Chemical Peels Explained: Benefits, Types, and What to Expect

Chemical peels are a widely popular type of cosmetic procedure, and that popularity is only expected to continue growing in the coming years. But why?  Because chemical peels are an incredibly effective way to improve your skin tone, texture, and clarity. Plus, it’s completely non-invasive, which means there’s far less downtime than there would be after any surgical options. 

Below, we’ll explain what chemical peels really are, how they work, the benefits, the different types, and more.

chemical peels

What Exactly is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a treatment that involves using a chemical solution on the surface of your skin to remove the top layer of skin, including any damaged skin cells. This “controlled injury” triggers a healing process, which stimulates collagen and boosts the creation of new skin cells and elastin. This leads to a smoother, more even tone. Essentially, it’s a deep exfoliation process that can reverse common skin conditions, such as sun damage, aging, etc.

Benefits of Chemical Peels: What Do They Treat?

Chemical peels are multifaceted in that they treat a variety of skin conditions. Specifically, chemical peels help with: 

  • Melasma
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Skin texture
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Sun damage
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Scarring

By receiving a chemical peel, you’re giving your skin a major boost in the production of collage and elastin, which ultimately gives your face a completely renewed look — all without having to undergo surgery.

Choosing the Right Chemical Peel for Your Skin

There are dozens of different types of chemical peels out there that target specific skin types and concerns. Here, we’ll focus on three categories to help you pinpoint the right peel for you.

Light Peels

Light chemical peels gently exfoliate your outermost layer of skin, helping to brighten and smooth your complexion with little to no downtime. These are perfect for boosting radiance, improving skin texture, and addressing mild concerns like dryness or dullness.

Best for: Those looking for a gentle refresh with minimal peeling or downtime. Great for first-time chemical peel clients and those with sensitive skin.

Common Types of Light Chemical Peels

  • Glycolic Acid Peel: This type of peel gently resurfaces skin, boosting radiance and refining texture.
  • Lactic Acid Peel: Ideal for sensitive skin and gentle brightening.
  • Mandelic Acid Peel: A mild peel that improves skin tone and texture, great for reducing redness or breakouts.
  • Salicylic Acid Peel: Perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps unclog pores and reduce blemishes.

Medium Peels

Medium-depth chemical peels penetrate deeper into the skin to target fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage while stimulating collagen production. These offer more noticeable results and may involve some peeling and downtime.

 

Best for: Those looking for more dramatic skin renewal, improvement in fine lines, and smoother skin tone.

Common Types of Medium Chemical Peels

  • TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) Peel: A versatile option that helps address sun damage, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
  • Jessner’s Peel: A blend of acids formulated to reduce visible dark spots, acne scars, and texture concerns.
  • Combination Peels: A custom blend of acids tailored to address multiple concerns in a single treatment.

Deep Peels

Deep chemical peels work at the deepest layers of the skin to provide powerful, long-lasting results. These treatments help reduce deep wrinkles, scars, and severe sun damage. Because deep peels penetrate so thoroughly, they require slightly more recovery time, but the results can be transformative.

 

Best for: Those seeking significant skin rejuvenation and correction of deep-set wrinkles, scars, or sun damage.

Types of Deep Chemical Peels

  • Phenol Peel: The strongest type of chemical peel, effective for deep wrinkles and severe sun damage.
  • High-Strength TCA Peel: Provides deep resurfacing benefits while improving skin elasticity and firmness.

What to Expect During and After a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a non-invasive procedure that is a relatively simple process. Depending on the depth of your chemical peel, our expert clinicians will use a soft tool to apply the chemical solution onto your face, and it will begin to whiten. During this process, you may feel a mild stinging sensation as the acid works its way through the top layers of your skin. After a few minutes, our team will apply a cool compress to soothe the treated skin, and then a neutralizing solution to wash the chemical solution off. Slight alterations to this process may be made depending on the type of peel you get.

After the procedure, your skin may be red, feel tight, irritated or swollen. Our team will give you instructions on post-care, which may include using sunscreen, gently cleansing the skin, and applying moisturizers and ointments. Typically after a few days, the redness will subside and you’ll start to see the beautiful results emerge.

Are Chemical Peels Right for You?

Chemical peels are suitable for many individuals, but they’re not for everyone. Those with highly sensitive skin, rosacea, open wounds, or sores may experience unpleasant side effects from this type of skin resurfacing treatment. Those with inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis or cold sore breakouts, should also ask their doctor if a chemical peel is appropriate. 

If you’re unsure, schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll work with you to find the right plan for your skin care goals.

Rejuvenate Your Skin With VITRA Aesthetics

Whether you’re interested in a quick light peel or a more intensive deep peel option, we are here to help you achieve your desired results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about the chemical peels we offer.