Chemical Peel

Facial skin differs from that of the body in many ways. Some areas of the face are covered by very thin skin, like the eyelids. Other areas, namely the lips, have a unique composition and texture. Facial skin tends to be oilier than the rest of the skin and is prone to blemishes and blackheads. Because the face’s frequent exposure to the sun and constant facial expressions, aging may occur more quickly than other areas of the body, resulting in wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration. These signs of aging and other skin problems can be addressed through various cosmetic procedures, but the chemical peel is one of the most trusted methods to promote skin renewal. Dr. Philip Schoenfeld and his medical staff offer this effective procedure at Renu in Washington, DC.

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Facial Plastic Surgeon

To prolong a youthful appearance and display a more energetic look, Renu Artful Medicine offers patients an array of surgical and non-surgical eye rejuvenation procedures. One of the most transformative surgeries is blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid lift surgery, performed by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld of the Washington, D.C. suburb, Chevy Chase, MD.

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What is Chemical Peel?

As the name implies, a chemical peel or derm peel is a procedure that involves the application of a topical chemical solution to the facial skin, creating a safe reaction that prompts the body to shed the outer layer of skin cells. The organic acids exfoliate the upper layers of the epidermis to remove dull, damaged skin and prompt the formation of renewed skin cells and collagen. Chemical peels can improve skin discoloration caused by hormones and sun damage, fine lines, and minor scarring of the skin to provide a more uniform skin tone and texture. The result is a healthier, more refreshed appearance.

Fitzpatrick Skin Types

The rainbow array of skin colors can be classified by the Fitzpatrick system that takes into account skin, hair, and eye color; reaction to the sun; and the development of freckles. Patients may be prescribed certain chemical peel treatments based on their Fitzpatrick score. People with fairer skin tend to be level II or II, medium skin tones are commonly rated level III and IV, while darker tones are likely to be a V or VI.

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The Different Strengths of Chemical Peel at Renu

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) Peels

Derived from plants, glycolic acid and lactic acid are two of the most commonly occurring AHAs found in everyday skin care products. Cleansers, toners, and even moisturizers contain this low-grade acid to offer gradual exfoliation of the skin. In higher concentrations, AHAs can be applied to the skin to create more dramatic results, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This type of chemical peel is designed to create improvements in superficial layers of skin and can treat mild to moderate skin concerns.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) Peels

A common BHA, salicylic acid is the acne-fighting active ingredient in many skin care products sold over the counter. The concentration of the acid in these types of products is normally between 0.5%-2%. Higher grades must be prescribed. BHAs are oil-soluble and can break down oil that accumulates in pores. More potent BHAs are applied to the skin in a controlled setting during chemical peel treatment to provide exfoliation, decrease issues caused by oily skin like blackheads and acne scars, and shrink the pores. Another way that salicylic acid can improve the skin is by dissolving the bonds that hold the cells together, promoting skin peeling. An important benefit of using salicylic acid on the skin is that it serves as an anti-inflammatory antiseptic while fighting bacteria found on the skin.

Some solutions may also contain TCA (trichloracetic acid), which is a close relative of vinegar and can add depth to a peel, and/or retinoic acid, which is a derivative of vitamin A and can be used to reach the deepest layer of skin, the dermis.

Clinically Proven Peels

PCA SKIN Brand Peels

Sensi Peel is designed for sensitive and ethnic skin that may be reactive to certain types of skincare treatments. This peel restores vitality and brightness to the skin and reduces the severity of sun spots and hyperpigmentation. The Sensi Peel calms inflamed skin and is the choice method for application on acne-prone and inflamed skin. This peel is also effective for improving the appearance of rosacea.

VI Precision Plus® Chemical Peel – Targeted Skin Renewal

This medical-grade peel combines TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and retinol to deeply exfoliate, stimulate collagen, and improve stubborn skin concerns with minimal downtime. The unique formulation allows customizable depth for controlled resurfacing, revealing brighter, smoother skin in just *1-2 treatments*.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduces fine lines, acne scars & sun damage
  • Fades hyperpigmentation & melasma
  • Refines pores and uneven texture
  • Boosts radiance with progressive results

Best For: Those seeking significant renewal without laser-level downtime.

