Chemical Peels

Your uneven skin tone or imperfect texture likely has a lot to do with the buildup of dead cells and dirt on the surface of your skin. At Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, the team of dermatologists perform chemical peels to make your skin smoother, brighter, and more even in tone. If you’d like to improve your skin with a chemical peel, call or book a consultation online at Vivida Dermatology today.

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are exfoliative treatments for your skin that work by using chemicals to remove the upper layer of skin cells. These cells accumulate damage and gather dirt, bacteria, and other debris. You can reveal a fresh new surface by removing the dead and damaged surface layer.

Depending on how much of an improvement you’d like to see and on your skin type, your provider might recommend:

Superficial peel

A superficial peel, or light peel, is the mildest of the three options. Your provider uses a cotton ball or sponge to gently apply a glycolic or salicylic acid solution to your skin. After it sits on your skin for a bit, she washes it away with a neutralizing solution.

Medium peel

A medium peel is a step up from a superficial peel with more noticeable results. It typically contains trichloroacetic acid and might also contain glycolic acid. Your provider soothes your skin with a cool compress, but doesn’t need to apply a neutralizing solution.

Deep peel

A deep peel gives you the most dramatic difference in skin quality, but it’s harsh and requires some recovery time. It contains carbolic acid, which your specialist applies to your skin in 15-minute intervals as you receive intravenous (IV) fluids. You can only get one in your lifetime, so you should book it wisely.

What will I look like after a chemical peel?

Chemical peels can remove some of the most prominent undesirable features from your skin’s surface. They can diminish or remove:

• Acne
• Small scars
• Discoloration
• Dry skin
• Fine lines 
• Precancerous growths
  

The Vivida Dermatology team helps you select a peel that can meet your treatment goals.

How should I prepare for a chemical peel?

Without the right preparation, your likelihood of side effects from a chemical peel can increase. 

During your treatment consultation at Vivida Dermatology, the team can tell you exactly what to do in the days leading up to your chemical peel procedure. To prepare yourself and your skin, you should:

• Avoid waxing and plucking hairs
• Avoid exfoliants and other abrasive skin care products
• Avoid skin bleaching and self-tanning
• Protect your skin with sunscreen
• Arrange a ride home for after a medium or deep peel
  

Vivida Dermatology also details what you can expect after your peel and how to care for your post-peel skin. You should book your peel well in advance of any important events and arrange for a few days off work to heal if you get a medium or deep peel. 

To find out more about each available type of chemical peel, call Vivida Dermatology, or book a consultation online today.