Although the process varies a small amount depending upon the type of peel, your provider will always thoroughly cleanse the area of skin to be treated prior to applying the solution or solutions.  Once your skin has dried, your provider will apply the solution to your skin and leave this on for a designated amount of time.

Your provider will check on you during this time as the deep exfoliation or  “peeling” process is occurring to ensure you are comfortable.  Once the peel is completed, your provider will carefully remove the excess or “peeled” skin.  Although your skin will likely still be red due to the chemicals being so fresh, you will see an immediate regeneration of fresher, newer looking skin!

Chemical peels have many benefits. The treatment can improve skin texture and tone variations as well as reduce sun damage and scarring.  A chemical peel is a less intense procedure and less expensive than some other medical aesthetic treatments.  In years past, chemical peels could be extremely painful with burning and extreme itching, and took a long time for healing to occur. 

However, with the approval of more advanced and more sensitive products created, such as  Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), there is typically less pain, burning, and redness and healing occurs much more quickly.  These are commonly used for more surface-type chemical peels.

There are different types of chemical peels depending upon ingredients.  Different skin conditions will respond differently to the specific ingredients being used for a peel. 

An AHA chemical peel and lactic or glycolic acid peels tend to be gentler on the skin and may be a good treatment for someone with very sensitive skin that has minor skin concerns.

For concerns such as pigment or discoloration, wrinkles, or fairly superficial blemishes or scarring, a stronger peel is usually required for the best outcome.

Acne typically receives best results when salicylic acid has been used for the peel.

At Invigorate Advanced Aesthetics, we offer a variety of chemical peels, including ranging from AHA, BHA, TCA, and Phenol peels.

You will receive an after-care kit for post-healing.

There are different depths and levels of chemical peels.  The deeper the peel, the faster results occur typically.  However, a more superficial peel does offer the least amount of downtime, irritation, and redness than a deeper peel.  Your provider will discuss your goals during the consultation first.

Patients receiving a more superficial peel, patients are typically able to apply sunscreen and makeup within a day or two after treatment.  For more intensive peels, patients typically need to follow a skin care regimen for healing and wait about 5-7 days before applying makeup.

*Avoid chemical peels If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.*

Before you start treatment

Usually at least one week prior to your chemical peel

Your provider will discuss medications and skin care products and regimens you may need to stop prior to receiving the treatment.

Additionally, your provider may also recommend the use of specific skin care products, such as retinol products or other glycolic acid treatments prior to the chemical peel treatment to offer further enhancement and the best outcomes for the chemical peel.

Usually at least 3-4 weeks prior to your chemical peel

Avoid Sun exposure, Extreme Heat or Cold and Tanning Beds

Recovery Expectations

• The results of a chemical peel are usually noticeable within 5-7 days after treatment.
• The positive effects of a chemical peel are most noticeable after the first month or so after treatment. 
• If you had a more superficial type of peel, with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or glycolic, the downtime is quite minimal and you should be able to apply sunscreen and makeup within one to two days of treatment.
• For more intensive peels, patients typically need to follow a skin care regimen for healing and wait about 5-7 days before applying makeup.

For first night after treatment

• Try to prop yourself up in bed to aid you in not lying on your side.
• Do not massage or rub the treated areas.
• You can take Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain.
• Your provider will discuss any skin products or gels that should or should not be used for the first few days after treatment prior to and after the treatment.

 5-7 Days After Procedure

• Avoid sun exposure as much as possible for the first week after treatment.
• Immediately after treatment we ask that you avoid lying flat for 3-4 hours.
• Avoid extreme Heat or Cold and Tanning Beds.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Use  “           “-  I don’t know the answer to this; what topical ointment is used after a chemical peel- Arnica gel???  Or something very specific/ certain brand of something you sell that is required, etc?

After first week post-treatment:

• If patients find their skin itching after the first week of use of “Arnica gel???”, we recommend using Benadryl anti-itch gel in the evening.  
• Make sure you are using an SPF of 30 or higher during the day under makeup and when going outside.  For very light-skinned patients, we recommend using an SPF of at least 50 or higher.
• Patients may also wish to take Benadryl allergy tablets at night to ease itching; however, if you are taking other medications, make sure to consult with your doctor first prior to taking Benadryl medication orally.