Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are non-surgical cosmetic treatments performed in a doctor’s office. They are usually done on the face but can also be done on the neck and hands. The treatment consists of painting the skin with controlled amounts of enzymes and acids to gently exfoliate and resurface the skin. This leads to the removal of dead cells from the skin’s surface. Chemical peels can address many visible skin imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, uneven tone, pigmentary changes, and mild acne scarring.

If you have visible signs of aging and sun damage, you can benefit greatly from chemical peels. People with all skin types and skin tones, including darker skin tones, can get chemical peels. However, those who are using certain acne medications like isotretinoin (Accutane) may be advised to wait 6 months after the last dose. Also, if you have a history of cold sores, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent a breakout.

Most people tolerate light and medium peels well. Once you get home, there may be some mild redness and discomfort – this can be minimized with a cold compress.

Chemical peels are a quick, safe, and effective way to get brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin. All chemical peels can improve the appearance of your skin. Our team will examine you and determine the best chemical peel for your skin condition.

SkinMedica® is a leader in chemical peels. The Illuminize Peel® from SkinMedica® is the gentlest chemical peel in their line of products. It is ideal for people who are undergoing a chemical peel for the first time as well as for younger patients with less severe skin damage. SkinMedica®'s Illuminize Peel® is appropriate for all skin types and will give you brighter, more radiant skin with no downtime.

The SkinMedica® Vitalize Peel® is ideal for patients who have mild to moderate skin imperfections as a result of sun exposure and aging. The Vitalize Peel® can correct fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, roughness, pigmentary changes, and acne scarring. You will get noticeable results after just one SkinMedica® Vitalize Peel®. A complete series of 3-6 peels can give you dramatic, head-turning results.

The SkinMedica® Rejuvenize Peel™ is appropriate for people with moderate to severe skin damage due to sun exposure and aging. The Rejuvenize Peel™ is appropriate for all skin types. However, patients with deeply pigmented skin may be advised to undergo the Vitalize Peel® first to establish tolerability. The Beauty Barn® can develop a personalized treatment plan for you based on your skin concerns and condition.

The entire treatment typically takes less than an hour to perform. Many people schedule it during their lunch break. The procedure itself is pretty straightforward. Your provider will clean your skin and give you some eye protection to wear. They will then paint your skin with the peel solution in the treatment area. It is not unusual to experience some numbing or tingling sensations. A handheld fan can help reduce any discomfort. At the end of the treatment, your provider will spray a neutralizing solution on your skin. They will then apply a soothing cream or lotion and sunscreen. That’s it. You’re free to drive yourself home afterward.

You should avoid anything that can irritate your skin or increase sensitivity for a few days before your appointment. This includes hair removal with waxing or epilation, as well as the use of scrubs and bleaching products.

Recovery after a light chemical peel is pretty quick. Any minor redness and skin sensitivity usually subside in a few days.

You may need up to one week to recover fully after a medium peel. There can be some residual redness for up to 4 weeks, which can be camouflaged with makeup. It is not uncommon to have some crusting (this is just the dead skin cells falling off).

The recovery period after deep peels is longer, typically around 2 weeks, with minor redness persisting for a month or more.

When performed by a trained skin specialist, chemical peels are very safe with a low risk of complications. Precisely controlled quantities of chemicals are used to exfoliate the skin safely. While your skin may be temporarily sensitive and irritated after a chemical peel, these side effects are self-limited and resolve quickly, revealing smoother, healthier, more radiant skin.

If you are interested in more information regarding chemical peels, then do not hesitate to give us a call or reach out with any questions.