$425 40 minutes

SkinMedica® Peel System

Professional-Grade Skin Transformation

Achieve visible rejuvenation with the SkinMedica® Peel System, a customizable, multi-step treatment designed to exfoliate, brighten, and renew your skin with clinically proven ingredients. This medical-grade peel combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinol to target fine lines, uneven tone, acne, and dullness—with minimal downtime.

Illuminize

Appropriate for mild skin imperfections

$175

Vitalize

Appropriate for mild to moderate skin imperfections

$235

Purifying Back Treatment:

A complete back treatment for those needing ultimate smoothing or correction. Includes microdermabrasion/exfoliation and deep hydration + calming mask.

50 minutes | $175

Microneedling

Microneedling is a collagen-boosting treatment utilizing ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering your body’s natural healing process. This stimulates

collagen and elastin production, resulting in smoother, firmer skin with improved texture, reduced scars, and a more youthful glow.

Key Benefits:

  • Minimizes fine lines, wrinkles & acne scars
  • Improves skin tone & texture
  • Enhances product absorption for lasting results
  • Safe for most skin types with little downtime


Ideal For: Anti-aging, scarring, uneven skin, or overall rejuvenation.

(Pair with a customized skin boosting add-on, PRX, or PRP for best results!)

$450 for face Add neck for $50 Decolatte $100

Microneedling Skin Booter Add-Ons:

Elevate Your Microneedling with Skin Boosters

Enhance your treatment by choosing one of our three targeted Skin Booster Add-Ons, each formulated to address specific skin concerns with clinically advanced ingredients.

Firm Booster

A restorative blend of 24 amino acids, 12 vitamins, hyaluronic acid, 3 nucleic acids, 5 coenzymes, DMAE, and Lumicen (Salmon derived pure sodium DNA). This powerhouse combination:

  • Boosts elasticity & reduces fine lines
  • Stimulates collagen for firmer, youthful skin
  • Repairs skin DNA for long-term rejuvenation


Glow Booster

Harnessing brightening agents like Glutathione, Superoxide, Vitamin C, A-Arbutin, Peptides, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), and Lumicen (Salmon derived pure sodium DNA), this formula:

  • Fades pigmentation & evens skin tone
  • Enhances radiance for a luminous complexion
  • Protects against oxidative stress


Heal Booster

Designed for sensitive or inflamed skin, this soothing blend features Growth Factors, Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin C, and Saccharide Isomerate to:

  • Calm redness & irritation
  • Strengthen the skin barrier
  • Accelerate recovery post-treatment


Choose your booster to customize your microneedling experience for optimal results!

$150

PRX add-on:

PRX’s signature TCA + hydrogen peroxide formula. This innovative cocktail stimulates collagen, fades discoloration, and delivers an instant glow. In combination with the collagen stimulating effects of microneedling this add on is your double dose of collagen stimulation!

$225

PRP

Your body’s own platelet derived growth factors enhance healing and promote skin rejuvenation, like adding a protein smoothie for your face to your microneedling session.

$125 add on

BBL

Innovative Broad Band Light (BBL) technology addresses mild to moderate damaged skin to uncover the skin of your youth, with minimal impact to your daily routine. Effectively treats skin texture, pore size, age spots and sun spots, melasma, and redness.

$500 | Pack of 4 $1800

Profactional

Profractional laser resurfacing is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that uses fractional laser technology to rejuvenate the skin. By creating microscopic channels in the skin, it stimulates collagen production, improves texture, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. With minimal downtime and customizable intensity, this procedure delivers smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. Ideal for those seeking noticeable yet natural-looking results without extensive recovery. Creates smoother younger-looking skin, Reduced wrinkles & scars, Even skin tone & texture, Minimal downtime, Customizable treatment levels

$1200

Laser Hair Reduction

  • Lip/Chin/Brow $125
  • Underarm $200
  • Bikini $250
  • Bikini & Underarm $350
  • Brazilian $300
  • Half Legs $400
  • Full Legs $550
  • Full Back $500
  • Chest $400
  • Forearm $300
  • Full Arm $400
  • Packages of 6 have a 20% off discount

Massage

Custom Massage: Incorporating elements of Swedish, Therapeutic, and Deep Tissue to address your specific concerns.

