Chemical Peels: The Complete Guide
Professional exfoliation to reveal new skin with improved tone and texture. Here's everything you need to know — how it works, whether it's right for you, safety, prep, aftercare, results, and cost.
Chemical peels have been used dermatologically for over a century and remain a gold-standard treatment for hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and uneven tone.
How It Works
How Chemical Peels Works
A chemical peel applies a professional-grade acid solution (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, or TCA) to the skin to controlledly dissolve the bonds between dead and damaged cells. Depending on the strength, the peel exfoliates the surface or reaches deeper layers, prompting the skin to shed and regenerate. As new skin emerges, tone becomes more even, texture smooths, pigmentation fades, and collagen production is stimulated. Peel depth is fully customizable — from a gentle 'lunchtime' refresh to a deeper renewal.
What It Treats
What Chemical Peels Can Address
Is It Right for You?
Is Chemical Peels a Good Fit?
Ideal If You're…
- Wanting brighter, more even-toned skin
- Addressing sun damage or dark spots
- Comfortable with some flaking during renewal
- Willing to commit to diligent sun protection
Not Ideal If…
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (many peels aren't recommended)
- You have active cold sores or a skin infection in the area
- You've used Accutane recently
Is Chemical Peels Safe?
Professional chemical peels are safe when the acid, strength, and technique are matched to your skin — which is exactly why an experienced, licensed provider matters, especially for darker skin tones. We customize every peel and may patch test sensitive skin.
How to Prepare
- •Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids 3–5 days before
- •Avoid sun exposure and tanning beforehand
- •Tell us about any history of cold sores
Aftercare
- •Let skin peel naturally — never pick or pull flaking skin
- •Keep skin moisturized and avoid sun and heat
- •Use SPF daily and skip actives until fully healed
Results & Timeline
After light peels, you'll see brighter skin within days; deeper peels reveal renewed skin over 1–2 weeks. A series of 3–6 peels spaced about 4 weeks apart delivers the most dramatic, lasting improvement in tone and texture.
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Chemical Peels — Common Questions
You may feel a mild tingling or warm sensation during a chemical peel, which is normal and temporary. We customize the peel strength to your skin and comfort level. Deeper peels have more sensation than gentle refreshers, and we guide you through the entire process.
It depends on the peel depth. A light peel may cause mild flaking for 2–3 days; a medium peel can involve visible peeling for 5–7 days. We match the peel to your skin and schedule, and give you complete aftercare instructions.
Yes — for most advanced treatments (microneedling, peels, microdermabrasion), stop retinoids, strong exfoliants, and acids about 3–5 days beforehand to avoid over-sensitizing your skin. We give you an exact list at your consultation.
Let the skin peel naturally — never pick or pull flaking skin, as this can cause scarring. Keep skin moisturized, avoid sun and heat, skip actives until healed, and use SPF daily. Following aftercare closely is essential to a beautiful, even result.
Microdermabrasion physically exfoliates the surface with diamond-tipped suction (instant glow, no downtime). Chemical peels use acid solutions to dissolve deeper damaged layers (more dramatic renewal, some flaking). We help you choose — or combine — based on your skin and downtime tolerance.
A chemical peel exfoliates damaged outer skin layers to reveal fresher, more even skin underneath. Peels improve tone, texture, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne. We customize strength from a gentle refresh to a deeper renewal based on your skin and goals.
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How It Compares
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Ready to Try Chemical Peels?
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