Signs It’s Time to Consider Chemical Peels

Has your skin felt a little lackluster lately? Whether you have sun damage, stubborn acne scars, or just a dull, uneven tone, skin problems can feel frustrating to see in the mirror. Fortunately, you don’t need invasive surgery, time-consuming treatments, or even lasers to achieve smooth, radiant skin.

A chemical peel is a quick, in-office treatment that removes dead skin cells and impurities, revealing the fresh skin hiding underneath. At Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, our board-certified dermatologists perform medical-grade chemical peels to target every skin concern.

Read on to learn about the many chemical peels we offer, their unique benefits, and signs it’s time to consider refreshing your skin with one.

What exactly is a chemical peel?

Think of a chemical peel as a reboot for your skin. This treatment uses a specially formulated solution to gently exfoliate the top layers of your skin, clearing away dead cells, unclogging pores, and encouraging fresh, healthy skin to rise to the surface. 

A chemical peel allows you to remove years of damage and start fresh. After just one visit, your skin may be noticeably brighter, smoother, and clearer.

When’s the right time for a chemical peel?

With customizable options available, you can opt for a chemical peel anytime. You don’t need to see visible signs of aging or sun damage to benefit from a refreshing peel. A chemical peel may be the right option for you if:

• You’re looking to smooth uneven skin texture or brighten a dull complexion
• You want to fade acne scars, dark spots, or discoloration
• Fine lines and wrinkles have started to appear, and topicals aren’t working
• You’re prepping for a big event and want to achieve a healthy glow
• You want to bolster the efficacy of your topicals
• You want to address early or advanced signs of sun damage

A reset might be just what your skin needs to reveal the clear, rejuvenated complexion you deserve. 

Find the right chemical peel for your skin

No aesthetic treatments are one-size-fits-all, and chemical peels are no exception. We formulate your peel to match your specific concerns, age, and skin condition. 

Superficial peel

If your skin feels dull or uneven, a superficial peel (also known as a light peel) can gently brighten and smooth your complexion. This is the mildest of the three options, targeting only the outermost layer of your skin. 

During the treatment, we apply a glycolic or salicylic acid solution with a cotton ball or sponge, allowing it to sit briefly before neutralizing it with a special solution.

Superficial peels are great for addressing minor texture issues and maintaining healthy skin. They’re also ideal for first-timers or anyone looking for a quick treatment with minimal downtime — perfect for prepping your skin before a big event.

Medium peel

Are you struggling with acne scars, dark spots, or early signs of aging? A medium peel goes deeper than a superficial peel. It uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and sometimes glycolic acid to exfoliate the middle layers of your skin. This treatment promotes healthy cell renewal, helping to smooth out scars, fade discoloration, and soften fine lines.

This treatment involves applying the solution to your skin and soothing it with a cool compress. While medium peels require a bit more downtime, they deliver more noticeable improvements.

Deep peel

This treatment uses carbolic acid (phenol) to penetrate the deepest layers of your skin, significantly improving severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and stubborn discoloration.

Because of its intensity, a deep peel is a more involved procedure. We apply the solution in 15-minute intervals while you receive intravenous (IV) fluids for comfort and safety. Recovery time is longer, and you can only get one deep peel in your lifetime.

If you’re ready to see the beautiful skin awaiting you just below the surface, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists at Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah. Call or book an appointment online.