What is a chemical peel?
Chemical Peel is a chemical exfoliation of the skin used to stimulate collagen and elastin penetrating deep within the epidermis while inhibiting and lightening pigmentation. Chemical Peels are used to improve the appearance & texture of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving teenage and hormonal acne, acne scarring, reduce oil production and diminish pigmentary irregularities including melasma. Skin type and skin condition will determine what chemical peel best suits your needs and can vary in strength ranging from superficial to more aggressive with little to no downtime leaving the skin looking brighter, firmer and more youthful.
Shannon O’Brien, Medical Esthetician
Medical esthetician Shannon O’Brien has nearly 20 years of experience offering luxury medical spa services. Whether you need a relaxing facial or expert help with skin concerns like acne or wrinkles, she is here to help you achieve your best skin ever with treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser skin resurfacing.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Little-to-no downtime, depending on the peel you choose
- Treats acne breakouts
- Reduces wrinkles, discoloration, fine lines, and acne scars
- Removes dead skin cells and improves absorption of skincare products
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): Water-soluble acids derived from sugary fruits. AHAs help peel away the surface of the skin so new, more evenly pigmented skin cells may generate.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): Oil-soluble substances, BHAs penetrate deeply into pores, effectively exfoliating and reducing acne.
Glycolic Acid: A type of AHA, commonly used in chemical peels for its exfoliating and skin-smoothing properties.
Salicylic Acid: A commonly used BHA in chemical peels for treating acne and sun-damaged skin.
TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid): A non-toxic chemical used for medium to deep peeling.
Phenol Peel: Deep chemical peel using phenol acid; often used to treat deep wrinkles and pre-cancerous growths.
Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the skin areas, often due to increased melanin.
Melasma: A common pigmentation disorder that causes dark, discolored patches on the skin.
Dermabrasion: Procedure to exfoliate or remove the upper layers of the skin, often used in conjunction with chemical peels for enhanced results.
Epidermis: The outer layer of skin cells that cover the external body surface.
Dermal Layer (Dermis): The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
Retinoid: Compounds derived from Vitamin A, often used for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Darkened or discolored spots on the skin following inflammation or injury.
Skin Resurfacing: Procedures that remove the top layer of skin to promote the growth of new, healthier skin.
Contraindication: A condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a particular medical treatment due to the harm it would cause the patient.
Recovery Time: The period required for the skin to heal post-procedure.
Photodamage: Damage caused to the skin due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation, usually from the sun.
Topical Anesthetic: A cream, gel, or patch applied to the skin to reduce sensation in preparation for a procedure.
Collagen: A protein in the skin and other connective tissues that provides structural support.
Elastin: A protein that provides elasticity and helps the skin to return to its original position when pinched or poked.
“I would recommend Dr. Claytor to my friends and family without hesitation!”
Chemical peels are an effective part of an overall skin treatment plan, and are wonderful to combine over time with a HydraFacial or microneedling, for example. You can talk with one of our licensed aestheticians to create a plan for your unique skin. To learn more about or to schedule a consultation call (610) 527-4833 today! Our practice serves patients from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.
References »
Liu H, Yu H, Xia J, Liu L, Liu GJ, Sang H, Peinemann F. Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 May 1;5(5):CD011368. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011368.pub2.
Kontochristopoulos G, Platsidaki E. Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars. Clinics in Dermatology. 2017 Mar-Apr;35(2):179-182. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.10.011.
Sarkar R, Garg V, Bansal S, Sethi S, Gupta C. Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasma. Dermatologic Surgery. 2016 Mar;42(3):384-91. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000642.
Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Oct 31, 2024
