Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a great non-invasive treatment designed to improve skin tone and texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.1 According to the American Academy of Dermatology, chemical peels are also ideal for treating common skin conditions such as the uneven skin tone caused by discoloration or hyperpigmentation, sun damage, as well as acne scars.2
WHY CHOOSE ELLE AESTHETIC ARTS FOR CHEMICAL PEELS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery’s medical spa led by Director of Medical Aesthetics, Zineb Moussafir, provides a range of non-invasive and minimally-invasive treatments that are customized to target and treat each patient’s areas of concern and achieve their unique skin care goals.
Chemical peels are appropriate for all skin types. From exfoliating deep chemical peels with resurfacing effects to superficial peels with alpha-hydroxy acids that are soothing, our advanced chemical solutions can be used on all skin colors from darker skin tones to fair skin tones. These cosmetic treatments work by targeting the outer layers of skin to visibly improve dryness and flaking, reduce fine wrinkles, melasma and age spots, and stimulate the production of healthy new skin cells.
TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEELS WE OFFER
MICRONAGE PEEL
This gentle peel combines azelaic, mandelic, and salicylic acids to exfoliate the skin and restore a glowing complexion. Its delivery system uses anhydrous gel to refine the skin and requires less downtime than other peels. This peel is often recommended as an add-on to amplify microneedling results.
MINI GLOSS PEEL
This peel improves the skin’s tone, texture, and overall appearance using a combination of azeloyl trichloroacetamide (TCA) and salicylic acid. It smoothes the skin’s texture, reduces acne breakouts, and results in a more youthful and radiant appearance.
MELANAGE PEEL
This peel is an enhancement system that is designed to effectively target and treat hyperpigmentation and is completely customizable to each patient’s skin. Safe for all skin tones and types, this non-acidic chemical peel employs the first standardized combination of Vitamin A and Arbutin, resulting in a virtually painless peel that visibly improves the appearance of superficial to mid-depth melasma.
MINI MELENAGE PEEL
This superficial chemical peel is a gentler version of the Melanage Peel and is ideal for sensitive skin or skin that is breakout-prone, while also being a customizable enhancement system. This peel also targets pigmentation issues with a formulation including a retinoid and two non-corrosive acids to brighten and smooth the skin.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A CHEMICAL PEEL
If you would like to learn more about our medical-grade peels, please schedule an appointment or contact us for pricing.
FAQs ABOUT CHEMICAL PEELS
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR CHEMICAL PEELS?
Chemical peels are appropriate for anyone seeking to improve the texture and tone of their skin. Anyone actively taking Retin-A or Hydroquinone may be instructed to pause these medications immediately before and after a chemical peel. Since chemical peels can cause an outbreak of a viral infection, it’s best to inform your provider if you have a condition like herpes or cold sores as your provider may recommend taking an antiviral medication before your appointment. 3
CAN I COMBINE OTHER TREATMENTS WITH A CHEMICAL PEEL?
Yes, many of our patients choose to combine chemical peel treatments with other cosmetic procedures such as injectables like Botox and fillers, custom facials, or Ultherapy skin tightening.
DO CHEMICAL PEELS HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Both the light chemical peels and the medium-depth peels we offer are considered safe when done by an experienced provider. However, it is normal for chemical peels to result in temporary redness and mild swelling, as well as peeling and shedding of the skin but this is part of the normal healing process and will subside over several days following treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENT?
A chemical peel is an outpatient cosmetic treatment performed in the comfort of our luxurious medical spa. Your provider will ask you to recline and then clean the surface area of your face and neck. Then, based on your desired treatment she will apply one or more chemical solutions, such as carbolic acid (phenol), lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to your skin and leave it in place for a specific amount of time before thoroughly cleaning your skin and applying a moisturizer and sunscreen. Recovery time can vary depending on the chemical peel used from several days to one week, and we always recommend avoiding direct sun exposure as your treated skin will be extra sensitive.
DO CHEMICAL PEELS HURT?
No, in fact, many of our patients find the experience to be quite relaxing. While a slight burning sensation is common this can generally be alleviated with a cool compress and since the chemical peels that we carry are anti hydrous they are more comfortable.
WHAT IF I WANT DEEPER SKIN RESURFACING?
We’re proud to offer laser skin resurfacing as well as microneedling treatments for those desiring more comprehensive skin rejuvenation. Contact us to set up a consultation.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Chemical Peels. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11010-chemical-peels. Accessed January 27, 2022.
2 AAOD. Chemical peels: overview. Available: https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/chemical-peels-overview. Accessed January 27, 2022.
3 Mayo Clinic. Chemical peel. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473. Accessed January 27, 2022.