About Peels

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a skin treatment that involves applying a solution (typically containing acids like alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, or trichloroacetic acid) to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers, improving skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.

How to know what peel is good for me?

The esthetician will ensure you to choose the right chemical peel for you based on various factors, such as your skin type, skin concerns, and desired results.

What types of chemical peels are there?

Chemical peels come in three main types:

Light (Superficial) Peel: Targets the outermost layer of skin and is used to treat mild skin issues like dryness and uneven skin tone.
Medium Peel: Works on the epidermis and part of the dermis, effective for treating sun damage, age spots, and moderate wrinkles.
Deep Peel: A more intense treatment for deeper skin layers, often used for more severe issues like deep wrinkles, sun damage, and scarring.

How does a chemical peel work?

A chemical peel uses a specific type of acid to exfoliate the skin. This process removes damaged skin cells, stimulates collagen production, and helps reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.

What are the benefits of a chemical peel?

Improved skin texture and tone
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
Treatment for acne and acne scars
Fading dark spots or hyperpigmentation
Brighter, more youthful appearance

Is a chemical peel painful?

There may be some discomfort during the procedure, particularly with medium or deep peels. You may feel a tingling or burning sensation. For deeper peels, topical anesthesia or sedation may be used.

How long is the recovery time after a chemical peel?

Recovery depends on the depth of the peel:

Light peels usually have little to no downtime, with some redness and flaking for a few days.
Medium peels may require a few days of recovery with peeling, redness, and possible swelling.
Deep peels can require a week or more of recovery, with significant peeling and possible discomfort.

How often can I get a chemical peel?

The frequency of chemical peels depends on the type of peel:

Light peels can be done every 4-6 weeks.
Medium peels are typically recommended every 6-12 months.
Deep peels are usually done once every few years.

Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?

People with skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin texture can benefit from chemical peels. However, they may not be suitable for people with very sensitive skin, active skin infections, or certain skin conditions like rosacea.

Are there any risks or side effects?

While generally safe, chemical peels can have side effects, including:

Redness, swelling, and peeling (temporary)
Scarring (rare)
Infection (rare)
Changes in skin pigmentation (especially for people with darker skin tones, which can be minimized with proper care)

Can a chemical peel treat acne?

Yes, chemical peels, particularly salicylic acid-based peels, are effective for treating acne by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing future breakouts.

What should I do after a chemical peel?

Aftercare is essential for proper healing and to avoid complications:

Avoid sun exposure and wear a physical/mineral broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Don’t pick or peel the skin; let it slough off naturally.
Follow any aftercare instructions given by your esthetician or dermatologist.

Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?

You can wear makeup after a light peel once the skin has calmed down, but avoid makeup on the treated area for at least 24-48 hours after a medium or deep peel to avoid irritation.

How long will it take to see results from a chemical peel?

You might start seeing improvements within a few days for light peels, while deeper peels can take a few weeks to show full results as the skin heals and regenerates.

What are the differences between a chemical peel and microdermabrasion?

Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate and treat deeper skin issues, while microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped tool to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of skin.
Chemical peels can address deeper skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, while microdermabrasion is more focused on improving skin texture and radiance.

Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?

Yes, chemical peels can often be combined with other treatments like facials and dermaplaning, for maximum results, but it's important to discuss this with your esthetician to ensure safe and effective combinations.