Chemical Peels

A chemical peel removes the top layers of the skin, which are then replaced by a new layer of skin. Peels can improve the color, tone, texture, and brightness of your skin, adding a youthful glow and reducing wrinkles, acne breakouts, and enlarged pores. Deeper peels usually achieve more lasting improvement of wrinkles and may also improve elasticity of the skin by building new collagen. The correct chemical peel can be chosen based on each individual's skin type and concerns.

One peel may be enough to generate the desired results, but patients may also find that multiple peels are necessary, especially if the chosen peel is on the lighter end of the spectrum. In these cases, a series of peels can be administered in sessions spaced apart about a month each. Talk with our esthetician to determine which peel or series of peels is best.

Patients will notice some redness in the days after getting a peel, after which the unwanted outer layer of dead skin will flake and peel off, giving the treatment its name. More intense peels can require down time for recuperation and recovery. Depending on the scope and depth of the treatment, healing can take anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks.

New skin appears fresher and more radiant when compared to the old skin removed with a peel.

Wrinkles that are caused by facial expression are more difficult to treat and may require BOTOX^® or laser skin resurfacing. This will be discussed during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect immediately after a chemical peel?

A lighter peel may produce redness, while a deeper peel can cause swelling and more pronounced redness. You will be instructed to wash the areas with lukewarm water and apply a skin cream.

What should I do to protect my skin during recovery?

The new skin formed after a peel takes time before it becomes more tolerable. You must avoid direct sun exposure and use physical-block sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever outside. This will prevent uneven pigmentation from forming. Instructions will be given on application of sunscreen as well as ways of avoiding the sun.

How many peel treatment sessions are required?

As noted above, patients who have a chemical peel may require a different kind of peel after their initial treatment or another application of the same peel solution.

Is there much discomfort with peels?

With peels, there will be some stinging as the solution is initially applied but this usually subsides in seconds. The stinging may return with a deeper peel, but discomfort can usually be treated adequately with oral medication. Topical or regional anesthesia may be used for deeper peels in order to provide comfort.

What are the risks?

The risks associated with peeling depend on the solution used. Any peel can lead to uneven pigmentation as well as scarring. Both are rare complications. Talk to the esthetician about any concerns or specific questions related to peels.