Chemical peels are an effective treatment option for most skin types and concerns. They improve tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, acne and dark spots. Peeling is exfoliation. When your skin flakes after a treatment, your skin is shedding dead or damaged surface cells and revealing new, healthy skin cells on the surface. This action is called cellular turnover. Not all chemical peels cause visible peeling. This does not mean your treatment was ineffective. Everyone experiences different levels of peeling, dependent upon skin type, resilience, type of peel and the number of layers applied. Most patients experience ‘flaking,’ when small pieces of skin peel off, similar to dry, winter skin or mild peeling after a sunburn. Others experience exfoliation that is not visible. If you do not peel, your skin is still exfoliating.

In this case, the exfoliation is happening on a cellular level that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Typically, the deeper the peel you receive, the more extensive peeling you will experience. Talk to your licensed aesthetician or Nurse to find out what type of peel is best for your skin. There is no downtime with most chemical peels — you will leave your appointment with a healthy glow and able to carry on with your regular activities. You should be prepared avoid anything that causes sweating for 24 hours after treatment. Your aesthetician will give you more detailed instructions after your procedure, catered to your skin’s specific needs. Some patients may require a series of chemical peels for optimum correction.