Chemical Peels In Washington D.C.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun. At West End Plastic Surgery, our team of Aestheticians will discuss the various chemical peel options with you to ensure the best possible outcome for your skin.

chemical peels need to know

The VI Peel

Introducing the VI Peel! This chemical peel addresses fine lines and wrinkles, acne and acne scarring, hyperpigmentation from sun damage, and melasma, and promotes smoother skin texture by refining pores, controlling oil, and stimulating collagen production. The downtime and discomfort are minimal. Described by its founders as a “great first-time peel for all age groups who want fresh, healthy, radiant skin.” The VI Peel is a fix-all for a variety of skin types and conditions. It infuses the skin with beneficial ingredients and is less about actually making the skin peel.

The VI Peel contains a blend of active ingredients including trichloroacetic acid (TCA), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, vitamin C, and a blend of minerals. These ingredients all have fantastic benefits, like improving texture and tone, rejuvenating the skin, and helping to prevent further damage. It also contains pain-numbing ingredients to reduce the burning sensation and most say they don’t feel any burning during the treatment. VI Peel infuses the skin with beneficial ingredients and is less about actually making the skin peel.

Before & After 2 VI Peel Treatments:
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Benefits of the VI Peel

There are five different versions of the VI Peel available, each tailored to address a specific concern; however, the overall benefits include:

  • Reducing acne and acne scars: The VI Peel treats acne symptoms and reduces scarring caused by acne. It smooths skin texture, brightens dark areas, soothes inflammation, and increases collagen to plump depressed or pitted skin. Ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars can all be treated. All scars respond differently to the VI Peel, and multiple sessions or a combination of treatments may be necessary.
  • Diminishing sun spots and hyperpigmentation: VI Peel's synergistic blend of ingredients brightens skin, diminishes sun spots, and leaves the complexion glowing.
  • Smoothing over fine lines and wrinkles: Acids, antioxidants, and exfoliants penetrate deeply into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production for a smoother, firmer, more youthful appearance.
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What’s in the VI Peel?

Like other chemical peels, a VI Peel works by exfoliating your skin and stimulating the production of new proteins. VI Peels is made up of a blend of ingredients that include:

  • Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and Phenol: The combination of TCA and phenol causes "a controlled injury of the skin, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production." Patel discusses the benefits of each separately. To treat skin discoloration, scarring, and wrinkles, TCA removes dead skin cells, while Phenol often treats deeper concerns like sun damage, pigmentation, and facial lines.
  • Salicylic Acid: By exfoliating the skin and cleaning the pores, salicylic acid can reduce mild breakouts of whiteheads and blackheads, and prevent future breakouts.
  • Retinoic Acid: Retinoid acid is a derivative of Vitamin A. By reducing acne, inflammation, and oil production, it regulates the growth and differentiation of skin cells. This is where Vi Peel’s anti-aging benefits come in because of the ingredient’s ability to exfoliate, firm, and volumize the skin.
  • Vitamin C: The VI Peel includes vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that reduces pigmentation and improves the appearance of the skin by counteracting some of the damaging effects of the sun and pollution. It also has collagen-boosting properties that are instrumental in plumping the skin and smoothing over wrinkles.
  • Kojic Acid: Kojic Acid is derived from several different types of fungi. It works to treat pigmentation issues and acts as a skin lightener since it works to prevent the formation of the amino acid that produces melanin.
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: This is another key acne-fighting ingredient that removes bacteria from the surface of the skin but also beneath the top layer of the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide also helps get rid of dead skin cells and clears pore-clogging residue from the skin.
  • Hydroquinone: Known for its skin-lightening abilities, it helps create a more even skin tone all over by treating pigmentation issues.
  • Hydrocortisone: When you see the ingredient hydrocortisone, you may think of the cream you keep in your first aid kit to help treat itchy skin. However, when used as a key ingredient in VI Peels, it helps heal the skin and reduces inflammation.

