Chemical Peel
.jpeg)
Chemical Peels
Also called chemexfoliation, derma peeling
Do you wish that you could simply peel signs of aging from your skin? Dermatologists use chemiacl peels to do just this. A chemical peel can diminish many signs of aging on the face as well as the hands, neck, and chest.
​
Chemical peels also treat some skin conditions.
Dermatologists use chemical peel to treat some types of acne and conditions that discolor the skin.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to exfoliate and remove the top layers. Over time, the skin that regenerates is usually smoother, with fewer wrinkles, blemishes, and uneven tones.
Types of Chemical Peels
1. Light (Superficial) Peel
-
Ingredients: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid.
-
Treats: Fine lines, acne, uneven tone, and dry skin.
-
Downtime: Minimal — mild redness or flaking for a few days.
-
Frequency: Every few weeks as part of a routine.
2. Medium Peel
-
Ingredients: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or glycolic acid.
-
Treats: Wrinkles, acne scars, and moderate discoloration.
-
Downtime: Redness, peeling, and swelling for about a week.
-
Frequency: Every few months depending on skin goals.
3. Deep Peel
-
Ingredients: Phenol or high-strength TCA.
-
Treats: Deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, or precancerous growths.
-
Downtime: Several weeks of healing, requires anesthesia.
-
Frequency: One-time treatment due to intensity.
What to Expect During Treatment
-
Consultation: Skin evaluation, discussion of goals, peel type selection.
-
Preparation: Skin may be pre-treated with retinoids or bleaching agents.
-
Application: The solution is brushed on and left for a few minutes.
-
Neutralization: The peel is either neutralized or self-neutralizing.
-
Post-Care: Instructions include soothing creams, sunscreen, and avoiding sun exposure.
Risks & Side Effects
-
Redness and peeling (common)
-
Scarring or infection (rare, usually with deeper peels)
-
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (especially in darker skin tones)
-
Sensitivity to sunlight
Benefits
-
Smoother, brighter skin
-
Fewer fine lines and wrinkles
-
Diminished acne and acne scars
-
More even skin tone and texture
Tips for Best Results
-
Avoid sun exposure before and after your peel.
-
Follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions.
-
Use gentle, hydrating skincare after treatment.
-
Don’t pick or peel the skin yourself.
Would you like help choosing the right peel for your skin type or concern? Or are you looking for a sample treatment plan or skincare routine to go with it? Reach Us !
FAQ
1. What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a non-surgical aesthetic procedure in which an acidic solution is applied to the skin, breaking the bonds between old skin cells and effectively sloughing off the outermost layer of old, dead skin. This removal of dead skin cells reveals new, fresh skin, encourages new skin cell development and boosts collagen production. Peels improve a number of conditions including, but not limited to: wrinkles, acne scarring, scarring, uneven pigment, and sunspots. There are a variety of solutions intended to address specific conditions and degrees of damage. Depending on the extent of correction needed, the depth and intensity of the chemical peel can be adjusted, addressing mild to severe cases.
Chemical peels are broken up into three different categories: Superficial or Light Peels, Medium Peels, and Deep Peels, each category correlating to the degree of correction needed.
If you’ve never had a chemical peel before or perhaps only have a small amount of skin damage, active acne or sensitive skin, a superficial peel may be sufficient. For more severe cases of acne scarring, pigment irregularities, sun damage and deep wrinkles, a medium or deep peel may be prescribed.
2. You’re going to put acid on my face?
Okay, this is technically true. Chemical peels are composed of an acidic solution, but the acids used in skin treatments are not the same as the acids used in industrial practices. The acids used in skin treatments are what are known as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from sugary fruits, and BHAs are oil-soluble acids made from the bark of willow and sweet birch trees.
The type of acid used in your chemical peel will depend on the specific condition you are wishing to treat. While both AHAs and BHAs have exfoliating properties, each one is more efficient at tackling different skin maladies than the other.
For example, if you’re looking to treat dry skin and signs of aging, AHAs are typically more effective, whereas BHAs are generally better at addressing active acne.
AHAs and BHAs are a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cleaners and skin treatments. These are the same acids that are used in chemical peels, but much milder doses.
Most common Alpha-Hydroxy Acids:
-
Glycolic Acid
-
Lactic Acid
-
Malic acid
-
Tartaric Acid
-
Citric Acid
-
Mandelic Acid
-
Most common Beta-Hydroxy Acids:
-
Salicylic Acid (salicylate, sodium salicylate and willow extract)
-
Beta Hydroxybutanoic Acid
-
Tropic Acid
-
Trethocanic Acid
​
3. What conditions do chemical peels address?
As previously mentioned, chemical peels are effective in treating a whole host of skin maladies from active acne, to acne scarring, uneven pigment to sun damage and fine lines to severe wrinkles. They are also good for rejuvenating rough and aged skin.
4. Do chemical peels hurt?
Superficial or light and medium peels are left on for a shorter period of time and a mild numbing cream may be required prior to application. You may feel some slight burning and itching whilst the peel does it’s work but most patients do not report severe discomfort.
For very deep peels, anesthesia is often needed and in some instances, patients may be sedated. In these cases, your doctor will usually prescribe pain medication post-treatment.
5. How long does the procedure take and when can I expect to see results?
A chemical peel can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Depending on your treatment, new skin will begin to develop anywhere from one to two weeks post treatment.
​
6. What can I expect during recovery?
Recovery time from a chemical peel will vary depending on the depth and intensity of the treatment.
Light peels usually only take up to seven days to heal. During this time, you can expect your face to peel and appear sunburnt and some patients experience redness for up to a month. Most patients who have a light peel can usually wear makeup the next day to cover any redness.
Medium peels may induce some swelling, which can be soothed with ice packs. Your doctor will apply a protective ointment for dryness and you may take over the counter pain medications for any discomfort. Recovery time from a medium peel is usually 7-14 days, and you can begin to apply cosmetics after 5-7 days.
For deep peels, you will experience more severe redness and swelling. In some cases, dressings may be applied to your skin after your treatment for protection and for very deep peels, painkillers are often prescribed. New skin will develop after about two weeks, at which time you can apply make-up to obscure any residual redness.
Redness from a light peel usually subsides within a couple of weeks while redness from a medium or deep peel may last several months.
In all cases, your skin will be more sun-sensitive post treatment and it is extremely important to wear sunscreen and sun protection. It is also recommended that you use emollients and fragrance-free products, and that you avoid retinol, acids and downtime exercise.
​
7. What results can I expect?
This really depends on what condition your skin is in prior to the chemical peel and what your individual skin goals are. Generally, once your skin has healed, you can expect to see smoother, brighter, younger, more radiant, even-toned skin.
You may begin to see results from light peels immediately post treatment, and the full effects will be visible between 7-10 days. Results from medium and deep peels will develop in 1-2 weeks.
8. Who is a good candidate?
There is a chemical peel for almost all skin types. However, patients with sensitive or darker skin tones may want to avoid deeper peels though may still benefit from light peels.
The only person who can advise you on which chemical peel or acidic solution is right for you is your skincare provider who will examine your skin and thoroughly discuss with you your skin goals. Factors that your provider will take into consideration are your skin tone, skin thickness, and type of skin damage that you wish to improve. Prior history of skin conditions and treatments will also be elicited. As with any cosmetic procedure, a consultation is required prior to booking in for a chemical peel.
.jpeg)
Treatments Videos
