Professional Chemical Peel Treatments | Master Aesthetician & Dermatology Practice
Chemical peels are professional skin-resurfacing treatments that use carefully selected solutions to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin and stimulate skin renewal. Depending on the type and strength of the peel, treatment may help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne, certain acne scars, rough texture, fine lines, and other signs of sun damage or aging.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., chemical peel treatments are provided by Hanna Mitchell, Master Aesthetician and Certified Laser Specialist, who has more than 25 years of experience in aesthetic skincare and treatments.
Hanna provides individualized treatment recommendations based on your skin type, concerns, and goals. As part of a dermatology practice led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes, patients also have access to medical dermatologic expertise when a skin concern requires physician evaluation.
A chemical peel is a professional skin-resurfacing treatment that uses a carefully selected chemical solution to exfoliate the skin.
As the treated skin sheds and renews itself, the new skin may appear smoother, brighter, and more even.
Different chemical peels work at different depths and are formulated for different skin concerns.
Depending on the peel selected, treatment may target:
The appropriate peel depends on your skin, the condition being treated, and your desired outcome.
Chemical peels may be used to address a variety of cosmetic skin concerns, including:
Not every chemical peel is appropriate for every concern.
Some peels are formulated primarily for pigmentation, while others may be better suited for acne, texture, or overall skin rejuvenation.
Hanna can evaluate your skin and help determine which peel may be appropriate for your individual concerns.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when areas of skin produce excess melanin, resulting in darker patches or spots.
Chemical peels may help improve certain types of hyperpigmentation by exfoliating damaged surface skin and encouraging skin renewal.
However, pigmentation can have many causes, including acne, inflammation, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and certain medical conditions.
Treatment should therefore begin with an evaluation of the underlying concern.
Hanna can determine whether a chemical peel may be appropriate. If your pigmentation appears to require medical evaluation or treatment, Dr. Holmes may recommend a dermatologic consultation.
Learn more about Hyperpigmentation →
Certain chemical peels may be useful for patients with acne-prone or congested skin.
Depending on the formulation, a peel may help exfoliate dead skin cells, improve the appearance of clogged pores, and promote smoother-looking skin.
Chemical peels are not appropriate for every type or severity of acne.
Patients with persistent, inflammatory, or significant acne may require medical acne treatment in addition to or instead of cosmetic resurfacing.
Learn more about Acne Treatment →
Some chemical peels may improve the appearance of certain superficial acne scars and uneven skin texture.
However, acne scars vary considerably.
Rolling scars, boxcar scars, and ice-pick scars have different structural characteristics and may respond differently to treatment.
Deeper or tethered scars may require other procedures, such as subcision or microneedling.
Hanna can evaluate the overall appearance of your skin and discuss whether a chemical peel may be appropriate. For more complex acne scarring, a dermatologic evaluation may also be recommended.
Learn more about Acne Scars →
Dead skin cells, sun exposure, acne, and the natural aging process can contribute to rough or uneven skin texture.
Chemical peels exfoliate selected layers of the skin and encourage renewal, potentially resulting in smoother-looking skin.
The depth and formulation of the peel determine how aggressively the skin is resurfaced and what concerns can be addressed.
As the skin ages, collagen production decreases and cumulative sun exposure can contribute to fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and changes in texture.
Certain chemical peels may help improve the appearance of fine lines and superficial signs of photoaging.
Peels are not designed to replace surgical procedures or treatments intended to restore significant facial volume.
Depending on your goals, a chemical peel may be used alone or as part of a broader cosmetic treatment plan.
Different chemical peels are designed for different skin concerns and treatment goals.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., patients may have access to several professional peel options.
The Illuminize Peel is a lighter chemical peel designed for patients seeking a brighter, more refreshed appearance with minimal disruption to their daily routine.
Best suited for: Patients seeking a more refreshed, brighter-looking complexion.
Learn More About the Illuminize Peel →
The Vitalize Peel is a professional peel that may be considered for concerns such as uneven skin tone, texture, fine lines, and visible signs of skin aging.
Best suited for: Patients seeking improvement in tone, texture, and early signs of aging.
Learn More About the Vitalize Peel →
The Rejuvenize Peel provides a stronger level of resurfacing for appropriately selected patients.
Best suited for: Patients seeking more significant improvement in the appearance of skin tone, texture, and signs of aging.
Learn More About the Rejuvenize Peel →
VI Peel Original is a professional chemical peel designed to address multiple skin concerns, including uneven tone, texture, and visible signs of aging.
Best suited for: Patients seeking overall skin rejuvenation and improvement in tone and texture.
Learn More About VI Peel Original →
VI Peel Advanced is a more intensive VI Peel formulation designed for appropriately selected patients concerned with visible signs of aging and skin texture.
Best suited for: Patients seeking more advanced correction of visible signs of aging.
Learn More About VI Peel Advanced →
VI Peel Purify is formulated with acne-prone and congested skin in mind.
Best suited for: Patients concerned with acne, congestion, and related skin concerns.
Learn More About VI Peel Purify →
VI Peel Precision Plus is designed to address certain pigmentation and uneven skin tone concerns.
Best suited for: Patients primarily concerned with discoloration, dark spots, and uneven pigmentation.
Learn More About VI Peel Precision Plus →
This combination peel is designed to address acne-prone skin and pigmentation concerns together in appropriately selected patients.
Best suited for: Patients dealing with both acne-related concerns and discoloration.
Learn More About VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus →
VI Peel Body is designed for selected skin concerns on areas of the body beyond the face.
Best suited for: Patients seeking professional chemical peel treatment for appropriate body areas.
Learn More About VI Peel Body →
There is no single chemical peel that is best for everyone.
