Here at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that your skin is an organ, and the health and functionality of it are just as important as the rest of your body. We offer several skin rejuvenation treatments, including a wide variety of chemical peels to bring out the best in your skin.
Contact us today at our Folsom office to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Sumida. During your consult, Dr. Sumida will discuss your cosmetic goals and recommend a skin or chemical peel treatment based on your individual features.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A common and non-invasive way to treat skin, chemical peels use chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin. They are applied, left on for a period of time and then removed to give the skin a rejuvenated, fresh look. Chemical peels can be adjusted for each patient, customized based on their skin type and the skin concerns they want to treat.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
Chemical peels contain acids that break the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface. These formulas remove the outermost layers of the skin, causing those layers to shed. As the damaged cells slough off, healthier skin underneath is revealed. This process also stimulates cellular turnover and collagen production, which can gradually improve skin tone, texture and firmness. The depth of exfoliation depends on the strength and type of peel used.
What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peel?
There are several types of chemical peels with varying ingredients, and they can also be used in areas such as the neck and hands. Light chemical peels involve mild chemicals to give the skin an exfoliated glow. Medium and deep peels use chemicals that penetrate deeper below the skin surface to treat more serious skin problems.
Light Chemical Peels
These peels use mild acids like alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate just the outermost layer of skin. They are often used to refresh dull or uneven texture and can be helpful for dryness, mild discoloration, or acne-prone skin. Light chemical peels are commonly repeated on a regular basis to maintain a smoother, more radiant surface.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium peels use stronger acids to reach the middle layers of the skin. They can improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and moderate sun damage. Some flaking or peeling is expected during the healing process, but results tend to be more noticeable than with lighter options.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep peels penetrate below the surface using high-concentration acids to remove damaged skin cells. These are often chosen for more advanced sun damage or certain types of scars. Recovery takes longer, and the skin typically undergoes a more dramatic transformation after healing.
Doctor Sumida will discuss with you during your consultation which type of chemical peel regimen is best suited to your needs.
What Can a Chemical Peel Treat?
Having a chemical peel can often alleviate several skin concerns, including:
- Acne or scars associated with acne
- Sun-damaged skin
- Age or liver spots
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Freckles
- Irregular spots of pigmentation
- Scaly skin or rough patches
There are also things that a chemical peel cannot effectively treat, such as
- Deep facial lines
- Removing broken capillaries
- Tightening loose and sagging skin
- Lightening the appearance of scars
- Fixing the size of skin pores
Other skin rejuvenation treatments or procedures offered at Nuance will more effectively treat these skin issues. We also offer skin conditioning programs for our pre-op and post-op surgical patients in order to maintain skin health and integrity before and after surgery.
Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars
While chemical peels are not effective at reducing all types of scars, they can be a good solution for acne scars. Pitted acne scars form when the body doesn’t produce enough collagen during the healing process. They leave areas that are rough and uneven in texture, but do not usually affect the color of the skin. Chemical peels for acne scars can help the skin produce more collagen to even out these areas. This treatment is usually best for more shallow acne scars, like boxcar or rolling scars, and is not usually recommended for icepick or keloid scars.
Chemical peels can also reduce active breakouts by keeping clogged pores clear and reducing oil buildup. Other ingredients can help calm inflammation and reduce surface bacteria. We recommend regular light chemical peels for patients who are particularly prone to acne to keep dead skin cells from building up on the surface and clogging pores.
What Ingredients Are Often Used In a Chemical Peel?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from sources like fruits and milk. They exfoliate the surface layer of skin and are often used in light chemical peels. AHAs can improve dry texture, discoloration, and mild sun damage by encouraging skin cell turnover without penetrating too deeply.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
BHAs are oil-soluble acids that can reach into pores. They can be a good choice for acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA used in peels and works well to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and improve surface-level irregularities.
Trichloroacetic Acid
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) helps with more visible sun damage, lines and uneven pigmentation. It exfoliates by removing damaged outer layers and stimulating regeneration below. TCA can be used alone or in combination with other acids to adjust the intensity of the peel.
Professional Chemical Peels vs At-Home Peels
Professional chemical peels use stronger ingredients that penetrate further into the skin and require trained application. These treatments are customized based on your skin type and concerns and provide more precise exfoliation and stronger results. Some at-home peels are much milder and may help with light texture issues but generally do not produce the same degree of improvement. Using products without understanding the ingredients or potential effects can sometimes be harmful to your skin. Professional supervision also reduces the risk of irritation and gives you better results.
Treatment Areas for Chemical Peels
- Face: The face is the most common area for chemical peels. Treatments can help reduce sun spots, dullness, fine lines, acne and uneven skin tone.
- Neck: Peels applied to the neck can smooth rough texture, reduce blotchy pigmentation, and minimize signs of aging. The skin on the neck is thinner, so formulas are adjusted to avoid irritation while still encouraging renewal.
- Chest and Décolletage: Sun exposure often causes discoloration and a crepey texture on the upper chest, and there can be more damage in this area because of a lack of attention during skincare routines. Chemical peels can refresh the chest by promoting a more even tone and smoother appearance.
- Hands: Age spots and rough patches are common on the backs of the hands, where the skin is often exposed to the sun. Peels can help reduce surface discoloration and improve the feel of the skin with minimal downtime.
- Arms: Light peels are sometimes used on the arms to address dry texture, sun damage, or patchy tone. Treatments can be spaced out depending on how the skin responds.
Preparing for Your Chemical Peel
Before your chemical peel, avoid waxing, exfoliating treatments or strong topical products like retinoids for several days since they can make your skin more sensitive. Let us know about any recent cosmetic treatments or medications that might affect your skin’s reaction. If you wear sunscreen in the days leading up to your appointment and stay out of direct sunlight, you will be able to reduce the risk of sunburn or increased skin sensitivity. Come into the office with clean skin and avoid wearing makeup or moisturizer. We will review your skin condition and goals to choose a formula that fits your skin on the day of the appointment.
