How Does a Chemical Peel Work?

Key Takeaways

Chemical peels remove damaged skin cells and rejuvenate skin for a brighter, smoother complexion.
Chemical peels can improve the appearance of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne, clogged pores, and uneven texture.
The right peel depends on your skin type, concerns, and desired results.
Superficial, medium, and deep peels vary in how deeply they exfoliate and the concerns they can address.

If your skin looks uneven, dull, dry, or shows signs of aging, a chemical peel is one of the best skincare treatments to refresh and give you a healthy glow. A chemical peel uses a specific solution to gently remove damaged skin cells from the surface. As your skin regenerates, it naturally sheds old, damaged cells and replaces them with new ones. The new skin is usually brighter and more balanced, and fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professional skin treatment that uses common chemical exfoliating ingredients such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), or Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) to remove damaged skin cells and encourage skin renewal. Chemical peels can be gentle enough to refresh the skin’s surface or strong enough to get deeper into the layers of the skin to target specific concerns. The right chemical peel depends on your skin type, skin concerns, and desired results.

Your esthetician will apply the peel solution to clean, makeup-free skin and leave it on for a specific amount of time. During the treatment, you may feel tingling, warmth, or mild stinging while the peel is working because the solution helps loosen and remove old, damaged skin cells, so new, healthy-looking skin can come to the surface. Chemical peels can promote skin renewal and collagen production. Some chemical peels help reduce excess oil and unclog pores, so they’re a great skincare treatment for those with acne or who are acne prone.

What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?

There are three main types of chemical peels based on how deeply they exfoliate the skin.

Superficial Chemical Peels

Superficial chemical peels are the mildest type because they exfoliate only the outermost layer of skin. Superficial peels are perfect for a quick refresh, mild skin discoloration, and a brighter complexion.

Medium Chemical Peels

Medium chemical peels go deeper into the skin to treat more noticeable skin concerns. These peels are great for fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and photoaging.

Deep Chemical Peels

Deep chemical peels go deeper into the skin to treat the lower layers. Because they reach deeper layers of the skin, deep peels can deliver more dramatic improvements for fine lines, sun damage, and acne scarring.

What Does a Chemical Peel Do for Your Face?

Chemical peels can address several common skin concerns, including:

Sun damage
Hyperpigmentation
Fine lines
Acne and breakouts
Clogged pores
Acne scars
Dull skin
Rough skin

What to Expect After a Chemical Peel?

After a chemical peel treatment, your skin may look slightly red or feel tight. Depending on the type of peel, you may experience mild flaking or peeling over the next few days.

A superficial peel may make your skin look slightly pink, but it usually fades within a day.
With a medium peel, you’ll likely have flaking and peeling for several days. It’s important not to pick at the skin; let it shed naturally.
A deep peel can take two to three weeks to heal, and lingering redness can persist for several months.

Chemical Peel Aftercare

After a chemical peel, your skin needs time to heal and regenerate. It’s very important to follow the aftercare instructions from your provider to help minimize irritation and support healthier, radiant-looking skin.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Use a gentle moisturizer to help replenish moisture and support your skin barrier. Your provider will discuss the best moisturizers for your skin. Shop recommended gentle moisturizers.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday

Your skin will be really sensitive to sunlight after a chemical peel. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher everyday. Shop recommended SPFs.

Use Gentle Skincare Products

As your skin heals, stick to a simple skincare routine. Avoid products that could potentially irritate your skin like retinoids, exfoliating acids, and other strong active ingredients.

Avoid Heat

Depending on the type of peel, you might need to avoid hot showers, saunas, strenuous exercise, and other activities that cause excessive heat or sweating for a period of time after treatment.

Chemical Peel Treatment at NM Aesthetics in the DMV Area

A chemical peel helps renew the skin, smooths the appearance of fine lines, and improves overall tone and texture. Our providers will tailor your chemical peel treatment to target your skincare concerns and skin type. If you have questions or would want to reserve an appointment, fill out our online form or call us at (571) 310-3223. We’re conveniently located in the Ballston Exchange, and proudly serve clients through the DMV area.

FAQs

How often should you get a chemical peel?

How often you should get a chemical peel depends on the type of peel, your skin type, and skincare goals. Your provider will discuss the best treatment schedule with you.

Are chemical peels safe?

Chemical peels are safe when performed by a qualified professional. Contact NM Aesthetics for a consultation so we can determine whether a chemical peel is appropriate for your skin type and concerns.

What are the benefits of a chemical peel?

Chemical peels not only brighten your complexion, but they also target a variety of skin concerns, including fading dark spots, uneven pigmentation, smooth fine lines, and reducing the appearance of acne scars.