Chemical peels  are an amazing  treatment to refresh and revive the skin. However, with so many different peels available on at the store, day spa, and dermatologists offices, understanding chemical peels can be difficult. It’s important to understand treatments before having them applied to your skin.

If you haven’t checked out some of the chemical peel basics, read our other blog, Why We Love Chemical Peels!

Chemical Peel Types

Peels are chemical solutions used to exfoliate and enhance skin turnover, dramatically improving skin texture. Chemical peels  can be very superficial, superficial, medium or deep depending on their percentage of active ingredients and PH level. Fo comparison purposes, we won’t go too far in to very superficial because these are typically at-home peels with little to no benefit. We recommend to only use chemical peels at an esthetician office or a medical providers. Unlike facials, chemical peels include active ingredients that work deep under the skin and work to cleanse and correct below the top layer of the skin. Most chemical peels use ingredients such as glycolic acid, Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA), Lactic Acid, Jessner’s Peel (a combination of salicyclic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid mixed in ethanol), Resorcinol, and TCA (Trichloracetic Acid).

Superficial Chemical Peels

  • lightly revives the skin and improves blemishes
  • the most gentle type of peel
  • ideal for those with minimal skin concerns

Medium Depth Chemical Peels

  • corrects moderate skin concerns: fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and pigmentation.
  • much more effective than superficial peels.
  • removes layers below the epidermis.

Deep Chemical Peels

  • strongest type of chemical peel.
  • should only be administered by a medical professional.
  • recovery can take months but corrects deep lines and moderate to severe sun damage.

Your Chemical Peel Treatment

Essentially, the level of skin cell removal and depth of penetration is dependent on the type of peel used. The type of peels (superficial, medium, and deep) are categorized using the level of strength and active ingredeints

Depending on your skin goals, it may be recommended to receive a series of chemical peels. Chemical peels can be schedueled 4-6 weeks apart. As with all skin care treatments, your treatments won’t be nearly as effective unless you have a dialed in skin care routine! If you have questions on getting any professional treatments or skin care products, please schedule a consultation at one of our locations. Skin consultations are complimentary.

Wasilla: 907-373-7546

Palmer: 907-745-7546