Chemical Peels

If you’ve ever wished that you could just start over with a fresh new layer of skin, you’re in luck! Chemical peels can help you do just that. By essentially dissolving the top layer of your skin with a unique combination of chemical and biological factors, peels can help improve the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, sun damage and more.*

At Aesthetic Dermatology, we understand that getting any skin treatment can be a big decision. That’s why we make sure to customize every chemical peel for the unique needs of each man and woman who comes to our Bala Cynwyd practice. Our loyal following of patients speaks to our ability to deliver the best results with a range of peel strengths.

For more information or to learn whether a chemical peel could be right for you, please contact us online or call 610-668-2570 to schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatologists.

How Chemical Peels Work

As we age, our skin can accumulate a number of blemishes, imperfections and types of environmental damage. Chemical peels work by removing the outer layer of skin using a special mixture of chemical components. Peels can restore a healthy glow to your skin without surgery, injections or incisions. Chemical peels can improve common skin concerns such as blotchiness, uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, age spots, acne scars and sun damage.*

Peels are most commonly applied to the face, but can also be used on the neck and hands. Depending on your needs, a chemical peel can be a great pick-me-up before a big event or a more intensive rejuvenation treatment. Our dermatologists can help you decide on the best peel for your complexion and schedule.

What to Expect from Your Chemical Peel

Chemical peels come in different strengths, from light to medium to strong. The stronger the peel, the deeper the chemicals will penetrate the skin. Your chemical peel will be tailored to your unique skincare needs and skin type. Anesthesia is not required and the treatment should not be painful, although you may feel a slight stinging sensation.

Chemical peels can be combined with other skin resurfacing treatments and skin care products to increase the amount of penetration and get even more impressive results.*

At Aesthetic Dermatology, we offer a range of chemical peels for every skin type:

Illuminize Peel

The Illuminize peel is the gentlest of the SkinMedica peel line. Designed for mild skin imperfections, this peel is appropriate for first-time chemical peel patients as well as anyone looking for a light peel without downtime.

Vitalize Peel

Another peel from the SkinMedical line, the Vitalize peel is recommended for mild to moderate skin imperfections. This peel is slightly deeper than the Illuminize option and can treat photo-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation irregularities, superficial scarring and acne.*

Salicylic Acid Peel

Salicylic acid peels can help reduce the symptoms of oily, blemish-prone skin. They provide a gentle exfoliation while improving acne. In addition to decreasing pore size and acne breakouts, these peels can rejuvenate the skin by reducing signs of aging and improving hyperpigmentation.*

Micro Peel

Our Micro Peel is a professional-grade exfoliation treatment that can smooth, refine and brighten skin that appears dull or dry. A Micro Peel can also soften fine lines and is safe for all skin types. Best of all, this peel requires no downtime and you can apply makeup right away.*

Hand, Neck & Back Peel

Peels for the hands, neck and back use a combination of different acids. They can be used to help decrease hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and signs of aging on hands and neck, as well as to treat oily, blemish-prone skin on the back and chest.*

Recovering from Chemical Peels

The process of recovering from a chemical peel depends on how you react to the peel and the strength of your peel. Lighter peels typically don’t require any downtime and you can simply return to your normal routine. More intensive peels can require up to 1 week of downtime, as your skin will gradually slough off, revealing a smoother, brighter layer of skin underneath. Almost all peels will require you to stay out of the sun as your skin gradually heals. Ask your dermatologist for more details on what you can expect from your specific chemical peel.*

Typical Chemical Peel Results

After your chemical peel, your skin should look and feel smoother with fewer noticeable blemishes. You might have a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, decreased pore size and even a decrease in oil production. Most people notice a brighter, more radiant complexion after getting a peel.*

Depending on your needs and the peel you’ve chosen, you might want to consider getting a series of peels for even better results. Peels can be spaced several weeks apart, giving your skin enough time in between to recover.*

Possible Chemical Peel Side Effects

As the name implies, most chemical peels will result in some peeling of the skin. The deeper the peel, the more peeling it will cause, so strong chemical peels can cause quite a bit of the surface layer of your skin to shed. Try not to be alarmed, as this is an expected part of the healing process. If you notice anything worrisome, be sure to contact our office for a follow-up evaluation.

Learn More about Chemical Peels

If you’d like to learn more about chemical peels and see whether this treatment can help you meet your personal cosmetic goals, please contact Aesthetic Dermatology online or call 610-668-2570 to schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatologists at our Bala Cynwyd practice.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.