Chemical Peels

Sun exposure, acne, or aging can leave your skin tone uneven, wrinkled, spotted, or scarred. A chemical peel is a nonsurgical procedure that uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It addresses a variety of skin conditions, including dull/dry skin, acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation (brown spots), and fine lines and wrinkles. They are used most often to treat the face, but they can also be used on the neck and hands.

Chemical peels are not a permanent solution, but they are one of the least invasive ways to help improve the appearance of your skin.

Chemical Peel Process and Results

A chemical peel is a simple skincare treatment that can be performed over a lunch hour by a Kelsey-Seybold dermatologist or plastic surgeon in our Houston-area clinics.

Your provider will choose the strength of chemical to be used based on your skin type and desired outcome. Then your skin will be cleansed, and the chemical solution will be brushed on and left for a few minutes. You may feel some stinging or burning during this time. Your provider will use a cool saline compress to neutralize the chemicals.

On day one, you’ll likely notice an initial glow, but your skin should begin peeling on day two and continue to peel for the next few days. The peeling means that your skin is shedding dead or damaged surface cells to reveal new, healthy skin cells (cell turnover). The result is glowing skin that’s better able to absorb serums and other corrective skincare products. Chemical peels require no downtime. You’ll leave your appointment with a healthy glow and ready to carry on with your regular activities, although you may have some redness similar to a mild sunburn.

All chemical peels require follow-up care from your Kelsey-Seybold dermatologist or plastic surgeon who will provide steps to take to maximize your results, such as how to wash your skin and protect it from the sun.