How Often Should You Get Chemical Peels?
Everyone’s skin is different. Some patients have more oily, acne-prone skin, while others have dryer skin that is more prone to cracking. To ensure the best results for each individual, our team at Essential Med Aesthetics customizes our patients’ treatments to consider their skincare needs.
Due to their easily customizable nature, chemical peels are one of our favorite skincare treatments. Chemical peels have various depths that allow us to adjust to nearly any skin type to address a variety of concerns and sensitivities.
What are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are an exfoliation skin-resurfacing procedure using a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin. While many people think of scrubbing with exfoliation, chemical peels use chemical solutions to break the bonds between the cells, allowing dead skin cells to peel away.
The intensity of the peel is customizable, from superficial peels that remove the outermost layer to deeper peels that remove several layers. Most chemical peels are composed of a combination of various acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or trichloroacetic acid. Intenser chemical peels yield more dramatic results but require more extended downtime.
How Often Should You Get Chemical Peels?
How often you choose to receive a chemical peel depends on your personal preference and the type of peel you receive.
Light Chemical Peels
Light chemical peels often require a series of three to five treatments to see desired results. Most patients wait two to five weeks between peels to allow their skin ample time to heal for their next treatment. After the initial series, most patients only need occasional maintenance treatments to keep their results.
Medium Chemical Peels
Most patients see their desired results after one treatment; however, you may need maintenance treatments every three to six months to see continued results. If you notice your skin dulling, talk to our team at Essential Med Aesthetics to see if you are ready for another chemical peel.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels are typically only done once. They are the most intense peels and reach the deepest layers of skin, and do not need continuous treatments.
What to Expect from a Chemical Peel Treatment
Chemical peels are customizable treatments typically labeled as light, medium, and deep peels. Before your treatment, our aesthetician will cleanse your skin to prepare for the peel.
Light chemical peels only remove the outermost layer, and they are rarely uncomfortable. Light peels treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dryness. Some patients note a light stinging from the solution, but it is easily manageable.
Medium chemical peels remove more layers of skin to target wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. Some patients may receive a topical numbing agent for their comfort during their treatment.
Deep chemical peels reach the deepest layers of skin to treat deeper wrinkles, scars, and precancerous growths. We may use general anesthesia for your comfort. The solution is gently applied in sections for even treatment and to limit the peel’s effect on the heart and lungs.
How Long is Recovery from a Chemical Peel?
Depending on the depth of your chemical peel, you may need no downtime or a couple of weeks for recovery. Your skin will be more sensitive after a chemical peel, regardless of depth, so please wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure after your treatment.
Light chemical peels typically require no downtime, but you may experience some redness for one to seven days. To maximize the effectiveness of your peel, we recommend applying lotions or creams until your skin is fully healed. You will likely need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.
Medium chemical peels typically require one to two weeks to heal fully. You will experience redness and swelling for the first 48 hours, along with some blistering. The skin naturally peels off within 14 days.
We recommend soaking your skin and applying ointments as directed by our aestheticians. We may prescribe antiviral medications for 10-14 days. Please do not wear makeup for the first five to seven days and schedule a follow-up appointment if needed.
Deep chemical peels take the longest to heal. The area will likely be bandaged with surgical dressings and need 14-21 days to recover. You may need to soak four to six times a day while healing and apply ointments after each soak.
After 14 days, we recommend applying thick moisturizer. You may start wearing makeup again after 14 days; however, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight for three to six months. We will schedule follow-up appointments to check your healing during your first recovery week. Don’t hesitate to contact our team at Essential Med Aesthetics if you have any concerns.
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Simply fill out the form on this page, and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
What Results Can I Expect from a Chemical Peel?
Most patients notice younger-looking skin with improved texture and tone. Chemical peels replace dead skin cells with younger, healthier ones. Some of the concerns that chemical peels treat include the following:
- Skin laxity
- Lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Age spots
- Dullness
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin texture
- Sun damage
- Acne breakouts
- Enlarged pores
In the hands of our skilled aestheticians, chemical peels can target several skin concerns in a safe environment. During your meeting with our team, please tell us all your skin concerns to help us tailor your treatment plan.
How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost?
Depending on various factors, chemical peels may cost between $200 and $600. Some of the factors for your final price may include the type of peel chosen, the experience of your provider, the location of the practice, the number of treatments, consultation fees, and any recovery expenses.
To know the cost of your treatment, please schedule a consultation with Essential Med Aesthetics.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels work on nearly all skin types and tones, including oily, dry, or acne-prone skin. Chemical peels improve the appearance of many common skin conditions and help our patients boost their skincare routines.
Nearly anyone can benefit from a chemical peel, but if you have had a bad reaction, you may not be a good candidate for a chemical peel. If you have had a poor response before, please tell our team, and we can find a treatment that works best for your skin.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about chemical peels, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.
