A chemical peel can help rejuvenate the skin, reduce discoloration, improve skin texture, and smooth wrinkles and scars. This treatment promotes collagen production and healthy skin growth; it can also help hydrate the skin, clear up breakouts, and, in some cases, reduce dark eye circles. By removing dead skin buildup and congestion, a chemical peel can increase the effectiveness of skincare products at home by allowing deeper penetration of these products into the skin.

Skin peeling usually begins a few days after treatment, but it may take about 2-6 weeks for the treatment to show results. Multiple chemical peel treatments may be necessary for optimal results.

Most of the results of a chemical peel can last up to a year or more. Some of the benefits, such as scar or discoloration removal, can last many years. Multiple treatments will prolong the results.

A chemical peel can be beneficial to anyone over the age of 18. Many people in their 20’s and 30’s get chemical peels to hydrate dry skin and reduce acne scars, sun damage, skin spots and discoloration. Older clients can benefit from a chemical peel’s ability to smooth wrinkles, remove age spots, hydrate dry skin, improve skin texture, stimulate collagen production, and replenish the skin’s youthful and vibrant look. In addition, a chemical peel increases the rate of skin cell replacement, which dramatically slows down in our late 20’s. This results in the continuous replacement of old skin cells with younger, healthier ones.

A chemical peel treatment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to perform.

During treatment you may feel a tingling sensation on your skin, but you should not experience pain. Following treatment, the skin may be somewhat sensitive, but no pain is expected. This sensitivity usually resolves within days.

After treatment, the skin can become red, dry and tight, though these effects can be less noticeable with each repeated treatment. Most daily activities can be resumed immediately following treatment. Avoid sun exposure during the peeling process, and avoid strenuous exercises, heavy sweating, hot showers, and jacuzzi for 2-3 days. Prescription topicals should be avoided until the peeling process is finished. Use of gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can enhance the healing process. Do not try to pick or peel the flaking skin. The skin should not be manipulated or irritated in any way. It is not recommended to get a chemical peel treatment within two weeks of a special occasion.

A chemical peel is generally a very safe procedure when performed by a highly trained and experienced medical professional. The word “chemical” often prevents people from receiving this treatment; however, most medications we use on a daily basis can be considered a chemical, including over-the-counter pain medications and first-aid ointments for cuts and wounds. In addition, the active ingredients for most chemical peels are derived from natural sources such as sugar cane, sour milk, or wintergreen.

The most common side effect of a chemical peel treatment is redness or minor irritation of the skin. This usually resolves within days. Rare side effects can include changes in skin color (more common among darker skin tones) and scarring of skin (is usually resolved with antibiotics or steroids).

Avoid a chemical peel treatment if you are pregnant or nursing, are allergic to aspirin, or have active cold sores, infection, or facial rashes in the treatment area. Do not get a chemical peel if you have sunburn, lesions or irritated skin in the treatment area. A chemical peel is not recommended for people with hyperpigmentation tendencies. Do not get a chemical peel if you have used Accutane within the past 6 months, Retin-A within the past 7-10 days, or have recently had cosmetic surgery, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or waxing in the treatment area. Ask our medical professionals for more information to see if you are a good candidate for a chemical peel treatment.