Chemical Peels

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Toledo OH, Oregon OH and Taylor MI

A chemical peel uses a variety of chemical solutions to smooth the texture of facial skin through the removal of damaged outer layers, revealing smoother and healthier skin underneath.

A chemical peel can be used to improve uneven skin pigmentation, facial blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. There are several chemical peel solutions currently available; they vary in the depth or amount of skin removed, and, therefore, in the amount of improvement possible.

We Offer a Variety of Chemical Peels and Skin Resurfacers:

  • VIVITE Glycolic Acid Peel: Glycolic acid smoothes the skin while stimulating moisturization and collagen and reduces fine lines and sun damage. Little or no downtime is associated with this peel.
  • Power Pumpkin Resurfacer: Pumpkin pulp is a derivative of Vitamin A and is great for age management, mild acne, and for an allover bright and smooth look to your face.
  • Salicylic Acid Peel 20% and 30%: Deeply cleanses the skin by removing dirt, debris, and oil inside the follicles as well as on the surface of the skin. This will help reduce breakouts and clogged pores.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for Me?

Generally, those who have fair skin and light hair respond best to chemical treatments, although the procedure may also be performed on those with darker skin types. Patients who take Retin-A, Renova, or Accutane may not be ideal patients for this treatment.

Chemical peels are most often used on the facial skin, although they can also be applied to the neck or hands. The most common reasons for patients undergoing this treatment include the following:

  • Reducing fine lines such as those around the mouth or under the eyes
  • Treating wrinkles caused by aging, heredity, and sun damage
  • Improving the appearance of mild scars
  • Reducing freckles, dark spots, and other pigmentation issues
  • Smoothing the texture of rough or dull skin

Ask your surgeon for chemical peel before and after pictures so that you can judge the potential results of using this treatment method.

Procedure Details

Chemical peels are performed in the doctor’s office, typically with local anesthesia. The entire procedure takes under an hour. During this procedure, one or several chemicals are applied to the skin. There are two main types of chemical peels performed today. Chemical peels using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are considered medium-depth peels, for smoothing fine wrinkles while improving the appearance of facial blemishes or uneven pigmentation. Meanwhile, those with AHA (alphahydroxy acids, such as glycolic or lactic acid) provide a milder experience and are ideal for those seeking smoother and fresher-looking skin without significant downtime. Phenol peels provide much deeper chemical peels; however, this type of peel has mostly been replaced with laser treatments.

Regardless of the chemicals used during the treatment, most chemical peels work in the same manner. Once the face is cleansed, the chemical solution is applied to the skin. As the chemicals are applied, you may experience a hot or stinging sensation. Over a period of several days, the outermost layer of the skin will peel off to remove new, regenerated skin that is smoother and healthier than the previous layer.

Recovery After a Chemical Peel

The recovery period can vary depending on the type and strength of the chemicals used. Many chemical peel patients experience a sunburn-like sensation, including redness and peeling skin, which subsides within a week following the treatment. The skin that is revealed following a chemical peel will be more sensitive to the sun for about six months. Avoid makeup and stay out of the sun for at least two weeks; after this recovery period, always wear sunscreen on the treated area. Mild peels can be repeated in about four to six weeks while medium-depth treatments can be repeated every six to twelve months, if desired.