Chemical peels are a nonsurgical way to help restore the superficial and deeper layers of the skin to a younger-appearing state. The type and depth of the peel will depend on the extent of correction needed. During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to the skin that will cause your older, more aged skin to slough off, revealing newly enhanced, younger-looking skin.
Chemical peels use chemical solutions to enhance your skin. They can accomplish some of the following:
Peels come in varying strengths. The stronger the peel, the deeper the penetration. The deeper the penetration, the better the correction, and also the greater the downtime.
A chemical peel will cause the old and damaged upper skin layers to peel off. This can create rejuvenated-looking skin with a more uniform color and texture.
Some chemical face peels help tighten the skin by stimulating new, fresh collagen. This helps reduce the look of fine wrinkles, fine lines, and large pores.
Chemical peels allow newer, healthier skin layers to shine through, giving you a fresh, glowing skin appearance. This can help you look younger, more alert, and ready to take on the world.
Glycolic acid peels are among the more gentle types of chemical face peels. They work by breaking down the bonds between skin cells and loosening the upper layers to let new skin grow.
Glycolic acid peels are used to treat:
Salicylic acid peels have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making them the best chemical peel for acne treatments and other surface-level skin imperfections.
Salicylic acid peels are used to treat:
A Jessner Peel combines resorcinol, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. It is used in stages to affect skin to the desired depth. It is usually the best chemical peel for hyperpigmentation.
Jessner Peels are used to treat:
The VI Peel® has the advantage of being safe to use on all skin types (something that other peels can rarely claim).
A VI Peel® can treat:
A TCA peel is a more intense and effective peel with more dramatic results in fewer sessions. This is the most effective chemical peel for acne scars.
TCA peels can treat:
After a peel, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun for several weeks, so wear sunscreen every day. The best sunscreens have “broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays (SkinCeuticals sunblocks are the most effective). Limit your time in the sun (especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Most patients will see initial results within two weeks as the older skin peels away. Final results may take several more weeks before they become fully visible.
Most patients will see the results of their chemical peel treatment last between two and six months. The length of results will depend on the strength of the peel and the quality of post-treatment skin care.
After your chemical peel treatment, you may experience some minor to moderate discomfort. This may include skin irritation, tingling, redness, itchiness, minor swelling, skin dryness, and more. Most of these symptoms are temporary and should fade within three to seven days as the old skin peels off.
Your chemical peel cost will depend on the type of peel you choose. Peels that only affect the upper layers of skin are generally less expensive than deeper peels. However, they will require more treatments to achieve results.
Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels.
If you have darker skin, you still can have good results, depending upon the type of concern being addressed. However, patients with darker skin may be more likely to have a temporarily uneven skin tone after the procedure. This can usually be managed with bleaching creams.
Before getting a chemical peel, be sure to talk with Dr. Bridges about your current cosmetic routine. Some products can interfere with achieving the benefits of a chemical peel treatment. Avoid makeup, tanning, shaving, or hair plucking for at least 24 hours before your treatment.
Dr. Bridges may recommend a skin care regimen starting a week or two before your treatment in some cases.
Yes. Chemical peels can be combined with other nonsurgical procedures such as:
Chemical peels often require multiple sessions between six weeks and three months apart to achieve the desired results. Series of peels are often sold at discounted prices.
Chemical peels are quite safe, but no medical treatment is ever completely risk-free.
Some potential chemical peel side effects may include: