Chemical peels are a popular way to rejuvenate textured, pigmented, dull or aging skin. They contain gentle acids that exfoliate dead skin cells on the face, neck and body, resulting in smoother, younger looking skin.

If you are in the greater Baltimore, Maryland area, our team at Skin Therapeutics is ready to help you reveal a fresher, clearer complexion. Contact us today for a consultation!

What are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the face or other areas of the body to remove the damaged outer layer of skin. A peel can address cosmetic issues such as acne scars, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose a light, medium or deep chemical peel.

During your procedure, your aesthetician will cleanse the area being treated and apply a layer or multiple layers of the chemical solution to your skin. Most patients experience a slight warming or stinging sensation during the treatment; this can be reduced by a topical numbing cream or cold compresses used afterward. Your appointment will take 30–90 minutes.

Benefits

A chemical peel can treat multiple skin conditions simultaneously, making it an excellent option for clients looking to revitalize their skin in more ways than one. 

Benefits include:

• Brightened skin
• Diminished acne scars
• Improved skin texture and skin tone
• Lightened pigmentation
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles

Before and Afters

Types of Chemical Peels

Different types of chemical peels are available to address cosmetic concerns.They vary in terms of ingredients, strength, depth of penetration and downtime. 

Light

Light peels address mild skin concerns and gently rejuvenate the skin. This procedure removes only the outermost layer of the epidermis with some combination of salicylic, lactic, mandelic or glycolic acid. If the skin peels at all, it will stop after a few days and completely heal within a week. Light peels are gentle enough to be repeated on a monthly basis.

Medium

Medium chemical peels treat moderate skin imperfections and penetrate into the top of the dermis, or middle layer of your skin. This treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and other acids to effectively diminish the appearance of pronounced acne scars or signs of aging. The peeling process lasts a week, and your skin will fully recover after approximately 2 weeks.

Deep

For patients experiencing deep wrinkles, scars or severely sun damaged skin, the chemical phenol removes skin cells deeper in the dermis providing dramatic and long-lasting results. 

Deep peels require 8 weeks of pretreatment, sedation and significant downtime, as well as extensive aftercare.

 Your skin will peel for at least two weeks, and redness can last for several months. Plastic surgeons recommended 2–3 weeks of downtime before resuming work or strenuous activity.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Chemical peels are a great option for men and women of all ages and skin types looking to improve their skin texture, skin tone and overall appearance. 

Ideal candidates want to correct:

• Acne scars
• Age spots
• Blemishes
• Clogged pores
• Discoloration 
• Fine lines
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Sun damage
• Wrinkles

Chemical peel treatments are considered safe for most people. However, they’re not recommended for clients who:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have excess or loose skin 

You must wait 6 months after taking Accutane and at least a week after using retinoids to be eligible for a chemical peel.

How We Perform Chemical Peels at Skin Therapeutics

Skin Therapeutics uses the FDA-approved, clinically-tested Perfect Derma Peel from Bella Medical Products. This versatile medium-depth peel helps our clients take their skin care to the next level and address a range of stubborn skin conditions. 

At your appointment, your provider will cleanser your skin and apply the peel solution. The treatment is left on the skin for 6 hours or overnight and is washed off at home. 

Over the next 7 days, your skin will peel and heal, revealing a clearer, brighter complexion. Take-home Perfect Derma Peel aftercare products will help the recovery process go smoothly.

Customize your Perfect Derma Peel with a booster serum:

• Perfect Derma Clear contains benzoyl peroxide to fight acne and acne scars
• Perfect Derma Plus contains a potent combination of antioxidants and acids to treat stubborn hyperpigmentation, thick skin, oiliness, actinic keratosis and age spots
• Perfect Derma Plus Plus adds 4% hydroquinone to the Plus formula to brighten thick, resilient skin

How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost?

Chemical peel treatments are a cost-effective solution to a myriad of skin conditions. The cost of your chemical peel will depend on the area being treated, type of chemical solution being used and any add-ons or boosters. During your consultation, you and your provider will decide what treatment is best for your skin and your budget.

FAQs

Are chemical peels safe?

Yes, chemical peels are a very safe procedure. Because your safety is of the utmost importance to us, we offer medical grade and FDA-approved chemical peels we trust to provide excellent results. 

How do I prepare for a chemical peel?

Different types of chemical peel treatments require different preparations. Your aesthetician will provide you with specific instructions to follow. In general, avoid exfoliating and sun exposure for at least a week prior to your appointment. 

How do I take care of my skin after a chemical peel?

The depth of your chemical peel will determine your aftercare routine. Generally, you should keep the skin moisturized with fragrance-free products. Do not pick or peel at flaking skin or scarring may occur. Avoid sun exposure, exfoliants and retinoids for at least 4 weeks, and wear sunscreen diligently. Continuing to include sunscreen in your daily skincare routine will prolong your results.

How many chemical peels will I need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer–it depends on your skin’s needs and the peel you choose. Light chemical peel treatments can be repeated every 4–6 weeks, while medium depth peels should be scheduled at least 3–4 months apart. You should have only one deep chemical peel in your lifetime.