epidermis, medium peels go deeper than the epidermis. With a medium chemical peel, both the outer layer (epidermis) and the middle layer (dermis) are peeled off. Patients who need a medium chemical peel may be required to undergo several treatments to achieve desired results.

If you wish to incorporate a medium chemical peel into your regular skin care regimen, your doctor will advise you to wait until the third month after your session to undergo another treatment. In general, patients should space their medium chemical peel treatments between three and six months.

3. Deep

A deep chemical peel is the most intense of the three. If a light chemical peel targets the epidermis and a medium chemical peel targets both the epidermis and dermis, a deep peel goes beyond these two layers. If you have deeper or more severe wrinkles or deeper scars, this type of chemical peel might just be the solution to your skin concerns. Some patients with pre-cancerous growths may also be advised by their physician to undergo a deep chemical peel treatment.

Results from a deep chemical peel can last up to ten years, which means you won’t have to undergo another session in a few weeks or months to achieve your desired result.

Patients are reminded that a chemical peel isn’t recommended for severe scarring, wrinkles, or sagging skin as it cannot effectively correct these skin issues.

Learn more about chemical peels

Do you have further questions about chemical peels? Or do you wish to find out if you are the ideal candidate for the procedure? Please feel free to give us a call at (240) 630-8175. You may also leave us a message here. We’d be glad to hear from you.