Chemical Peels In Baltimore: Here’s What You Need To Know

by Dr. Rodney Last updated Mar 01, 2022

The best chemical peels in Baltimore

When it comes to our skin, we all want to look a bit like the celebrities we follow. At the very least, we want to see smooth, hydrated skin. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. We face both internal and external hazards. From pollutants and sun damage to inflammation, wrinkles, and acne, our skin has been through it all. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 50 million Americans face some kind of skin condition. If you fall in this category, you may need a chemical peel. Furthermore, if you live in the DMV area, you can easily get chemical peels in Baltimore. Let’s walk you through what to expect for your first (or next) chemical peel.

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are special solutions – primarily made of acids – dermatologists and aestheticians use for a series of cosmetic and medical uses. The main job of the chemical peel is to slough off dry, dead skin to reveal the smooth, refreshed skin underneath. Chemical peels have been around in one form or the other for over one hundred years. Today, you can purchase chemical peels over the counter for at-home use. However, a board-certified dermatologist can administer the best, safest, and most effective chemical peels.

Our skin consists of three primary layers:

The top layer or epidermis
The middle layer or dermis
And the deeper subcutaneous layer

The epidermis is constantly pushing a fresh, new layer to the surface, turning over old skin every 28 days. Quick cell turnover is what keeps our skin looking fresh and healthy but this process slows significantly with age. Adding issues like acne and acne scarring and our skin is not as efficient as before. Chemical peels speed up the process, giving us the healthy skin we’re accustomed to having.

How are chemical peels performed?

Chemical peels happen at your dermatologist’s office and take just a few minutes to complete. You can even get a chemical peel on your lunch break. Your dermatologist will prepare the solution made of acid (like an alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid). The solution is then applied to your face using a brush or swab. After a short wait, your doctor may apply other finishing agents to neutralize the peel. Your peel should address a range of issues including:

Acne
Acne scars
Discoloration/Hyperpigmentation
Wrinkles
Dull skin
Reduce dark spots
Shrink your pores and refresh your skin

What are the different types of chemical peels?

If you’re looking for a chemical peel in Baltimore, you’ll need one of three types of chemical peels based on your issue. Each peel contains different acids at different degrees of potency. Your dermatologist will determine if you need a light chemical peel, medium peel, or deep peel.

1. On the surface: Superficial peels

Almost all chemical peel patients fall in the superficial peel category. Superficial peels strictly address the uppermost epidermal layers of your skin. It’s a great way to gently exfoliate your skin, treat mild acne, shrink your pores and clear up signs of discoloration. Light chemical peels use low concentrations of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic, or citric acid. Some doctors use salicylic acid, a popular beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). Your doctor may also suggest a Jessner peel, a combination of acids that are great for evening skin tone.

2. A little deeper with Medium Peels

What if a superficial peel is not enough? In that case, your dermatologist may decide on a deeper Medium peel. Medium peels address deeper problem areas like acne, acne scars, wrinkling, and an uneven skin tone., yet can be very helpful if used correctly. The goal of the medium peel is to remove layers of the epidermis and the topmost layers of the dermis. Medium peels consist of glycolic aid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Some doctors prefer the Jessner peel for its potent properties.

Medium peels can cause burning or tingling during the process. This sensation may last for a few days while the layers begin to peel away. Some redness and tingling can happen well after the skin has peeled. Make sure to moisturize and use sunscreen during the process. The procedure has minimal risks and can help stubborn skin conditions.

3. Deep chemical peels must be handled with care

In rare cases, a dermatologist will suggest a deep chemical peel. Deep peels are only for situations where a patient has deep, long-term scars, severe discoloration, or blotchy skin. Deep chemical peels are also called Phenol peels due to the main ingredient, phenol. Preparation for a deep peel starts several weeks before the procedure. The dermatologist will provide a retinol cream or solution to apply at home. This will remove some of the outer layers and prepare the deep layers for the chemical peel.

Once the dermatologist deems you are ready for the procedure, you’ll come in at a later date for the deep peel. The doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the face and pain medication if needed. After cleaning your face, the doctor carefully applies the peel evenly. After neutralizing the peel, the doctor applies a numbing ointment and bandages in some cases.

