Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use specially developed solutions designed to lift away the superficial layers of dead or damaged skin to reveal fresh skin beneath. Chemical peels are available in different strengths, based on your needs and the results you’re looking for. Peels can:

• Help improve your skin’s texture
• Reduce pore size
• Even out your skin tone
• Reduce the appearance of scars
• Minimize lines and wrinkles
• Get rid of sun damage

During your office visit, you learn about the types of peels that can help you get the results you’re looking for.

A light chemical peel removes only the most superficial layers of your skin. It can improve the texture of your skin and even to reduce some signs of sun damage and aging. After a light chemical peel, your skin may be slightly pink, but this effect fades soon after your peel.

A deep peel is designed to affect deeper layers of your skin to remove more significant signs of aging and sun damage, revealing softer, smoother skin. Deep peels can leave your skin red and sore for several days, and most deep peels are followed by scabbing before the deeper layers of skin are exposed. Following a deep peel, you may have a mild pinkish hue for a few weeks.

Once your skin is thoroughly cleansed, your provider applies the chemical peel solution and allows it to remain on your skin for a specific period of time — usually less than a half-hour. 

With some peels, he may apply a special neutralizing solution to stop the chemical action before rinsing the peel solution away. After any type of peel — mild, medium, or deep — you need to protect your skin from the sun so you don’t delay healing and damage your newly revealed skin.

Your provider provides you with complete instructions about how to care for your skin while it heals, including when you can begin to wear makeup following a medium or deep peel. After a light peel, you may be able to wear makeup right away.