Why Clients Choose Chemical Peels
Clients often turn to chemical peels when they want visible change in a relatively short amount of time. Peels can refine texture, soften the appearance of fine lines, and improve the look of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or past breakouts. They're ideal for people who feel like their at-home routine has plateaued, who are noticing new signs of aging, or who want a more even, radiant complexion for everyday confidence or an upcoming event. At ComplexionsRx, your peel is chosen and applied by experienced providers for both safety and results.
How Chemical Peels Work
A chemical peel is a controlled skin-resurfacing treatment. Your provider applies a specialized chemical solution to the skin, which works on the outer layers to encourage them to shed. As the treated skin sloughs away over the following days, fresher, smoother skin is revealed. This process can help minimize the look of discoloration from sun damage, refine texture, and give the complexion a more even, youthful appearance.
Before your peel, you'll meet with a provider to determine which peel formulation is best suited to your skin and your goals. You'll be asked to avoid sun exposure, waxing, and certain active skincare products (like retinoids) for at least a week before treatment, and to arrive with clean skin free of makeup, oils, lotions, or self-tanning products.
Why Our Chemical Peel Protocol Stands Out
At ComplexionsRx, your peel is more than just a quick in-office application. It starts with a thorough review of your skin history, your current routine, and your goals, followed by a consultation to determine which peel best addresses your concerns. Skin is cleansed with acetone to remove oils and impurities, and a protective barrier of Vaseline is applied carefully around the corners of your eyes, nose, and mouth to keep the solution where it's meant to be.
Once applied, the peel solution remains on your skin for about four hours to achieve its full effect. You'll leave with precise written and verbal instructions for how to cleanse, soothe, and protect your skin in the days that follow, including a recommended schedule of cleansing and hydrocortisone application. This structured approach is designed to maximize your results while reducing the risk of irritation, pigmentation changes, or infection.
What to Expect Before, During & After Your Chemical Peel
Understanding the process helps you feel confident going into your peel and supported throughout your healing period. Here's how we prepare your skin, perform the treatment, and guide your recovery.
Before Your Peel
- Consultation: You'll meet with a provider to review your skin history and choose a peel that matches your concerns and skin type.
- Pre-Treatment Guidelines: You'll be advised to avoid sun exposure, waxing, and certain skincare products (such as retinoids) for at least one week before treatment.
- Clean Skin: Arrive with clean skin free of lotions, makeup, oils, or self-tanners on the day of your appointment.
During the Peel
- Cleansing: The skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased with acetone to remove oils and impurities so the peel penetrates evenly.
- Barrier Protection: Vaseline is applied carefully at the corners of the eyes, nose, and mouth to protect these delicate areas.
- Application: The chemical peel solution is applied evenly and left on the skin for approximately four hours, following the protocol for your specific peel.
- Comfort: You may feel warmth or tingling; cooling with a fan can be used to help ease discomfort.
After Your Peel
- Home Care Instructions: You'll be given step-by-step directions for cleansing and applying hydrocortisone to support healing and comfort.
- Sun Protection: It's essential to avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed to protect your new skin and reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.
- Peeling Phase: Around days 3–4 after starting the peel, your skin will begin to shed naturally. Do not peel, pick, or tug at flaking skin, as this can cause damage or scarring. Allow it to slough off on its own.
- Monitoring & Support: Your provider will explain expected redness, swelling, and peeling, and when to contact the office if something doesn't feel right.
