A chemical peel is a technique that involves applying a topical formula to the face, neck, or hands. That formula exfoliates skin, revealing smoother, healthier-looking skin below. 

Chemical peels come in different formulations and depths, depending on the results you’re trying to achieve:

Light Peels:  penetrate just the outer layers of skin, gently sloughing off dead or damaged skin cells. These peels have virtually no downtime, and afterward, skin looks glowing! As a result, you may have heard them referred to as “lunchtime” peels. 

Light chemical peels are perfect for treating fine lines, acne, skin discoloration, and rougher surfaces. At Cosmetiq, we’re pleased to offer three different light peels: the Sensi Peel, Glycolic Peel, and Lactic Acid Peel.

Medium Peels: peels go beyond skin’s surface, treating the upper part of skin’s middle layer. As a result, medium peels offer more dramatic results than lighter peels. 

Typically, medium chemical peels are used to treat skin concerns like moderate wrinkling, age spots, freckles, melasma, and shallow scarring. We have several effective medium chemical peels at Cosmetiq, including the Ultra Peel, Jessner Peel, Pure Retinol Peel, and TCA Peel. 

Deep Peels : The strongest of all the chemical peels, deep peels target skin’s mid to lower layers. Because these peels use stronger chemicals, you can only have one deeper peel done in your lifetime.

Patients will usually opt for a deeper chemical peel when they want to aggressively treat acne, wrinkles, blotchiness, or scarring. We offer two deep chemical peels at our office, the Ultra Peel Forte and the PCA Peel with Hydroquinone and Resorcinol.

Chemical peels are perfect for treating a wide range of issues, including:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Mild Scarring
• Melasma
• Freckles
• Sun Damage
• Age Spots
• Dull Texture
• Uneven Skin Tone 
• Sagging Skin

 The effects of a light chemical peel last between 1-2 months. As a result, some people opt to do them before big events or on an as-needed basis.

 Medium and deep peels are longer-lasting. For instance, with a medium peel, you can expect to see results for six months or longer, whereas the results from deeper chemical peels last several years.

It’s important to take great care of your skin after having a chemical peel. Doing so ensures the best, longest-lasting results. For that reason, we strongly recommend our post-peel aftercare kit that’s comprised of several creams and serums designed to heal your skin, while helping you achieve your most beautiful complexion.

Additionally, many patients opt for a series of three peels. This not only provides them with the best results, but it also keeps skin looking beautiful for an even longer period of time.

During a light or medium chemical peel, one of our skilled aestheticians will first clean your face. Then, the peel will be applied to your skin and left on up to ten minutes, depending on the peel’s type. This may result in some mild stinging.

Afterward, you may experience light flaking, peeling, or some residual redness. For lighter peels, this exfoliation period usually lasts 4-7 days. With medium-depth peels, these side effects are more pronounced, although skin should recover in approximately 5-7 days.

Deeper chemical peels are more involved. During a deeper chemical peel, you’ll be sedated before the peel’s chemicals are applied to your skin. Those chemicals will also be left on your skin for a longer period of time. Once they’re removed, you’ll remain at the office in recovery for an hour or so. 

Afterward, you’ll experience redness, peeling, and some discomfort which we’ll give you painkillers for. Facial swelling typically lasts about two weeks and redness may remain up to three months.

Because there are so many different peel types and depths, most people make good candidates for chemical peels—even if they have sensitive skin!

Typically, we recommend chemical peels for men and women who are looking for a non-surgical way to improve their skin’s overall appearance. In particular, peels are ideal for those who want to minimize the appearance of acne, aging, pigmentation, and rough or uneven skin texture.

Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired individuals are considered better candidates for chemical peels, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also work well on darker-skinned patients.