Skin & Face

Chemical Peels

If you’re looking for a quick skin refresh with exceptional results, professionally-administered chemical peels are the way to go. A deeper version of exfoliation that you can’t achieve with at-home exfoliators and other skincare products, chemical peels are beloved for their ability to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and smooth out the skin. Along with a peel’s exfoliating power comes a host of other skin-friendly benefits, like a reduced appearance in discoloration and fewer breakouts.

In the past, chemical peels were viewed as a somewhat scary and more invasive procedure that would leave the skin red, raw, and molting like a snake. But today’s peels are more advanced and safer for all skin tones. In addition to tried-and-true acids, which serve as the basis of these skin-improving peels, modern-day chemical peels also now incorporate a bevy of beneficial ingredients, like anti-inflammatory agents and even hydrating ingredients, which calm the skin quickly and decrease inflammation.

What are chemical peels

A chemical peel is an exfoliating treatment that relies on a mix of acids (in liquid form) and other ingredients applied to the face, neck, chest, or hands. The acids exfoliate the top layer of skin, resulting in the peeling and shedding of dead skin lingering on the surface. Chemical peels have a strong track record of refining the skin’s texture and tone and even improving sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and scarring.

Compared to peels you can do yourself at home, professional-strength versions use a stronger concentration of ingredients and acids for more effective results. Professionally-administered chemical peels range from light, superficial peels to medium and deep ones (often not recommended for darker skin).

The acids in chemical peels run the gamut from Jessners, trichloroacetic, salicylic, glycolic, mandelic, lactic acids, and phenol. Depending on your skin’s needs, your provider will determine which type of chemical peel is best for your skin.

Light Chemical Peels

These can consist of glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid and provide subtle results. They usually treat mild hyperpigmentation, acne, minimal sun damage, and wrinkles.

Medium Chemical Peels

These peels rely on trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels and treat more severe blemishes, acne, lines, and pigmentation. The peeling process is more powerful than a light peel, so expect more downtime with these peels—anywhere from seven to 10 days.

Deep Chemical Peels

The most potent peel uses phenol to exfoliate the skin. Most phenol peels are done under anesthesia and with plastic surgery, like a facelift.

Light and mild peels require less downtime and are less intrusive to the skin, so they can be done as frequently as once per month. Medium-strength peels require a bit more downtime and have longer-lasting results, so you won’t need to do those more than once per year. Finally, the deepest peels come with the most downtime, and most patients opt for those only once in their life.

RevePeel Enlighten

This medium-depth skin-lightening peel system consists of an intensive mask treatment and a home care regimen to reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration. The kit also comes with hydroquinone and retinol to safely fade dark spots. Patients appreciate the low level of skin irritation compared to other types of chemical peels.

The RevePeel Enlighten works well for treating hyperpigmentation, melasma, blotchy skin, dark spots, enlarged pores, scars, and dullness. It can be repeated several times yearly to achieve the desired brightness level.

PRX Peel

This revitalization skin peel tightens without noticeable exfoliation. The advanced formula consists of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), hydrogen peroxide, and kojic acid. Yet, it is a revolutionary non-peeling peel that improves surgical and acne scars, loose skin, and stretch marks. It also works around the eye area and improves stubborn melasma, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and dull-looking skin. In addition, targeting the epidermal layer of skin down to the basal layer can renew the skin without causing any damage.

The PRX Peel is ideal for those who want to firm their skin but can’t afford downtime.

How does a chemical peel work?

Regardless of the ingredients in a chemical peel, they mostly all work the same. The acid in the peel disrupts the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. By creating a minor yet safe injury to the skin, the acid forces the skin to heal naturally, and the dead skin sheds to reveal new, fresh skin. However, the acid used determines how fast and deep the exfoliation goes. Other factors also influence the result, including the peel’s acidity (or pH), the concentration of the acid, and how long it’s left on the skin.

