FAQ
Chemical peels can make a dramatic difference in the surface of your skin. They can smooth texture, improve fine lines, lighten pigment such as melasma, fade sun spots, and treat acne.
A superficial chemical peel will produce a slight burning, tingling sensation on the skin for 3-5 minutes. The mild discomfort subsides once the peel is neutralized. We provide a fan that patients can hold close to their face during the peel which helps reduce any discomfort.
A superficial peel can produce some redness but it usually lasts less than 12 hours. Some superficial peels in patients with sensitive skin can produce mild redness for 3-4 days. After the redness, the skin may flake and exfoliate more than usual. Some superficial peels used for acne don’t exfoliate much at all, but rather leave the skin feeling tight for several days while oil glands and pores are shrinking.
A medium depth chemical peel requires downtime. The skin is very red like a sunburn and sensitive for 2-4 days. After the redness fades, the skin turns darker tan color and crusts. The peeling is similar to after a sunburn, but heavier. These type of peels require special lots of special moisturizer applied multiple times a day for 1-10 days. No makeup is recommended for a week. For the best results, a week of downtime should be expected.
After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should say “broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Also, it should be a physical sunscreen and be above SPF 30. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Chemical peel results vary from person to person and depend on several variables, including your age, the condition of your skin, the severity of the blemishes and discoloration, and the solution used. Most of our patients love their results and schedule a few follow-up sessions to achieve their ultimate goals.