Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are a great way to improve dull, acne-prone skin. These minimally invasive, gentle treatments can revitalize your complexion and reduce mild to moderate skin imperfections. At Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach, Dr. Bounds offers glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion for a quick and easy refresh.
The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliating treatment that “sands” your skin to remove the uneven outer layer and reveal new, healthy skin cells underneath. There are no injections or invasive procedures needed, and you can go back to your normal activities right after your appointment.
The exfoliating benefits of microdermabrasion can improve these skin concerns:
- Sun damage
- Light scarring
- Age spots
- Pockmarks
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin texture
- Acne and mild acne scarring
- Stretch marks
- Enlarged pores
- Skin discoloration
Microdermabrasion can be an effective acne treatment as the exfoliation removes excess sebum (oil) in the skin that tends to clog follicles and pores, leading to acne. The treatment renews your skin’s tone and texture, though you may need multiple treatments for certain signs of aging and skin imperfections. The sanding of your skin helps strengthen your tissues by promoting more collagen production for a younger-looking complexion.
Your microdermabrasion treatment will likely take 45 to 60 minutes, and you will notice more vibrant skin right away, with more visible results the next day. Continued treatments can offer more benefits and help to improve acne and acne scarring. Most people with mild to moderate skin tone and texture concerns can benefit from this safe, non-invasive treatment.
The Benefits of Glycolic Acid Peels
Glycolic acid is a fruit acid derived from sugar cane, sugar beets and other ingredients that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These chemical peels are a common choice for reducing lines and wrinkles and improving acne. Glycolic acid peels are simple and inexpensive treatments that require no downtime, and these fruit peels are versatile, offering a mild, superficial peel or a deeper peel for dramatic results for all skin types.
Alpha-hydroxy acid peels such as glycolic acid work to slough off the thick, rough skin on the surface of your face, removing dead skin cells and debris. The fruit acid penetrates your skin to loosen and lift excess oils holding the dead cells together; the more potent the peel, the more deeply the glycolic acid penetrates the skin. Glycolic acid peels may be done in layers for controlled intensity.
Glycolic acid peels can improve these skin imperfections:
- Fine lines
- Acne and acne scarring
- Melasma
- Sun damage
- Seborrhea
- Hyperpigmentation
- Enlarged pores
- Dark spots
This chemical peel removes blackheads and whiteheads, improving active acne, and ongoing treatments can reduce acne scarring and cystic lesions. Glycolic acid peels also stimulate collagen production for firmer, more toned skin and may reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
The length of your glycolic acid peel will depend on how many layers of the fruit acid are applied. A superficial peel for fine lines will take less time than a medium depth peel for scarring. Most chemical peel appointments take about an hour at our medical spa. Your skin may feel tight and appear red after your glycolic acid peel, and the dead skin cells will start to peel away two to three days after your treatment. Mild peels typically involve minimal sloughing, but strong peels will cause more extensive peeling.
Glycolic acid peels are often a great choice for people in good general health who aren’t using dermal fillers or other skin rejuvenation treatments.
Schedule Your Microdermabrasion or GAP Peel in Virginia Beach
If you’re interested in microdermabrasion or a glycolic acid peel, contact our medical spa at Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach today to schedule your appointment.