Chemical peels are a popular skin treatment designed to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. According to Dr. Tara Margarella, Chief Medical Officer at Ideal Image, a chemical peel “removes layers of dead skin, revealing brighter, more vibrant skin beneath.” This treatment is versatile, offering a range of options depending on your skin concerns, from light exfoliation to deeper, more intensive peels. Whether you’re looking to refresh your complexion or address specific issues like softening the appearance of post acne marks, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation, chemical peels can help.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels use acids to remove the outermost layers of the skin. Dr. Margarella explains that chemical peels are designed to accelerate the body’s natural exfoliation process. “Our skin rejuvenates itself naturally every 28 days or so, but chemical peels help to accelerate this process by removing dead skin cells more efficiently and more significantly, leaving behind a smoother, more radiant complexion,” she says. Peels vary in strength, and Ideal Image offers a range of peels that are customizable based on your skin type and needs.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
Chemical peels at Ideal Image use different formulations to exfoliate the skin, depending on the desired depth of treatment. The acids in chemical peels work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. Dr. Margarella explains, “Peels like the Illuminize Peel offer a light exfoliation sloughing only one layer of skin, leaving skin glowing without visible peeling, making it perfect for an upcoming event, while deeper peels like the Rejuvenize Peel remove up to 5 layers of skin allowing it to address more severe skin concerns like pigmentation and the appearance of acne marks.”
Types of Chemical Peels at Ideal Image
Ideal Image offers three primary types of chemical peels:
- Illuminize Peel: The lightest option, often called the “glow and go” peel. It revitalizes the skin without any downtime, making it ideal for brightening the skin just before special occasions.
- Vitalize Peel: A medium-depth peel designed for people with moderate skin concerns, such as sun damage, pigmentation issues and fine lines.
- Rejuvenize Peel: The deepest option, offering more significant results for clients dealing with pigmentation, post acne marks, or wrinkles. However, Dr. Margarella advises that deeper peels should be avoided for darker skin types.
Ideal Candidates for Chemical Peels
According to Dr. Margarella, “most people are candidates for chemical peels, depending on their health history, condition of their skin and the type of peel chosen.” Lighter peels like Illuminize and Vitalize are suitable for all skin types, while deeper peels may not be recommended for clients with darker skin types due to the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels can benefit those looking to improve:
- Skin texture and tone
- Pigmentation issues
- Post acne marks
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and age spots
However, chemical peels are not suitable for those with active skin infections, sunburn, inflammatory rosacea, or highly sensitive skin as well as anyone with certain allergies and health conditions, and anyone pregnant or breast-feeding..
What to Expect During Treatment
At Ideal Image, a chemical peel typically takes around 30 minutes. “The treatment itself is quick,” Dr. Margarella explains, “with most of the treatment time dedicated to applying the solutions.” The process may involve multiple passes, depending on the client’s skin, tolerability, and the peel’s intensity. For example, clients may receive anywhere between one and three passes of the peeling solution, and for Vitalize and Rejuvenize peels the peeling solution will be followed by one to three passes of a retinol solution to enhance results.
Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment care is essential for maximizing the benefits of chemical peels. Dr. Margarella stresses the importance of sun protection, especially in the days following a peel. “After a peel, your skin is more sensitive and susceptible to the effects of the sun. Sun exposure in the days following the peel can increase pigmentation issues,” she explains. Ideal Image’s post-treatment guide advises clients to avoid the sun for at least a week after the peel and to use sunscreen diligently.
Clients can expect to see initial results after just one treatment, but Dr. Margarella recommends a series of treatments for optimal results. “The benefits of chemical peels are cumulative, and with each treatment, you’ll notice brighter, more radiant skin,” she says. For therapeutic results regular peels separated by between 3 and 6 weeks depending on the peel type is recommended. For long-term, continued maintenance, she advises clients to schedule regular peels every few months.
Results
Results from a chemical peel can range from a slight glow to more dramatic improvements in skin texture and tone, depending on the type of peel used. Lighter peels like the Illuminize Peel offer instant radiance, making them perfect for a quick skin refresh. Deeper peels, like the Rejuvenize Peel, provide more substantial results but may require several days of visible peeling and downtime.
Dr. Margarella emphasizes that chemical peels do not erase the effects of aging but rather “reset the clock.” She explains, “After each peel, you start aging, but from a healthier, more rejuvenated baseline.” She adds that regular maintenance treatments help prolong the effects, ensuring long-lasting improvement.
Combining Chemical Peels with Other Treatments
To maximize results, Dr. Margarella often recommends combining chemical peels with other aesthetic treatments, such as microneedling or BOTOX® injections as part of a healthy skin regimen. “When combined, as part of an aesthetic care plan these treatments can address multiple skin concerns, enhancing the overall outcome and getting clients closer to optimum results,” she notes.
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
Chemical peels are a versatile treatment option for clients looking to improve their skin’s appearance, whether for a special event or to address long-term skin concerns. Ideal Image offers a range of peel options, ensuring that every client can find the right treatment for their skin type and goals. Dr. Margarella advises anyone interested in a chemical peel to schedule a consultation to determine which type of peel is right for them. Ready to achieve radiant, glowing skin? Book a free consultation with Ideal Image today and get started on your journey to smoother, more youthful-looking skin with a personalized chemical peel treatment.
