What is a Chemical Peel?
At Advanced Dermatology, we are here to set the record straight on chemical peels. If you have ever used a product at home containing a chemical exfoliant, like glycolic acid or retinol — then you have applied a peel. There are several types of chemical peels available both in our offices and over-the-counter, but they all work in the same way. Essentially, the exfoliating ingredients in any chemical peel work to breakdown and remove the top layer of dead skin cells. The peels that our practitioners administer are all medical-grade skin care products that will give you amazing results under the guidance of a licensed practitioner.
The result of this type of skin rejuvenation permits a fresh, new dermal layer to surface. Other benefits of peels include minimizing the appearance of your pores, reducing fine lines, and balancing out your skin tone. If you would like to inquire about a chemical peel at any of our Advanced Dermatology locations in the Greater Houston, TX area (Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX), please call or fill out a request form.
What Are The Benefits Of A Chemical Peel?
A personalized chemical peel treatment at Advanced Dermatology offers a wide range of benefits to refresh and rejuvenate your skin, including:
- Providing greater results than at-home skin treatments
- Removing damaged, dead skin cells
- Diminishing wrinkles, lines, and signs of aging
- Balancing skin tone
- Smoothing and softening skin texture
- Reducing skin imperfections, spots, and discoloration
- Brightening the complexion
- Shrinking large pores
- Reducing acne scars
- Offering multiple treatment options
- Pairing well with other aesthetic treatments
What Chemical Peels Do we Offer?
- SkinMedica peels: Illuminize, Vitalize, or Rejuvenize
- SkinCeuticals peels: MicroPeel Sensitive, MicroPeel 20, MicroPeel Plus 20, MicroPeel 30, MicroPeel Plus 30, or the Advanced Corrective Peel
- Other medical-grade chemical peels: Trichloroacetic (TCA), glycolic, or Jessner peels
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Is a Chemical Peel Right for Me?
Chemical peels are ideal for patients who do not have active acne and are ready to address any scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Once the acne is under control, we can come up with a customized plan to address the specific needs and create some skin care goals. Men and women alike can benefit from a chemical peel as they are used to treat several skin conditions, including acne, sun spots, melasma, sun damage, fine lines/wrinkles, acne scars, and large pores. We can suggest different levels of chemical peels for smoother skin texture, better skin tone, and fewer acne breakouts in the future. Soliciting the guidance of a medical professional is the first step in the journey to smooth, healthy skin.
How Are Chemical Peels Performed?
Once you have had a skin assessment with one of our Advanced Dermatology practitioners, then we can create a clinical treatment plan for longer-lasting results. First, we will educate you on how to care for your skin at home in the morning and at night so that your chemical peel will be worth your investment. Your actual chemical peel will be selected based on your skin color, tone, texture, and aesthetic concerns. We typically recommend a series of peels for optimal results. On the day of your peel at Advanced Dermatology, we will have you lie down in a relaxed position. We will make sure your skin is cleansed before applying the customized solution to your face and/or neck. The select solution will be brushed onto your face to set for a specific amount of time, which will be discussed in your treatment planning session. Then, we will wash the solution off your face and apply a neutralizing agent. The power of a peel is dependent upon several factors, including the chemical agent used, its concentration, and the application technique. Over the course of several weeks, a series of peels may be given.
What REsults Can I Expect from a Chemical Peel?
You may want to bring a light sunscreen and a hat to wear outside after the treatment to avoid discomfort from sun exposure. Depending on the type of treatment you have, you can expect your skin to itch and peel from a few days to a couple of weeks. Our team will go over how to care for your skin after your appointment. Please keep in mind that no matter how much your skin itches during the healing process, it is never a good idea to pull the skin off. You could cause scarring. The downtime for an in-office peel varies between 5 – 7 days. Some patients may experience side effects ranging from slight flaking to a more noticeable sloughing of the skin.
Chemical Peel FAQ
How much does a chemical peel cost?
Dr. Duncan can discuss your costs during your consultation after she has made your personalized treatment plan. The cost of a chemical peel can vary depending on the intensity you select. Advanced Dermatology accepts many payments methods, and there are often specials on skin treatments like chemical peels. You may also consider buying a package of several chemical peel treatments.
What level should I choose for my chemical peel?
The best chemical peel for you will vary based on your unique skin issues and aesthetic goals. In your initial consultation with Dr. Duncan, she can help you decide which peel is right for your skin. A few factors you may consider are your general health, the type of skin you have, the depth of your skin concerns, the time you can commit to recovery, and what you want the peel to accomplish. For first-time patients, it may be better to select a light peel and decide how you like the results. After this, you and Dr. Duncan might adjust your plan to find the best chemical peel level for your needs.
Will my face hurt after a chemical peel?
Based on the formula used, you might feel some discomfort while it is actively treating your skin. If you have a lighter peel, you may feel a little discomfort; however, this goes away quickly with a small fan. Medium and deep peels are better for deeper skin problems and give you longer-lasting results; however, they can cause greater discomfort. Numbing cream, skin medications, and ointments can be used to minimize your discomfort during your treatment. Dr. Duncan, or a member of her team, will give you tips on skin care after your chemical peel to extend your results.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
You may consider combining a chemical peel with another skin treatment at Advanced Dermatology. In your consultation, be open with Dr. Duncan about your skin and cosmetic problems so she can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve your goals. Your plan might include adding an injectable treatment for wrinkles (such as JUVÉDERM® or BOTOX®) along with your chemical peel to rejuvenate your entire face.
The Right Peel for You is here
At Advanced Dermatology, we customize treatment plans for each patient, depending on their skin color, tone, texture, and concerns. If you are a regular chemical peel patient or new to this facial treatment, Advanced Dermatology will create a clear plan on how to get the results you want. Call to make an appointment at any of our four locations (Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX) for a skin assessment today.