60 Minutes | $130
90 Minutes | $190

Lymphatic Massage:Lymphatic drainage massage is a therapeutic technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is a key part of the body’s immune system. It involves gentle, rhythmic strokes and movements that aim to encourage the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels and nodes. The lymphatic system helps remove waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the body tissues.

60 Minutes | $140
90 Minutes | $200

Focus Massage: A short functional massage focusing on a single area of concern. 30 Minutes | $85

Massage Add-ons:
Hot Stones | $30
Back Scrub | $45

Injectables

Wrinkle Relaxer: Our wrinkle relaxers are FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles created by facial expression. Look years younger with no downtime. Common areas of treatment include forehead, crows feet, and glabella (between the brows).

Dysport & Botox priced per unit

Dermal Filler:FDA-approved and designed to restore volume to the deeper wrinkles on the face and lips.

Restylane, Juvederm, and RHA priced per syringe

Sculptra: Sculptra is a biostimulatory aesthetic injectable that helps stimulate your own natural collagen production to smooth facial wrinkles and improve skin tightness, revealing a refreshed-looking you.

Priced per vial.

Skinvive: SKINVIVE by JUVÉDERM® helps the skin retain its natural moisture and softness leading to an improvement in the skin smoothness of the face.

Priced per syringe.

Because of the customized nature of these services a consult is recommended to determine a treatment plan and pricing information for injectables.

IV Therapy

Immunity: Boost: Strengthen your immune system helping you feel better faster with a combination of Vitamin C, B Complex, B12, Calcium Gluconate & IV push Glutathione.

$165

Dr. Meyers cocktail: This IV drip helps increase energy, reduce fatigue, support immune function, reduce headaches, and leave you overall hydrated and refreshed. Supported by B-Complex, Vitamin C, Calcium Magnesium.

$175

Ultimate Hydration: Hydrate and replenish your system with a fluid and electrolyte boost

$165

Antioxidant boost: Combat oxidative stress, and reduce inflammation with this antioxidant blend IV drip.

$175

NAD+ IV: Jump-start cellular repair, revitalize your energy and clean house of inner damage for optimal rejuvenation.

Benefits of NAD+ IV Drip Therapy may include:

  • Increased anti-aging intervention
  • Boosted ATP for energy
  • Reduced pain and inflammation
  • Enhanced metabolism
  • Improved cognition and mood


$475

Vitamin + Peptide Injections:

B12 Bio-boost: B12 injections boost energy, support metabolism, and improve nerve function

$55

Glutathione Anti-aging injection: Glutathione injections enhance detoxification, promote skin health, and strengthen immunity.

$55

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What are the benefits of a chemical peel?

Chemical peels can effectively treat some types of acne and rosacea, lessening redness and inflammation in the skin. The procedure can also improve the look of skin discoloration like age spots and melasma. Early signs of aging like mild to moderate wrinkling and rough-textured skin can be improved with a chemical peel. By promoting skin cell turnover, dull skin can also be brightened and the overall complexion improved.

Candidates for Chemical Peel

Most people can benefit from tailored chemical peel treatments to improve their complexion. While at-home or in-office mechanical exfoliation methods can irritate certain skin conditions, peels act on the tissue in a different way and are easily customized for an individual’s needs. Chemical peels are not performed to perfect the skin, but rather to produce significant improvement. Candidates should be healthy men and women who would like to enhance the look of their skin and have realistic expectations about what peels can achieve. The Fitzpatrick system may be used to determine which type of peel is most suitable for each patient.

Undergoing a Chemical Peel

The procedure is typically performed at Renu – Artful Medicine, and the experience may vary depending on intended results. First, the skin is cleansed and may be prepped for chemical exfoliation. Mild peels that create only superficial peeling do not require a topical anesthetic, but patients who are receiving deeper peels will be given numbing cream to reduce discomfort during treatment. Next, a blended chemical solution is applied to the skin to initiate the peeling. After a predetermined length of time, the solution is neutralized and the skin is cleansed to stop the peeling process and to wash the products off. The doctor may provide or recommend skin care products to use at home following a chemical peel.

