American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Chemical Peel

Minimally Invasive Procedure

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers.

What is a light chemical peel?

A light chemical peel might be the right choice if you have uneven pigmentation, dryness, acne or fine wrinkling.

This kind of peel removes just the outer layer of skin (epidermis) in a light exfoliation and can result in a healthier glow.

Common agents used in light peels may include combinations of alphahydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and maleic acid. All of these chemicals are the milder choices than those used for deeper peels. You can repeat these treatments at regular intervals to achieve your desired results.

Light chemical peel procedure steps

  • Your face will be cleansed.
  • The chemical solution is brushed onto your skin and left on for a few minutes. You may feel some mild stinging.
  • The chemical peel is then washed off and neutralized.

Light chemical peel risks and recovery

You are likely to experience some redness, stinging, skin flaking and irritation from a light chemical peel.

After repeated treatments, these side effects will likely subside.

Other light chemical peel risks include:

  • Hyperpigmentation (when too much pigment occurs, causing brown blotches). Avoid this by always using a high-factor sunscreen.
  • Infection.


Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Munique Maia Headshot

Munique Maia, MD

U.S. Board Certified
8100 Boone Boulevard, Suite 730
Tysons Corner, VA 22182
United States

7035744500

Amir Ghaznavi Headshot

Amir Ghaznavi, MD

U.S. Board Certified
STE 130, 13454 Sunrise Valley Dr
Herndon, VA 20171
United States

1703239-3190

Shlomo Widder Headshot

Shlomo Widder, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 630, 8230 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182-2641
United States

1703506-0300

Larry Lickstein Headshot

Larry Lickstein, MD

U.S. Board Certified
21021 Sycolin Road, Suite 001
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1571440-5005

Byron Poindexter Headshot

Byron Poindexter, MD

U.S. Board Certified
1825 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, VA 20190
United States

1703879-8245

Khalique Zahir Headshot

Khalique Zahir, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 100, 20745 Williamsport Place
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703208-0783

Michael Brown Headshot

Michael Brown, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 125, 45155 Research Place
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703726-1175

Reza Miraliakbari Headshot

Reza Miraliakbari, MD, MBA, FACS

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 310, 8501 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22031
United States

1703645-0077

Logo

Patient Care Center