All types of chemical peels remove the uppermost layers of skin, like a laser. The recovery isn’t as intense as a laser since those reach deeper into the skin, but with a peel, there will likely be swelling, redness, flaking, and peeling, so it’s essential to keep the skin well hydrated with an ointment. It’s also normal for the skin to look like it has a sunburn, be flaky, and shed large pieces of skin. Still, you’ll see an improvement in the texture and color of your skin.

What are the benefits of laser facials?

The acid in a peel lifts away dead cells, speeds up cell turnover, and boosts collagen production for brighter, younger-looking skin. Because it physically lifts away dead, dull skin lingering on the surface, a chemical peel remains one of the best skin rejuvenating treatments. Almost all skin tones can benefit from a chemical peel (a consultation is a must to ensure no potential risks are involved), including those with uneven skin tone, fine lines, poor skin texture, active acne, acne scarring, large pores, and dull-looking skin.

The main benefits of a chemical peel include improving skin conditions like:

Who are chemical peels for?

Nearly everyone can benefit from a chemical peel. In the past, darker skin tones weren’t suitable for chemical peels, but today, aestheticians can use them on darker skin tones. Of course, the person performing the peel must understand darker skin.

If you are experiencing skin issues like the following, a chemical peel may be right for you:

What does a chemical peel feel like?

The lighter the peel, the less sensation you’ll feel on the skin; the more substantial the peel, the more you’ll feel. Typically, most chemical peels feel a little ‘spicy’ on the skin and can incite the feeling of itchiness or even a tingling effect. Buffered acids shouldn’t burn the skin, but there may be some slight discomfort, which is short-lived. When the chemical peel is neutralized, you shouldn’t feel anything on the skin.

How much does a chemical peel cost?

The cost of the chemical peel varies from person to person, although they are one of the more budget-friendly skin treatments that offer a lot of bang for your buck. The type of peel used and if it’s done after a facial or other skin treatments are factors in the overall price. We recommend a consultation for a detailed estimate to determine your treatment’s cost.

Common FAQs

Will I need one peel or a series of peels?

Everyone’s skin and needs are different, so a consultation is recommended to determine what best suits your current issues. Most patients see some benefits from just one peel, but a series is often more helpful to reap the full potential of what chemical peels offer. To help you stay on track, book a series of peels during your consultation so that you can build upon your results.

Will I need one peel or a series of peels?

Do I need to avoid the sun after a peel?

Yes! Sun avoidance is critical in maintaining the results of your chemical peel since sun exposure can cause inflammation within the skin leading to hyperpigmentation and delayed healing. It’s recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after a chemical peel so that the skin is not vulnerable to potential damage.

What should I do if my skin starts peeling and shedding?

It’s normal for the skin to shed and flake, but no matter what, don’t pick at it. It’s best to let the exfoliation process take its natural course and fall off on its own. Picking and pulling at flaking or peeling skin, or even exfoliating it with scrubs and exfoliators, can cause hyperpigmentation. Don’t worry—all the peeling skin will eventually flake to reveal fresh new skin.

Is there a specific post-peel protocol I should follow?

Follow your provider’s instructions to keep your skin healthy as it heals after a peel. You’ll want to avoid using any exfoliating acids, including retinol, for at least a few days. Also, there’s no need to use scrubs or exfoliators on the skin after a peel. However, your aesthetician will let you know when it’s okay to resume using these products. Sunscreen is a must-do to keep the skin even, prevent scarring and discoloration, and help it to heal healthily.

Get started with AdvancedMD Aesthetics of Atlanta

If you’re ready to get the skin of your dreams, there’s no better time than now to book a consultation with Advanced MD Aesthetics of Atlanta. A one-on-one consultation with our experienced, professional aestheticians and team of skin experts will determine the best chemical peel for you. We can also customize a package specific to your needs so you can obtain the best results possible.

Click the button below to schedule a consultation or book your chemical peel appointment today!

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