Everything You Need to Know About Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a potent solution for tackling various skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles. They have shown promising results in managing these inevitable signs of aging.

In a chemical peel, the skin is treated with a chemical solution to exfoliate and peel off the outermost layers. The active ingredients contained in the chemical solution cause the skin to shed, stimulating the production of new skin cells and collagen, a protein that provides the skin with strength and elasticity. Undergoing a chemical peel at Rejuva Medical Spa offers several benefits, including:

• Exfoliation of dead skin cells
• Stimulation of collagen production
• Improvement in skin texture and tone
• Reduction in hyperpigmentation (dark spots)

While chemical peels can substantially improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they cannot completely halt the natural aging process.

At Rejuva Medical Spa, we ensure the safe application of chemical peels for various skin types. However, people with active acne, eczema, or rosacea may not be suitable candidates. Deeper peels, requiring more recovery time, may not be suitable for patients with busy schedules.

We will determine the most appropriate type of peel for your skin type and desired results. Usually, the process involves placing the chemical solution on the face and allowing it to sit for a specific time. Post-treatment, you may experience temporary redness, peeling, and crusting.

We advise all our clients to keep in mind that although highly effective, chemical peels carry potential risks and side effects, such as changes in skin color, scarring, and infection. Therefore, it’s always recommended to consult with our dermatologist or skin specialist before deciding to undergo a chemical peel.

Among the most common cosmetic procedures are chemical peels, which can enhance your skin’s texture, minimize scarring, and reduce wrinkles. They work by applying a chemical solution to your skin, which causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off, revealing the newer, smoother skin underneath. However, if you have sensitive skin, this process can potentially be irritating.

Here at Rejuva Medical Spa, we offer different types of chemical peels, from light to medium to deep, each with varying levels of chemicals and pH levels. We advise beginning with a mild or superficial peel if you have sensitive skin, which involves mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid, and only removes the outermost layer of the skin.

To ensure your safety and comfort, our skincare professionals will conduct a patch test, apply the peeling solution to a small area of your skin, and monitor for any reactions. We also advise you to use a mild cleanser and keep your skin well-hydrated with a fragrance-free moisturizer.

If chemical peels are not deemed suitable for your sensitive skin, we have alternative treatments available, such as microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and laser skin resurfacing. These treatments are less invasive and can still promote skin rejuvenation.

If you have a history of abnormal skin scarring, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, active acne, skin infections, or recent skin damage, we may advise against a chemical peel. These conditions can be exacerbated by the procedure, causing more harm than good.

We also take great care with clients who have darker skin tones, as there is a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after a chemical peel. Should you have darker skin, we’ll discuss the potential risks and benefits with you thoroughly.

Certain medical conditions, such as severe rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and certain autoimmune diseases, can also influence your suitability for chemical peels.

We’re cautious about patients currently taking Accutane, a medication typically used for severe acne, as it can increase the risk of scarring and skin damage post-peel. If you’re taking Accutane, we recommend discontinuing its use at least six months before having a chemical peel at Rejuva Medical Spa.

We also recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid chemical peels, due to hormonal changes that can affect the skin’s response to the peel.

Lastly, if you have known allergies to any of the chemicals used in the peel or are on certain medications, such as retinoids and antibiotics, we’ll need to discuss your options as these can increase skin sensitivity.

If you have thicker, resilient skin or are dealing with more severe skin conditions like substantial hyperpigmentation or deep-set wrinkles, you may require more chemical peel sessions. The strength of the peel utilized also plays a crucial role. We offer light peels targeting the outermost layer of your skin, medium peels for deeper penetration, and deep peels to reach the lower dermal level of your skin.

Treatment goals significantly influence the number of sessions required. For minor skin issues, improvement may be visible after one or two sessions. For more serious conditions, four to six treatments might be necessary.

For deep peels, due to their intensity and longer recovery time, they are usually performed once. Post-treatment care is essential, and our team will guide you through a customized skincare regimen to enhance results and minimize potential side effects.

At Rejuva Medical Spa, it’s important to us that you have realistic expectations about your treatment. During your initial consultation, our expert skincare professionals will discuss your treatment goals and the number of sessions you may need to achieve these goals. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results and ensuring your comfort throughout your journey towards healthier, rejuvenated skin.

At Rejuva Medical Spa, we offer a range of cosmetic procedures, including chemical peels, designed to enhance and smoothen your skin texture. Our experienced skin care specialists apply a tailored chemical solution to your skin, resulting in varying degrees of exfoliation.

A Superficial Chemical Peel influences only the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. This mild peel employs alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate, making it ideal for addressing fine lines, mild acne, uneven skin pigmentation, and dryness. The recovery period is short, with minor side effects like slight redness or dryness.

We also offer Medium Chemical Peels, which penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the upper layers of the dermis. These peels effectively treat moderate wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and improve the appearance of stretch marks and other skin imperfections. As these peels are more intense, the recovery process is longer, with a higher likelihood of side effects.

For severe skin issues such as deep wrinkles, sun damage, and scarring, we offer Deep Chemical Peels at Rejuva Medical Spa. These peels penetrate the deepest layers of the dermis using strong acids, and while they require a longer recovery period, their results can be dramatic.

Before undergoing any chemical peel at Rejuva Medical Spa, we recommend a consultation with our dermatologist or skin care specialist. Our team will determine the most suitable peel based on your skin health, type, and desired results. Despite the potential risks like redness and swelling, skin irritation, and changes in skin color, the benefits of chemical peels at Rejuva Medical Spa include improved skin tone and texture, reduced wrinkles and acne scars, faded sun damage, and lightened stretch marks. At Rejuva Medical Spa, your skin’s health and beauty are our priority. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3925 Portsmouth Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23321. We serve clients from Chesapeake VA, Portsmouth VA, Bowers Hill VA, Norfolk VA, and Berkley VA.