Deep peels require constant care and recovery. After 2-3 weeks the skin heals and the patient can return to normal activities. in some cases, the skin can be red and tender for up to three months. Deep peels, along with medium, light peels have some degree of risk including pain, redness, irritation, and possible hyperpigmentation. . It’s best to understand these risks before your procedure.

Are you a good candidate for chemical peels in Baltimore?

Your dermatologist will perform a consultation before performing any chemical peel. A full assessment will include reviewing skin complexion, skin history, and any past infections. Patients with a history of skin conditions like psoriasis, skin infections, or rosacea may not be candidates for the procedure. You should have realistic expectations of what the chemical peels can achieve. Once the candidate is in good health, the dermatologist will recommend a specific peel or a combination of treatments. Those with mild to moderate skin concerns are also great candidates. If you’ve had severe scarring, sun damage, or damage due to a skin cancer diagnosis, you may be a candidate for medium to deep peels.

Chemical peel in Baltimore for dark skin

If you’re looking for a chemical peel in Baltimore and you have dark skin, you’re probably wondering if it’s even possible. There is a common misconception that Skin Of Color and African American skin should not get chemical peels. The result could be damage to the ski such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If done correctly, people of color can benefit from chemical peels. The dermatologist should be versed in treating dark skin. With a series of light chemical peels, dark skin can correct spots, wrinkles, acne scars, and melasma. Medium and deep peels are not recommended on Skin Of Color. Medium peels are recommended for severe scarring and must be done under the guidance of the doctor.

Chemical Peel FAQs

Is a chemical peel painful?

With any procedure comes some degree of risk. The chemical peel procedure itself has minimal risk. After the procedure, patients often feel redness, swelling, and some irritation for a few days. Medium peels and deep peels have more severe side effects that patients can manage with pain medication and the doctor’s advice. A board-certified dermatologist will ensure the procedure happens with minimal side effects.

Does my skin look worse after one peel?

A few days after your peel, your skin will begin to see the top layer of skin break down. The skin can look worse and you’ll be tempted to pick or pull off the skin. You must leave the skin to naturally slough off while moisturizing consistently. Over time, the dead skin will come off and you’ll enjoy the amazing skin underneath.

Do I just need one chemical peel?

You can have one chemical peel if you’re looking to refresh your skin. You will see results cans after just one peel. However, to address acne scars, dark spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, you will need multiple peels. Your dermatologist will arrange 3-4 light or medium peels in 2-week intervals to get the best results.

Can chemical peels cause cancer?

There are reports about carcinogens present in TCA peels. However, the threat is low, and much more research is required to confirm the threat. Chemical peels are safe and have no concrete evidence that the procedure is linked to cancer.

Does my insurance cover chemical peels?

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures like chemical peels. If you’re having a chemical peel for a medical reason, speak with your insurance company to determine if the procedure can be covered.

How long do the results last?

The type of chemical peel will determine how long you will see results. Superficial peels can last up to 6 months. Medium depth peels and deep peels can last up to a year or longer. You can prolong the effects of your chemical peel by incorporating a recommended skincare routine. Use a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer shrinks your pores and improves cell turnover.

Which chemical peel is best for sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is prone to redness, irritation, and pain, even using basic skincare products. Understandably, you would have concerns if you have sensitive skin. Your dermatologist should have extensive experience helping patients with sensitive skin. Some chemical peels are not recommended for sensitive skin but your dermatologist will perform a series of light chemical peels to gauge your skin’s response. Make sure to develop a skincare routine to moisturize and hydrate your skin before your peel. Keep up the routine after the chemical peel and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors.

How do I get chemical peels in Baltimore?

A chemical peel is an excellent way to address mild to severe issues such as acne scars, wrinkles, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and much more. Your dermatologist will know exactly the type of chemical peel that will work for your skin troubles. Make sure to look for an experienced doctor with successful patients.

At Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, our team provides chemical peels and a range of supporting procedures that can help you look your best. As one of the best dermatologists in Baltimore, our founder Dr. Ife Rodney serves clients in Fulton, MD, Columbia, Silver Springs, Howard County, Baltimore, and surrounding areas. Book your chemical peel in Baltimore here or reach out to us to find out more details about chemical peels.