Did the summer rays leave you with some unwanted brown spots? Chemical peels can work wonders to lighten sun spots and improve skin texture and tone. Fall is a great time of year to treat yourself to a peel! Read on to learn more about the chemical peel process.

Depth of Peels

Chemical peels can be superficial, medium, or deep. The depth of the peel is chosen based on the patient’s concerns and their skin type. Be sure you see a medical specialist who can choose the peel that is right for you.

Treatment Process

Pre-Treatment

Studies show that consistent use of a retinol night cream in the weeks leading up to a chemical peel improves the results of the peel. I recommend a nightly retinol to most of my patients (check out my favorite drugstore retinol ).

On the day of the peel, we will apply a numbing cream first for 20-30 minutes of your appointment to help minimize any potential discomfort during the peel.

Treatment

During the peel, a specific combination of chemicals is applied to the skin. Depending on the type of peel, you may see “frosting” of the skin (as seen in the picture above). After the particular endpoint is reached, cooling pads are applied and then a mild moisturizer.

Post-Peel

After a peel you will want to avoid significant sun exposure for at least a week. Redness and peeling will last for 3-7 days. Applying moisturizer regularly helps with skin healing. Daily SPF and a good sun hat are key. I usually tell my patients to schedule their peel at least 2 weeks before any major event.

Interested in giving a chemical peel a try? Give our office a call! We’d love to help you find the right peel for your unique skin care needs!