Chemical Peels 101: What to Expect for Smoother, Brighter Skin Before the Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner. That means family gatherings, parties, and of course, plenty of photo ops. So, it’s the perfect time to refresh your skin.

If you want to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion, you have several options, including chemical peels, skin rejuvenation, and microdermabrasion.

Oge Onwudiwe, MD, FAAD, highlights one treatment in particular: chemical peels.

Here’s what you should know before you book your treatment at Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics in Alexandria, Virginia.

Chemical peel 101

A chemical peel uses an acidic solution, like glycolic, salicylic, and trichloroacetic acids, to gently exfoliate the top layers of your skin. As the old, dull skin cells flake off, you see fresh new skin emerge. This leaves you with a more radiant, even-toned complexion.

What can a chemical peel do?

You might consider a chemical peel if you want to tackle problem areas like:

Dull, uneven skin tone
Fine lines and wrinkles
Sun damage and age spots
Acne and acne scars
Rough skin texture

Dr. Onwudiwe customizes your peel based on your specific goals and skin type to help you achieve the healthiest glow possible.

What kind of chemical peel is right for you?

At Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, we offer three kinds of peels:

Light

This is the lightest type of chemical peel and exfoliates only the outermost layer of your skin. During your light peel, we brush on the acidic solution and let it sit for a few minutes. You may feel mild stinging.

After we wash off the solution, we neutralize your skin and provide after-care instructions. Light chemical peels also have the shortest downtime. That’s why these are sometimes called “lunchtime” peels.

You might consider this if you have fine lines and wrinkles and don’t want to commit to a lengthy downtime.

Medium

Medium chemical peels use stronger topical solutions to address deeper lines, sun-damaged skin, and mild acne scarring. These also penetrate a little deeper than the light peels but not as deeply as the deep peels.

The process is similar to a light peel. After your medium peel, your skin may start to peel within 48 hours and last about a week.

Deep

Deep chemical peels use the strongest acidic solutions and penetrate into your dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. Because they penetrate deeper than the other two peels, they can address moderate lines, severe sun damage, and even deep acne scars.

Before you receive a deep chemical peel, we apply an anesthetic to keep you comfortable. We apply the chemical solution and let it sit. Like the other peels, your skin is washed and neutralized after a certain length of time. Before you go home, we apply an ointment to your skin.

They require the longest downtime out of the three types. Peeling can last for two weeks, but in some cases, redness may last for up to three months. These have a time and place, but they’re not the right peel to get right before a holiday party.

Regardless of which one you choose, it’s important to choose a board-certified, cosmetic dermatologist like Dr. Onwudiwe. Attempting to peel on yourself can result in skin damage.

What to expect after your peel

Most chemical peels are quick. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation as the peel solution works on your skin.

After your treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink or feel tight for a few days. Light peeling or flaking is normal as your skin renews itself.

Be sure to follow all post-care instructions. This includes proper skincare and avoiding excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Get holiday-ready skin

If you want glowing, confident skin for your next holiday event, schedule your chemical peel at Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics a few weeks in advance. Our skincare team will help you choose the right peel to meet your goals (and timeline!) so you can shine just as bright as the holiday lights.

Call at 703-795-9615 or use our online form to schedule your consultation today.