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About Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have been a popular skin treatment in professional skincare clinics for decades, ranging from light lunchtime peels to deep-level peel treatments aimed at resolving truly problematic skin problems like sunspots, wrinkles, acne and scars.
At Skin Obsession, we provide a variety of proven skin peels designed to help you achieve clinical results right in your own home.
If you've been curious about trying a chemical peel but have questions about the product, the process or the results of a chemical peel, this article is for you. Below is a list of our most commonly asked questions regarding our available selection of chemical peels.

What kinds of conditions do chemical peels treat?

Chemical peels can treat a variety of conditions including:

  • Oily skin
  • Acne
  • Acne scarring
  • Blackheads
  • Rosacea
  • Milia
  • Fine lines
  • Sun damage
  • Mild scarring
  • Age spots
  • Stretch marks
  • Pigment irregularities from pregnancy or birth control pills

To learn more about the effects of chemical peels, check out our peel types page.

Do chemical peels hurt?

Because chemical peels are designed to damage the skin to allow for the regeneration of new cells, they definitely register on the pain spectrum. Depending on the depth of the peel you choose, you might feel sensations ranging from mild stinging to burning for up to 20 minutes. After the peel is completed, your skin might be red, dry and feel irritated. In order to keep these effects to a minimum, use your chemical peel as directed, apply any after-peel skin treatments that have been provided and stay out of the sun.
Additionally, you can use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications like Advil, Motrin or Aleve to minimize any discomfort you may have. Using a small hand-held fan to direct air at your face can also provide additional relief.

How long do the results of a chemical peel last?

The results of a chemical peel are cumulative, which means that each additional peel you perform will provide improvement to your overall complexion. Your initial results will depend on the depth of your peel, where light lunchtime peels generally prove to provide less noticeable results. The results of your peel can last a year or more, depending on how well you care for your skin following treatment. We recommend that, as part of your regular skincare routine, you wear sunscreen and protect your face and neck from unnecessary sun exposure.

How quickly will I see results after a chemical peel?

Initial results for a medium-depth peel can be seen immediately after your skin heals. After a medium peel, you'll notice a reduction in sun damage and the signs of aging as well as scarring, acne and uneven skin tone. A superficial peel may slightly reduce but does not eliminate sun damage and signs of aging.
A superficial peel may not be as noticeable right away. Oftentimes, repeated peels are required in order to produce the desired effect, which is why our chemical peels contain enough solution for up to eight full peels.

Who should use chemical peels?

If you're seeing the signs of aging, experiencing oily or acne-prone skin, or suffering from conditions like rosacea that remain unresponsive to prescription medications, you are likely a good candidate for a chemical peel. Saggy skin and severe wrinkles can unfortunately not be addressed through the use of a chemical peel and will require more aggressive cosmetic procedures such as surgery.
Overall, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels because chemical peels carry the risk of developing uneven skin tones post-peel. However, having darker skin does not exclude you from a chemical peel. We recommend starting with a light peel and a patch test to see how your skin responds.

Who should not use a chemical peel?

Chemical peels should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing, have herpes or a history of cold sores, have used Accutane in the last year, have a history of abnormal scarring, or are immune impaired.

What should I expect after using a chemical peel?

During a chemical peel, mild to moderate damage occurs, which will result in a reaction similar to a sunburn. You can expect redness, tingling, swelling, blistering, crusting, scaling and dryness. The after-effects of a mild peel are much more toned down, involving only some redness and discomfort. You may repeat a mild peel every one to four weeks, while it may take you up to 14 days to recover from a medium-depth peel like a TCA.

If your question hasn't been answered here, contact us directly.