After a chemical peel treatment, patients might notice mild swelling and some crusting of the skin. Special skin products and ointments are usually suggested for a week after the treatment to maintain moisture in the skin. The skin may look red, but this should fade in a few days to weeks, depending on the depth of the peel. The new skin will be visible in a week or two and may appear pink at first. This skin is susceptible to sunburn, so products containing SPF are a necessity for any type of sun exposure. Lower-strength acid peels will not require any downtime, but deeper peels may create dramatic peeling of the skin and patients will likely require some time off of work.

Mild peels can be repeated up to six times over several weeks while some deep peels are only applied once. Sedation may be recommended for very deep peels.

VI Peel Treatments

Renu’s VI Peel makes the Top 10 Must-Do’s
to Emerge from Hibernation. DC magazine – April 2011

Frequently Asked Questions About
Chemical Peel

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How does dermabrasion differ from a chemical peel?
Both procedures are performed to offer a controlled method of damaged skin removal that is superior to available at-home methods. Dermabrasion is a type of mechanical exfoliation that utilizes a sanding technique to remove the upper layers of skin, while a chemical peel is performed more gradually by an initial application of chemical exfoliator. In the same way that dermabrasion and microdermabrasion offer different levels of treatment, chemical peels can be adjusted to provide light to deep skin layer renewal. The concepts of the two treatments are similar in that older skin is removed to allow fresh regrowth to form.
What Chemical Peel office is near me?
If you live near Chevy Chase, MD, RENU by Dr. Schoenfeld offers Chemical Peels among its services and is conveniently located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave #1625, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
Can I perform chemical peel on myself at home?
It is not safe for patients to apply acids to their skin on their own at home. Medical professionals who work with these powerful solutions are trained in skin care and aesthetics and have the products and knowledge to create dramatic results and then safely neutralize the skin. It is only in a controlled medical setting that patient safety can be optimized.
How many chemical peels should I undergo?
Lower and medium-strength peels can be performed 3-6 times for the best results, while deep peels may be applied just once. Dr. Schoenfeld can help patients determine the best treatment plan for their needs.
What other treatments complement chemical peels?
Dr. Schoenfeld is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in restoring youth and beauty to the skin. There are a number of procedures that can further enhance a person’s appearance when performed alongside a chemical peel. One of the most popular additions to chemical peel treatments is one or more facial fillers. These injections can plump the lips, treat deeper wrinkles, and raise acne scars so they are less visible.
Can I undergo chemical peel on my body?
Patients can be treated on the chest, neck, and hands to improve the look of the skin. These are common areas that are affected by sun damage, premature lines, brown spots, and hyperpigmentation. Treating the face as well as other areas of the body provides more uniform skin rejuvenation.

Meet

Dr. Schoenfeld

Philip S. Schoenfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Schoenfeld is the founder and medical director of RENU. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, he specializes in surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation of the face and neck.

Since 2000, Washingtonian Magazine has named Dr. Schoenfeld a Top Doctor. He has developed a reputation among patients and colleagues alike for his expertise as a surgeon and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Schoenfeld serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery for the Georgetown University School of Medicine and practices at the Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University Hospital, and Sibley Memorial Hospital.

“I appreciate the importance of looking your best and the effect that appearance has on self-esteem and personal growth.”

-Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD FACS

Dr Schoenfeld offers:

  • Rhinoplasty
  • Revision Rhinoplasty
  • Deep Plane Facelift
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Weekend Facelift
  • Neck Lift
  • Brow Lift
  • Otoplasty
  • Scar Revision
  • Fat Injections
  • Thread Lifting

Neograft

NeoGraft® is a state-of-the-art medical device that uses advanced technology to remove healthy hair follicles and reimplant them in the areas that need them. This innovative treatment is less invasive than other hair transplant systems and leaves no visible scarring and a more natural result.

Laser Liposuction

SlimLipo gently melts and removes unwanted body fat, offering significant benefits over traditional liposuction. Laser Liposuction requires less downtown, provides faster healing, and the additional benefit of skin tightening.

Cosmetic consult fee $250 (this fee can be applied towards your procedure)

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