What can a chemical peel do for me?

A chemical peel revitalizes the appearance and health of your skin. The treatment consists of a specially formulated combination of chemicals that cause dead skin cells and the older, superficial layer of your skin to slough away. 

Typically, the team at McDowell Mountain Gynecology recommends peels for your face, neck, or hands to effectively:

• Fade the look of mild scars
• Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, particularly under your eyes and around your mouth
• Treat certain types of acne
• Improve your skin’s texture
• Erase age spots, freckles, and melasma
• Heal sun-damaged skin

During your consultation, we evaluate your skin’s health and type to make a recommendation for the chemical peel that works best for you.

What intensities of chemical peels are available?

When recommending a peel to you, our team considers what kind of improvements you’d like to see and how much time you can commit to recovery.

Superficial peels

Superficial peels contain alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acid that aids in diminishing fine lines, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and damage caused by free radicals. These peels are effective, but they are the least abrasive so require no downtime — they’re sometimes called “lunchtime peels.” 

These peels also stimulate the reproduction of new cells, helping to quickly reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and uneven pigmentation. 

Medium peels

Deeper wrinkles caused by age or time in the sun, acne scars, or noticeable age spots may respond better to a medium-intensity peel. These peels also may include beta hydroxy or alpha hydroxy acid and may use compounds like trichloroacetic acid (TCA). 

You will have some downtime associated with a medium peel. Expect to see redness, sloughing, and swelling for several days until your fresh, smooth skin is revealed.

Deep peels

Deep peels are intense and appropriate for the deepest creases and scars. These peels strip away several layers of skin and must only be performed by one of our board-certified dermatologists. Expect to need a couple weeks of recovery, during which time you may need to wear bandages and heavy duty ointments. The results are reformative, however. 

What should I consider before getting a chemical peel?

Chemical peels require no surgery or blood loss. The procedure itself is relatively short, but the changes to the appearance of your face can be dramatic. 

We can help you determine which peel is right for your skin and aesthetic goals. If you have active inflammation or an infection, we recommend you hold off on the treatment until it clears. 

If you’re ready to explore how a chemical peel can improve your look, reach out to McDowell Mountain Gynecology today. Contact us by calling our office in Scottsdale, Arizona — or use our online booking tool to set up your consultation.