Chemical Peels

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a chemical peel painful?

  Most chemical peels might sting a bit at first but are comfortable. The deeper the peel the more chance of discomfort. Proper skin care and sun protection after a chemical peel is critical for good outcomes. The actual shedding from the chemical peel is painless!

• Are chemical peels good for your skin?

  Exfoliation through chemical peels can date back to Cleopatra! Chemical peels give you an even exfoliation and shed the dead skin on the top layers of the skin. Chemical peels can be used to correct issues such as uneven skin tone, fine lines, acne and melasma. Deeper chemical peels can help reverse sun damage and help create new skin free of UV damage.

• Are chemical peels permanent?

  As long as you are alive, you skin cells will have turn over and are subject to aging. This makes all treatments not permanent unless you are no longer a living being! The results of chemical peels can last years to months depending on the peel!

• Can chemical peels make skin worse?

  One of the risks of having a chemical peel is burning and skin discoloration. Certain skin care products should be discontinued for at least 5 nights before chemical peels. These include retinoids, glycolic or salycilic acids, or bleaching creams. Check with us if you are unsure before consenting to any chemical peel treatments.

• Can you put makeup on after a chemical peel?

  Lunchtime peels are very superficial. You may be able to start wearing makeup before you leave the office that day. Depending on the depth of your chemical peel you could have no recovery to almost 2 weeks of skin shedding. This means you can wear make up but usually starting the next day. Your ability to wear makeup depends on the depth of the chemical peel and your specific skin condition.

• What do you do after a chemical peel?

  Baby your pretty skin! Use gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreens. Avoid the sun. Never pick off any peeling skin. Do not rub. Normal activity may be resumed after the peel, however strenuous exercise and heavy sweating are not encouraged.

• Are chemical peels safe?

  Yes, chemical peels are safe when they’re used in the right hands. But the process of a chemical peel can result in burning or discoloration as some of its risks. Certain skin care products should be discontinued for at least 5 nights before chemical peels. These include retinoids, glycolic or salicylic acids, or bleaching creams. Check with us if you are unsure before consenting to any chemical peel treatments.

• Can chemical peels cause cancer?

  Chemical peels are made of various different acids. Some acids are made of natural fruit acids. Some are synthetic acids. Certain peels in fact are used to reverse sun damage and fight skin cancer formation.

• Can we do chemical peel at home?

  Never buy harsh acids to do chemical peels at home. Burning your skin will not save you money or time! There are creams that contain Rx strength acids that can be used at home for gentle peeling and exfoliation under our supervision.

• How often should you get a chemical peel?

  Generally it is best to get a peel every four to six weeks in the active phase of correction. Once your skin has reached its desired results, you may need a few peels annually to maintain your results.

• Do chemical peels thin the skin?

  No! This is a myth. Chemical peels remove the dead layer of skin on the top layer of the skin. Deeper chemical peels actually help thicken the dermis (the second layer of the skin), resulting in rejuvenation and less wrinkles, fine lines or laxity.

• Can a chemical peel remove scars?

  Chemical Peels can be used for acne scars as well as certain other types of scars. Certain chemical peels promote collagen formation and help the scars heal nicer.

• How long should you wait between chemical peels?

  Depending on the type of the peel, you may need to wait 1-6 weeks. Certain skin care products should be discontinued for at least 5 nights before chemical peels. These include retinoids, glycolic or salicylic acids, or bleaching creams. Check with us if you are unsure before consenting to any chemical peel treatments.

• Is there any side effects of chemical peeling?

  Burning and discoloration are the worst side effect of chemical peel complication and is rare when done correctly. Most peels take up to seven days to return to normal. During the recovery the skin might be temporarily lighter or darker than normal. You might experience some redness, tightening and swelling. Proper skin care and sun protection after a chemical peel is critical for good outcomes. The actual shedding from the chemical peel is painless!

• Are chemical peels safe for black skin?

  Yes. Certain chemical peel manufacturers have taken the time to test their chemical peel products on various ethnic skin and demonstrated safety in use in black skin. To make the chemical peel even safer for black skin it is important to show up ready! Certain skin care products should be discontinued for at least 5 nights before chemical peels. These include retinoids, glycolic or salicylic acids, or bleaching creams. Check with us if you are unsure before consenting to any chemical peel treatments.