Many of us want to get rid of wrinkles and age spots without surgery. Chemical peels can help restore your youthful glow without requiring you to go under the knife.
At Virginia Surgical Arts, we want to make sure you get the most out of your treatment, which is why we stop performing chemical peels in the summer due to the sun and heat. If you’re researching solutions to combat the sun damage caused over the summer months, read on to learn more about how a chemical peel in the Fall can help.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are chemical solutions that are applied to your face. These treatments peel away the dead top layer of skin, revealing a brighter and healthier complexion. There are many types of chemical peels that treat specific skin conditions, and the kind that’s right for you depends on your skin type and the results you want to see.
Obagi® Blue Peel
The Obagi® Blue Peel is one of the most popular types of chemical peels. The application process takes about half an hour, and the cosmetic surgeon and staff who apply the peel will keep you comfortable by offering topical anesthetics or sedation to ease any pain you may feel. Afterwards, your face will have a bluish tint that will wash off in 12 to 24 hours. The Obagi Blue Peel is commonly used to treat:
- Wrinkles
- Photodamage
- Skin discoloration
- Superficial acne scars
- Texture irregularities
VI Peel® Ingredients
The VI Peel® is a gentle yet powerful peel that’s unique in that it combines five acids that no other peel offers:
- TCA – Trichloroacetic acid promotes deep scar healing and stimulates collagen production
- Retin-A – Acid derived from vitamin A that has been shown to combat wrinkles
- Salicylic acid – Beta hydroxy acid that’s a strong exfoliant
- Phenol – Acid with antiseptic and anesthetic properties that aids in skin penetration
- Vitamin C – Ascorbic acid that’s an antioxidant and exfoliant
VI Peel Treatment
The VI Peel corrects skin problems at the cellular level, instead of just burning off the top layer of skin. This treatment is best for:
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Sun damage
What to Expect After Treatment
Whether you opt for the Obagi Blue Peel or the VI Peel, you can expect your skin to flake off following treatment. This peeling lasts several days and is more noticeable with the VI Peel. You may also experience redness and blisters. Within a few days of treatment, you’ll notice that your skin is brighter and tighter in appearance, and will keep improving with time.
Facilitating the Healing Process
As you heal after the procedure, you should use a gentle moisturizer to reduce any flaking. It’s also recommended you avoid the sun as much as possible and use sunscreen when going outside because your skin will be more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Great for Repairing the Damage of Summer Sun!
We stop performing chemical peels in June due to summertime sun and heat and resume performing them in the Fall. They’re wonderful to do in early autumn because the peel will get rid of the sun damage caused by summer!
Choosing the Right Peel for You
The chemical peel that’s right for you depends on your unique situation. When you come in for a consultation at Virginia Surgical Arts, our team of professionals will take a close look at your skin and listen to your goals to help determine the best treatment. Each patient that walks through our doors is treated as a unique case, allowing us to provide safe and effective treatments with stunning results. Call (757) 430-7690 today to schedule your consultation.