What to Expect During a Chemical Peel
Preparing Your Skin
Before the peel is applied, we will cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove oil, makeup and any impurities. Depending on your skin type and the peel being used, we may also apply a prep solution to balance the skin and allow for more even absorption. Some treatments may require a pre-treatment product in the days leading up to your appointment, which we will discuss during your consultation.
Applying the Chemical Peel
The chemical solution is applied evenly to the treatment area using a brush, gauze or cotton pad. Each type of peel has its own formula and consistency, so the texture may vary from watery to gel-like. The application is done with care to avoid uneven results and to monitor how your skin is responding in real time.
What Sensations to Expect
You may feel a tingling or mild stinging sensation as the solution activates on the skin. Stronger peels may cause a warming or tightening feeling. These effects are temporary and often fade within a few minutes. We stay in the room and monitor you throughout the treatment to make sure you are comfortable.
Neutralizing or Removing the Peel
Some peels are self-neutralizing and will stop working on their own after a set period. Others require us to apply a neutralizing agent or gently remove the solution with water or a cooling cloth. Once the peel is complete, we may apply a soothing product or barrier cream to protect the skin and reduce irritation. You will leave with post-treatment instructions and support for proper at-home care.
Chemical Peel Recovery and Healing Timeline
Your skin may feel tight or look slightly red immediately after the peel. Light flaking or peeling usually begins within two to three days and can last up to a week, depending on the type of peel. Medium and deep peels may result in more visible peeling and take longer to fully heal. You may also notice temporary darkening of pigmentation as damaged skin prepares to shed. Avoid picking or pulling at peeling skin, as this can lead to irritation or uneven results.
Aftercare Steps for Chemical Peels
It is typically suggested after chemical peels to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and take other cautionary measures against the sun, as your skin will be sensitive during healing. Dr. Sumida will advise you on the side effects and potential risks of the chemical peel you are prescribed, as well as any aftercare you will need.
After your treatment:
- Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to wash your face
- Avoid exfoliants, scrubs and retinoids until your skin has fully healed
- Apply a soothing moisturizer to reduce dryness and irritation
- Stay out of saunas and hot tubs and avoid intense workouts while your skin is healing
- Do not pick at flaking skin, as this can delay healing and increase the chance of discoloration
- Follow any product recommendations we provide for post-treatment support
Are There Any Side Effects?
The side effects experienced from receiving a chemical peel depend on the type that you receive. Light chemical peels typically carry minor side effects such as redness, slight stinging sensations and some skin flaking. Chemical peels may also make the pigmentation of your skin more vulnerable, resulting in patches of blotchy skin.
Stronger peels may cause more intense redness, swelling or peeling that lasts several days. Some patients notice temporary darkening in treated areas as damaged skin begins to slough off. Rare side effects include scabbing or prolonged discoloration, particularly if aftercare instructions are not followed. We will review any medical conditions, medications or skin sensitivities that could affect your response to the peel during your consultation.
FAQs About Chemical Peels
How often can you get a chemical peel?
The frequency of chemical peels depends on the type used and your skin’s condition. Light peels can often be repeated every four to six weeks to maintain a smoother texture and brighter tone. Medium peels may be spaced out every few months, while deep peels are typically done only once due to their strength and longer recovery. We will help determine the best schedule based on how your skin responds.
Will my skin peel every time?
Not every chemical peel results in visible peeling. Light peels may exfoliate the skin without causing flaking, though your skin may feel dry. Medium and deep peels are more likely to lead to shedding as damaged skin lifts away. Visible peeling is not required for the treatment to be effective, since the chemical action still triggers cellular renewal beneath the surface.
When can I wear makeup after a chemical peel treatment?
Makeup should be avoided until the skin has started to heal and the peeling process is complete. For light peels, this could be just a few days, while deeper peels may require a week or more. We will give you specific timing based on the type of chemical peel treatment you receive and how your skin is responding.
When will I see my full chemical peel results?
Initial improvements, such as smoother texture and brighter tone, may be visible once the peeling stage ends. Full chemical peel results often take a couple of weeks to appear as the skin continues to rebuild and settle. Deeper peels may require more recovery time before the final outcome is noticeable, and results also depend on skin type, the peel depth and how well aftercare instructions are followed.
How long do chemical peels last?
The effects of a chemical peel can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the strength of the treatment and your skincare habits. Lighter peels offer shorter-term results and are often repeated regularly. Medium and deep peels have longer-lasting effects. Daily sun protection and consistent skincare can help maintain your results longer.
Can I have a chemical peel if I have dark skin?
Chemical peels for dark skin are possible when done with the right approach and formula. Certain types of peels, like superficial ones using glycolic or lactic acid, are safer for deeper skin tones and carry less risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. We evaluate skin tone and medical history before choosing a peel.
About Us
At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery in Folsom, CA, we provide comprehensive services in plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, along with a full-service skin fitness program. Our surgery center is AAAASF certified, and we are conveniently located across the street from Mercy Folsom Hospital.
Dr. Kenneth Sumida, a board-certified plastic surgeon, brings extensive training and experience to every consultation and procedure. We are focused on helping each patient feel informed and supported throughout their care plan. Whether you are considering facial rejuvenation or body contouring, we are here to offer guidance and experience you can trust.
Find the Right Chemical Peel for Your Skin With a Consultation in Folsom, CA
At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, it is our goal to help you maintain healthy skin as well as repair damaged and aged skin. We will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Contact us today at 916-984-4242 for a consultation with one of the best plastic surgeons in Folsom.
