Your skin goes through a lot—sun exposure, environmental stress, and natural aging can all take a toll over time. If you’ve noticed dullness, uneven tone, fine lines, or stubborn acne scars, a chemical peel may be the perfect way to refresh and restore your skin. At Midlothian Dermatology, we offer customized chemical peels that gently exfoliate the surface, revealing a brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking complexion. Whether you want a quick skin boost or a deeper treatment for long-term improvement, we can help you achieve a healthy, radiant glow.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professional skin treatment that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells, promoting faster cell turnover and revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath. The treatment uses a specialized solution to break down dull or damaged skin, which then naturally sheds over the following days. This process helps to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, fade discoloration, and minimize acne scars.

Chemical peels can be customized to target specific skin concerns and come in different strengths, ranging from gentle exfoliation to deeper resurfacing. The right peel for you will depend on your skin type, concerns, and goals, all of which will be assessed during your consultation.

Types of Chemical Peels

At Midlothian Dermatology, we offer a variety of peels that cater to different skin needs.

• Superficial peels provide a gentle exfoliation that enhances skin radiance with little to no downtime. These are ideal for mild discoloration, rough texture, or a quick skin refresh.

• Medium peels target deeper concerns such as hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, and acne scars. Some peeling is expected, but the results offer a noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture.

• Deep peels penetrate multiple layers of the skin to address advanced signs of aging, deep wrinkles, and stubborn pigmentation. While these provide the most dramatic results, they also require a longer recovery period.

What Skin Concerns Can Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels can help improve a variety of skin concerns, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Sun damage and age spots

• Acne and acne scars

• Uneven skin tone and texture

• Hyperpigmentation and melasma

• Dull, rough, or tired-looking skin

No matter your skin type or concerns, there is a chemical peel option that can help you achieve a smoother, clearer complexion.

Chemical Peels for Anti-Aging

As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity, collagen production slows, and fine lines begin to appear. A chemical peel can help combat these effects by promoting cellular renewal and stimulating collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

Regular chemical peels can improve visible signs of aging by:

• Smoothing fine lines and softening wrinkles

• Reducing age spots, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation

• Restoring a brighter, more radiant complexion

• Enhancing skin elasticity for a firmer appearance

• Encouraging long-term collagen production for continued improvement

For patients looking for an anti-aging solution without the need for surgery or injectables, chemical peels provide an effective way to maintain youthful, glowing skin. We offer a range of peels to suit different aging concerns, whether you want a light refresh or a more intensive skin renewal.

Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars

Acne can be frustrating and difficult to treat, but chemical peels can be an effective way to manage breakouts and improve skin clarity. Certain peels contain ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess oil, unclog blackheads, and reduce inflammation.

For those dealing with acne scars, chemical peels help by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Over time, this smooths out uneven skin texture, reduces discoloration, and softens the appearance of acne scars.

Chemical peels for acne can:

• Reduce active breakouts by clearing clogged pores

• Control oil production to prevent future breakouts

• Fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from past acne

• Minimize the appearance of acne scars and uneven texture

Depending on your skin type and the severity of your acne, we will customize a peel to deliver the best results while minimizing irritation.

How Should I Prepare for a Chemical Peel?

To ensure the best possible results, there are a few steps you should take before your chemical peel treatment:

• Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and harsh skincare products for at least one week before your appointment.

• Stay out of direct sunlight and use sunscreen daily to protect your skin.

• Refrain from waxing, laser treatments, or other facial procedures in the days leading up to your peel.

• Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a gentle moisturizer.

Your dermatologist will provide personalized pre-treatment instructions based on your skin type and the strength of your peel.

What is Chemical Peel Recovery Like?

The recovery process will vary depending on the depth of your peel.

• Superficial peels may cause mild redness and flaking, with little to no downtime.

• Medium peels often lead to more noticeable peeling and some sensitivity that lasts a few days.

• Deep peels require longer healing, with redness and peeling lasting several weeks.

Keeping your skin hydrated and following post-care instructions will help you achieve the best results.

Is There Anything I Need to Avoid After My Chemical Peel?

For the best healing and optimal results, it’s important to:

• Avoid direct sun exposure and always wear sunscreen.

• Refrain from picking or peeling flaking skin, as this can lead to scarring.

• Avoid using harsh skincare products like retinoids or exfoliants for at least one week.

• Hold off on intense workouts, saunas, or hot tubs for the first 24 hours, as excessive heat can irritate the skin.

Following these guidelines will help your skin heal smoothly and enhance your results.

When Will I See Results of My Chemical Peel?

• Superficial peels provide a radiant glow within a few days, with minimal peeling.

• Medium peels reveal improvements within one to two weeks as the skin sheds and renews.

• Deep peels offer the most dramatic results but take longer to fully heal.

Results will continue to improve over time as new, healthy skin cells develop.

How Long Do Chemical Peel Results Last?

The longevity of your results depends on the type of peel you receive, your skincare routine, and how well you protect your skin from the sun.

• Superficial peels may need to be repeated every four to six weeks for maintenance.

• Medium peels can last several months with proper skincare.

• Deep peels offer long-lasting results, but maintenance treatments may be needed for ongoing skin rejuvenation.

Using a high-quality skincare routine and scheduling follow-up treatments as recommended by your provider will help extend your results.

Why Choose Midlothian Dermatology for Your Chemical Peel?

At Midlothian Dermatology, we are experts in the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. With our patient-centric approach, we will explain your diagnosis and provide evidence-based, individualized treatment in a friendly environment. Our highly qualified and experienced team takes the time to evaluate your unique skin concerns and create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

When you choose Midlothian Dermatology, you can trust that you’re in good hands. We prioritize patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way on your journey to healthier, more beautiful skin.

Schedule Your Chemical Peel at Midlothian Dermatology

If you are ready to reveal smoother, brighter, healthier skin, a chemical peel at Midlothian Dermatology may be the perfect solution. Whether you’re looking to reduce signs of aging, clear acne, or achieve an overall brighter complexion, our team will help you select the right peel to target your unique concerns. Call us at 804-378-3048 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how a chemical peel can transform your skin.