Introducing TOXBOOSTER

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The Ultimate Combo: VI Peel + Neurotoxins

Get even better results from your regular Neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin) injections when you add a VI Peel treatment during the same appointment! Most people consider fine lines and wrinkles to be the main signs of aging but did you know that dark spots & sun damage inhibit your youthful glow? Does your skin sag and have a rough texture? The VI Peel combined with the Neurotoxin Injection targets ALL signs of aging. Neurotoxins treat dynamic wrinkles on your face, while the VI Peel treats static wrinkles, sun damage, skin texture, and skin laxity.

TOXBOOSTER Benefits:

  • Improves rough texture and dullness
  • Increase collagen production
  • Lifts sun damage and dark spots
  • Improves skin sagging and elasticity
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
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We know that Neurotoxin Injections work wonders on fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and in between the brows. But what about the rest of your skin? Combination therapies combine multiple modalities, injectables, and topicals (such as peels and skincare products) to deliver anti-aging results simultaneously. A combination therapy can improve wrinkles, texture, dark spots, sun damage, and skin laxity faster and more effectively over a shorter period of time.

In a clinical study, patients saw:
60% decrease in wrinkles (vs 37% with neurotoxin alone)
70% improvement in skin tone and texture.

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What Areas Can Be Treated with a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are normally used to refresh the skin on the face. However, treatment may also be conducted on the neck, décolleté and the backs of the hands.

Benefits of Facial Peels

There are several advantages to chemical peel treatments, especially when peels are conducted periodically. Benefits that our patients appreciate include:

  • Chemical peels remove the outer layer of dead and damaged cells that inhibit product absorption. By removing debris, chemical peels increase the efficacy of skin care products.
  • Peels can be customized to meet a variety of needs, from sunspots to acne scars. Because formulas can be adjusted, chemical peels are accessible to people of all skin types and tones.
  • Minimal downtime treatment can be developed around your needs.
  • Cellular turnover achieved with a custom peel provides excellent results for melasma.

What Types Of Chemical Peels Are Offered?

There are three basic types of chemical peels:

  • Light Peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.
  • Medium Peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths, i.e. actinic keratosis.
  • Deep Peel: Tricholoracetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is used on the face and only can be performed once.

What Should I Expect During A Chemical Peel

Chemical peel treatment begins with gentle face cleansing while the patient lies comfortably on the treatment table. After cleansing, the eyes may be covered with gauze or cotton. Depending on the depth of peel selected, a topical or regional anesthetic may be used before the chemical solution is applied. Oral pain medication may be taken prior to treatment. Anesthetic is discussed in advanced to ensure patient comfort.

beauty salon, facial peeling mask with retinol and fruit acids

The selected chemical peel solution is carefully applied to the skin avoiding delicate areas such as the eyelids. The liquid will then remain on the skin for several minutes to allow it to dry. As the chemical ingredients are absorbed into the epidermis, slight tingling or burning may occur. Your provider remains nearby in order to quickly address any concerns or reaction. Our careful selection of chemical peel ingredients for each patient minimizes this risk.

How Long Does A Chemical Peel Take?

Chemical peels are conducted in the office in less than an hour. The time that a solution remains on the skin varies only slightly. What is usually modified to achieve the desired results is the concentration and types of acids used in a peel.

Will I Need Multiple Facial Peel Treatments?

The frequency of chemical peels varies based on the depth of the peel selected. Deep peels are intended as a single-use treatment. Results typically last 4 or more years. Patients choosing medium peels may obtain treatment every 3 to 6 months. Light peels produce very little actual peeling and may be conducted on a monthly basis.

How Many Chemical Peel Treatments Will I Need?

The number of chemical peels that you may need depends on the extent of improvement you wish to achieve, the condition of your skin before treatment, your skincare habits, and the depth of peel you desire to have. Many people are more attracted to lighter peels due to the minimal downtime aspect of treatment. With lighter peels, more treatments may be needed to achieve the same results as a deeper peel. Your provider can discuss an estimated number of treatments by conducting a thorough consultation and examination of your skin.

Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels provide a safe and convenient way to support cellular rejuvenation. The few risks that are associated with chemical peels are largely related to deep peels. Risks include blisters, infection, scarring, and pigment changes. Light and medium peels generally carry minimal risks.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in Chemical Peels and would like to know more information, contact West End Plastic Surgery at 202-785-4187 to schedule a consultation. Our practice serves Washington D.C. and surrounding areas.

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