What Is a Chemical Peel and What Does It Do for Your Skin?

A chemical peel is a professional skin treatment that applies a controlled acid solution to the skin's surface to remove damaged outer layers, accelerate cell turnover, and stimulate the production of new, healthier skin cells beneath. The result is improved skin texture, tone, clarity, and reduced visibility of surface-level skin concerns.

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How Does a Chemical Peel Work?

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The acid solution in a chemical peel breaks down the protein bonds holding dead and damaged skin cells to the surface. As these cells shed over 3 to 7 days following treatment, they are replaced by fresher cells from beneath that are more evenly pigmented, smoother in texture, and more hydrated.

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What Are the 3 Depths of Chemical Peels?

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Superficial Peels

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Superficial peels use mild acids like glycolic or lactic acid to treat only the outermost skin layer. They address dullness, mild uneven tone, and surface dehydration with minimal downtime of 1 to 3 days. They are appropriate for routine skin maintenance and mild concerns.

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Medium-Depth Peels

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Medium-depth peels penetrate into the upper dermis using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). They address moderate pigmentation issues, fine lines and wrinkles, and early acne scarring with 5 to 7 days of downtime, producing more significant and lasting results than superficial peels.

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Deep Peels

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Deep peels reach the lower dermis and produce the most dramatic improvements in severe wrinkles and deep scarring. They require the longest recovery period and are reserved for clients with significant skin concerns where other treatments have not achieved satisfactory results.

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What Can Chemical Peels Treat?

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Facials and chemical peels at Raleigh Laser and Aesthetics are used to treat:

• Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
• Acne and post-acne marks
• Fine lines and wrinkles in early to moderate stages
• Age spots and sun damage
• Dull, rough, or congested skin texture

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How Should You Prepare for a Chemical Peel?

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Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, and waxing for at least 7 days before treatment. Use sunscreen daily in the weeks leading up to your peel, as sun-damaged skin is more reactive to acids. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment.

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How Many Peels Are Needed for Best Results?

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A series of 3 to 6 superficial or medium-depth peels, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, produces significantly better results than a single session. Peels build on each other, with each treatment accelerating the previous cycle of cellular renewal.

Book a face treatment consultation at Raleigh Laser and Aesthetics to determine whether a chemical peel, laser treatment, or combination approach is best suited to your skin type and concerns. The face treatments team personalizes every peel protocol to the individual client's pigmentation, skin tone, and sensitivity.

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