What is a Chemical Peel?

We all have unique skin with different sensitivities and concerns. However, we have one thing in common: that skin accumulates signs of dullness and damage over time. A chemical peel is a versatile facial treatment that restores your skin’s vibrance and evens out textural issues for dramatic results.

What is a Chemical Peel?

With so many advanced options like laser treatments available, why do so many people still prefer chemical peels? These treatments provide customizable skin rejuvenation that fits your schedule and lifestyle. 

Chemical peels work using acids such as lactic, salicylic, glycolic, and trichloroacetic acids. Combining these in different proportions changes your peel’s intensity. These acids remove layers of skin, starting with the dull outermost layers for a light peel and working much deeper for a deep peel. 

Chemical peels are often recommended to treat concerns such as:

• Lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Dullness
• Uneven skin tone
• Rough texture
• Acne scars
• Dark spots
• Enlarged pores
• Frequent acne breakouts

What Types of Chemical Peels are Available?

Chemical peels come in different strengths that we can adjust to meet your needs. They exfoliate away damaged and dead layers of skin cells and promote faster cell turnover, but different types of peels are recommended for different concerns. 

Light Peels

These gentle peels are an excellent choice for those new to chemical peels or who want to avoid any downtime. They exfoliate the outermost layers of skin to reveal a healthy glow, and with repeated treatments, they can smooth and brighten your skin. Light peels make an excellent part of your skincare routine to keep your skin even and radiant. 

Medium Peels

These peels work on the outer layers of skin and down to the dermis, where deeper layers of damage exist. Some even work into the outermost few layers of the dermis itself. As a result, they can address deeper textural and pigmentation issues than a lighter peel with fewer sessions. Most people have several treatments. 

Deep Peels

Deep peels, which use phenol, are used less often because they can require quite a bit of downtime. However, they offer powerful results, treating deep skin issues such as wrinkles, age spots, severe scarring, and even precancerous lesions. Its intensity means it is not right for everyone, but may be ideal for the right person.

Is There Any Downtime After a Chemical Peel?

The amount of downtime after your chemical peel varies, and we can customize it to your needs. After a light peel, most people have no downtime besides a flushed look for a short time. A medium peel will usually result in some redness and sensitivity lasting up to a few days, and some may cause minor peeling. A deep peel requires a week or more of significant peeling and crusting before your skin is recovered.

Next Step

If you are interested in what a chemical peel is and how it works, please reach out to our qualified staff to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Walnut Creek and Tiburon. Give us a call at (925) 397-5486 or fill out our online form. Helping you achieve your cosmetic goals is an honor and a privilege at NorCal Plastic Surgery, proudly serving the East Bay, Marin County, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We look forward to hearing from you.