Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance and texture of skin by removing the outer layers of dead or damaged skin cells using a chemical solution. After treatment, the skin will experience rapid cell turnover that visibly appears as scaling and peeling.
What are the benefits of chemical peels?
- Unclog pores
- Prevent breakouts
- Improve rough texture and uneven skin tone
- Fade age spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation
- Reduce the appearance of acne scars, deep lines, and wrinkles
Chemical peels are not recommended for patients with darker skin tones or a history of cold sores. Before treatment, a Skin Wellness Dermatology provider will help you find the right chemical peel solution to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Finding the right chemical peel for your skin
At Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama, our team of experienced dermatologists will work with you to determine the best chemical peel option for your needs and concerns. Our highly-trained, board-certified dermatologists use only the highest-quality products and equipment, and we take great care to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process.
Superficial or lunchtime peels are a gentle option to quickly improve the texture, tone, and overall appearance of skin with minimal downtime. The light peel is ideal for mild skin concerns such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, acne, sun damage, or hyperpigmentation.
Light peels use a gentle solution like glycolic acid to penetrate to or through the top layer of skin to offer surface improvements. Patients will see gradual improvement after a series of treatments.
Medium depth chemical peels reach the middle layer of your skin to treat deeper lines and more persistent color irregularities. They also remodel collagen, which can improve the appearance of acne scarring. Since these peels use a stronger solution, discomfort may be greater than that associated with superficial chemical peels, but the rewards are also greater. The results of a medium peel are long-lasting as well! Depending upon the damage that the peel seeks to correct, a series of peels is sometimes necessary for medium depth chemical peels.
A deep peel is the most intensive reserved for patients with deep scars and severe skin concerns. The peel uses a strong solution such as phenol, and requires up to 8 weeks of pretreatment prep and several weeks of downtime. For a treatment alternative, many patients turn to laser treatments as a less invasive treatment that offers beautiful results.