Hanna considers factors such as:
For example, a patient primarily concerned with pigmentation may require a different peel than someone primarily concerned with acne or fine lines.
The goal is to select an appropriate treatment based on your individual skin and goals.
Before treatment, Hanna evaluates your skin and discusses your concerns and desired results.
Your skin is cleansed and prepared before the selected peel solution is applied.
Depending on the type of peel, you may experience warmth, tingling, stinging, or mild discomfort during treatment.
The solution remains on the skin for a specific amount of time based on the treatment protocol.
Hanna will explain what to expect during treatment and provide individualized aftercare instructions.
Treatment time varies depending on the type of peel and the area being treated.
The level of discomfort depends on the type of chemical peel.
Some lighter peels may cause only mild tingling or warmth.
Stronger treatments may produce more noticeable stinging or burning sensations for a short period.
Hanna can explain what you can expect during your specific treatment.
Results vary depending on the type of peel and the concern being treated.
Some patients may notice a brighter or smoother appearance relatively soon after treatment.
Other improvements, particularly those involving pigmentation, texture, or signs of aging, may become more noticeable as the skin completes its renewal process.
Some stronger peels involve visible peeling before the improved skin becomes apparent.
Hanna will explain the expected timeline for your selected peel.
The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns and the type of peel selected.
Some patients may benefit from a single treatment, while others may be advised to undergo a series of treatments spaced appropriately apart.
Maintenance treatments may also be considered depending on your skin and long-term goals.
Your treatment plan will be individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Downtime varies significantly depending on the type and strength of the peel.
A lighter peel may cause minimal visible peeling or redness.
Stronger treatments may result in more noticeable peeling, dryness, redness, or sensitivity for several days.
During recovery, your skin may also be more sensitive to sunlight and certain skincare products.
Hanna will provide specific instructions based on the peel you receive.
Chemical peels can be performed on patients with a wide range of skin tones, but treatment should be carefully individualized.
Patients with darker skin tones may be more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following certain types of skin injury or inflammation.
This does not necessarily mean chemical peels cannot be performed.
Instead, appropriate peel selection, treatment planning, preparation, and aftercare are important.
At YHMD, skin characteristics and pigmentation concerns are considered when developing an individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Holmes' focus on dermatology for skin of color provides additional medical expertise for patients whose skin concerns require dermatologic evaluation.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Chemical peels are one of several professional treatments available for skin rejuvenation.
Depending on your concerns, other options may include:
Each treatment works differently.
Chemical peels use controlled chemical exfoliation, while microneedling uses controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the skin's natural healing response.
HydraFacial combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration.
The appropriate treatment depends on your skin and goals.
Learn more about Microneedling →
In some cases, chemical peels may be incorporated into a broader cosmetic treatment plan.
However, combining treatments too closely together can increase skin irritation or inflammation.
The timing and combination of procedures should therefore be determined by your provider.
Hanna can discuss whether a chemical peel should be performed alone or coordinated with another treatment.
Temporary side effects are expected with chemical peels because the treatment intentionally exfoliates the skin.
Possible effects may include:
More significant reactions can occur with stronger peels.
Potential complications may include prolonged irritation, infection, scarring, or changes in pigmentation.
Hanna will review the expected effects and aftercare requirements before treatment.
If your skin or medical history requires physician evaluation, Dr. Holmes may recommend a dermatologic consultation before proceeding.
Chemical peels may be appropriate for adults concerned about:
The appropriate treatment depends on the condition being addressed.
A consultation is important because some skin conditions may require medical treatment rather than cosmetic resurfacing.
Chemical peel treatment may need to be postponed or avoided in certain circumstances.
Factors that may affect candidacy include:
Your current skincare routine and recent cosmetic treatments should also be discussed before treatment.
Hanna will evaluate whether treatment is appropriate and whether a medical dermatologic evaluation is needed.
Aftercare depends on the specific peel you receive.
You may be instructed to:
Do not pick or manually remove peeling skin.
Following your individualized aftercare instructions is important for proper healing and reducing the risk of complications.
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Experienced Aesthetic Provider
Chemical peel treatments are provided by Hanna Mitchell, Master Aesthetician and Certified Laser Specialist, with more than 25 years of experience.
Personalized Skin Evaluation
Treatment recommendations are based on your skin type, concerns, previous treatments, and cosmetic goals.
Medical Dermatology Expertise
YHMD is led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes, providing access to medical dermatologic expertise when a patient's skin concern requires physician evaluation.
Experience With Skin of Color
Treatment planning considers individual skin characteristics and the potential for pigmentation changes following treatment.
Individualized Peel Selection
The type and strength of peel are selected based on your specific skin concerns and desired outcome.
Convenient Washington, DC Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Hanna Mitchell is a Master Aesthetician and Certified Laser Specialist with more than 25 years of experience.
She provides professional aesthetic skin treatments at Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., including chemical peels and other MedSpa services.
Hanna takes an individualized approach to aesthetic skincare, considering each patient's skin characteristics, concerns, and treatment goals when recommending appropriate treatments.
Her extensive experience in aesthetic skincare allows her to provide customized treatments within the medical dermatology environment of YHMD.
Learn more about Hanna Mitchell →
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care for a wide range of skin concerns.
As the physician leading the practice, Dr. Holmes provides medical dermatology expertise for patients whose skin concerns require physician evaluation or treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you are concerned about hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne, acne scars, rough texture, fine lines, or other skin concerns, a personalized consultation can help determine whether a chemical peel is right for you. Hanna can evaluate your skin and recommend an appropriate peel based on your individual concerns and goals. If your skin concern requires medical evaluation, Dr. Holmes can provide a dermatologic assessment and help determine the appropriate treatment approach.
Schedule a Chemical Peel Consultation in Washington, DC
