A chemical peel is a facial rejuvenation treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove damaged skin layers, revealing new, healthy skin underneath. This process stimulates your skin’s natural healing response, increasing collagen and elastin production to restore and strengthen your skin’s cellular structure.

Dr. Faulkner offers 2 types of medium-depth chemical peels—the VI Peel and the Perfect Derma Peel. During your consultation, our team will discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals to determine which chemical peel in Rockville is right for you. Whether you seek smoother texture, fewer wrinkles, or a brighter complexion, chemical peels offer a powerful solution for skin rejuvenation.

Chemical peels promote skin rejuvenation, improve skin texture, and enhance overall clarity. This treatment removes damaged outer layers of skin, stimulating new cell growth for a brighter, healthier complexion.

Chemical peels address a variety of concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and environmental damage. Beyond enhancing skin appearance, they also boost collagen and elastin production, strengthening skin structure and improving long-term skin health. Sessions take only 30 minutes, making them a quick and effective way to refresh your skin.

We offer both the VI Chemical Peel and the Perfect Derma Peel, each with unique benefits.

Benefits of VI Peel

• Improves skin tone and texture: The peel can reduce hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and age spots.
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: It stimulates collagen production, which helps smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
• Treats acne: The salicylic acid in the peel helps to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, reducing acne and preventing future breakouts.
• Minimizes acne scars: By improving the texture of the skin, the VI Peel can help reduce the appearance of post-acne scars.
• Brightens the skin: The peel promotes the removal of dead skin cells, leading to a brighter and more youthful complexion.

Benefits of Perfect Derma Peel

• Addresses hyperpigmentation: The kojic acid and vitamin C in the peel are effective at lightening dark spots, melasma, and sun damage.
• Treats acne and acne scars: The exfoliating effects help reduce current breakouts and minimize the appearance of acne scars.
• Improves skin texture: It smooths out rough texture and reduces the appearance of large pores.
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: The peel encourages collagen production, which can help with signs of aging.
• Brightens and rejuvenates skin: Regular use of the Perfect Derma Peel leads to a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.

Dr. Faulkner will help you determine which kind of chemical peel in Rockville is best for you during your consultation, but the key differences between peels we will help you consider include:

1. Ingredients:
   • VI Peel: Contains a blend of TCA, salicylic acid, phenol, vitamin C, and retinoic acid, making it more focused on overall skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, and anti-aging.
   • Perfect Derma Peel: Contains TCA, kojic acid, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, vitamin C, and phenol, with a stronger focus on pigmentation issues like melasma, sunspots, and dark spots. This peel also features the antioxidant glutathione.
2. Targeted Concerns:
   • VI Peel: This peel addresses a variety of concerns such as acne, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. For even greater results, the VI Peel offers 4 boosts:
     1. Advanced Boost (age 40+, aging skin, fine lines wrinkles, loss of elasticity)
     2. Precision Plus (age 18+, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – PIH);
     3. Purify (age 13+, active acne, breakout-prone skin, oily and congested skin, teen acne);
     4. Purify with Precision Plus (age 18+, excessive oil, acne with hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, adult acne)
   • Perfect Derma Peel: Primarily used to treat pigmentation issues, acne, and signs of aging, with a specific emphasis on brightening the skin. The Perfect Derma Peel offers 3 boosts:
     1. Plus Plus (4% hydroquinone for stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, and sun damage)
     2. Plus (for oily, thick, and resilient skin)
     3. Clear (moderate to severe acne, acne scars)
3. Downtime:
   • Both peels have 4 to 7 days of downtime, but the Perfect Derma Peel is typically associated with slightly more peeling and dryness compared to the VI Peel beyond 7 days.
   • VI Peel: The peeling process usually lasts for about 4 to 7 days, and the skin can feel tight and dry.
   • Perfect Derma Peel: Peeling begins around day 2 and can last up to a week, with some patients experiencing a more pronounced peeling phase.
4. Suitability:
   • Both peels are suitable for most skin types, but the VI Peel is often recommended for those with more sensitive skin or those new to chemical peels. The Perfect Derma Peel may be better for individuals with more significant pigmentation concerns or those looking for a stronger treatment.

Proper preparation ensures the best results from your chemical peel in Rockville. At the time of booking, share your medical history and any medications that could affect the treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, inform Dr. Faulkner, as this can impact your recovery process.

Discontinue retinoids at least 2 to 4 weeks before your session to prevent excessive irritation. Arrive at your appointment with a clean face, free of makeup or cosmetic products. Avoid direct sun exposure, exfoliating treatments, or harsh skincare products in the weeks leading up to your peel. These precautions will help maximize the effectiveness of your treatment. If you have any questions about how to prepare, ask Dr. Faulkner’s team at the time of booking.

When you come to Faulkner Plastic Surgery for a chemical peel in Rockville, you can expect:

1. Consultation: We will assess your skin to determine if the VI Peel or Perfect Derma Peel is right for you. We will also discuss the boosts for each peel that you may want to add to your treatment.
2. Application: The peel is applied to your face and left on for several hours. During this time, you may experience a slight tingling or burning sensation.

While the treatment itself only takes about 30 minutes, it’s important to consider that chemical peels require 7 days of downtime. You will leave our office with the peel applied—do not wash it off for several hours as directed.

After receiving a chemical peel in Rockville at Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, you will be given specific instructions and a take-home kit with the products you will need to care for your skin for 7 days. Following this period, wash the treated area with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water for at least 2 weeks post-treatment. Avoid direct sun exposure, and always wear SPF 30 or higher when outdoors.

Your skin will feel tight for the first 2 days following treatment. Peeling typically starts within 2 to 3 days and can last for 4 to 7 days.

For optimal healing, refrain from hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pools for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Do not pick or peel flaking skin, as this can cause irritation or scarring. Avoid retinoids and other harsh skincare products for at least 2 weeks to prevent excessive sensitivity.

A member of Dr. Faulkner’s team will review detailed post-care instructions at your appointment. Many patients schedule quarterly chemical peels to maintain their results and keep their skin looking refreshed.