Acid Trip For Your Face: The Ultimate Guide to Chemical Peels
- klosik
- Aug 28
- 6 min read
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Have you ever heard the term ‘chemical peel' and wondered what it was? Have you ever wondered if you would benefit from this treatment, but didn't know what it entails? Today, we’ll take a look at the different types of chemical peels we offer in our clinic and discuss who these peels are specifically designed for.
At Horizon Med Spa and Wellness, we offer a wide variety of chemical peels tailored to different skin types and concerns. Whether you’re looking for professional-grade chemical exfoliation that is non-irritating or you’re looking to shed off a layer of skin, we have the treatment for you.
How Chemical Peels Work on the Skin
Think of a chemical peel as the ‘hard reset’ button for your skin. Chemical peels use safe, controlled exfoliating acids that work to remove dead skin cells, leaving you with a brighter complexion. Chemical peels can be used to treat just about any skin type and concern imaginable.
Types of Chemical Peels We Offer
Superficial Chemical Peels
Superficial peels are light chemical peels that yield significant results in the reduction of blemishes, but allow you to continue with daily life without worrying about the typical downtime associated with a chemical peel. These peels are best for minor concerns such as early signs of aging, and minor acne breakouts. We offer a wide variety of superficial peels in the office, based on your skin's needs.
PCA No-Peel Peel
Firstly, we offer the PCA No-Peel Peel, a simple peel that can be added onto almost any treatment. It has minimal downtime and is great for reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and controlling breakouts.
Hydrafacial with Superficial Peel
Hydrafacials also include superficial chemical peels as a part of every treatment. Based on your skin’s tolerance and concerns, we select a gentle acid formulation to include in the treatment that enhances exfoliation with no downtime. Most clients experience only a slight "stingle" sensation for 1–2 minutes before the peel is neutralized. Making it an easy, pain-free peel suitable for all skin types. And because the peel is paired with the Hydrafacial, its efficacy is amplified, making it an excellent exfoliation option for those new to chemical peels or looking for a gentler alternative with visible results.
Medium-Depth Chemical Peels
These peels are designed for patients who have more consistent skin concerns that require a more aggressive treatment. These peels use trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which can reach the papillary dermis, allowing the active ingredients to work more deeply and effectively.
VI Peel Benefits and Recovery
In our office, we offer VIPeels, a medium-depth chemical peel tailored to your skin type and concerns. In addition to these peels, including TCA, they also include phenol, an ingredient that is also extremely effective in treating many skin concerns, but more importantly, it acts as a numbing agent– allowing higher concentrations of ingredients to be used without causing sensitivity to the skin.
These peels do have some downtime associated with them (approximately 4-7 days). Limiting sun exposure after the treatment is a must, and you may see some physical peeling of your skin, which is completely normal and to be expected.Your skin will only peel and slough off dead skin cells when necessary. Just be sure not to pick it, and let your skin cycle through its healing process. You may still not experience any peeling with a VIPeel, which isn’t a bad thing.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Chemical Peel
What Can I Expect Before Getting a Chemical Peel?
Before a chemical peel, assess with your provider if your skin is ready for a peel. Once you and your provider have determined whether or not you're a good candidate for a peel, you still aren’t quite ready. Be sure to avoid retinols, waxing, and strong active ingredients for at least two days before your treatment.
What Can I Expect During a Chemical Peel?
During your peel, you can expect some amount of tingling, heat, or tightness. Application depends on the peel you are receiving, but typically will not take any longer than 15 minutes.
What Can I Expect After Getting a Chemical Peel?
After your peel, keep in mind the following:
Make sure to avoid sunlight for the following 4-7 days (depending on skin sensitivity).
You can expect some amount of redness, irritation, and even flaking for the following week. That’s nothing to worry about! It’s just your dead skin cells coming to the surface and shedding off. This is especially good news when we are trying to lift pigmentation.
The most important thing to note about peel recovery is caring for the skin after the treatment. Especially after receiving a medium-depth peel, it is important to care for the skin as if it is injured, because essentially, it is. Cleansing with a gentle cleanser, as well as using a liberal amount of sunscreen and moisturizer, will help ensure the ‘injury’ heals as expected without complications.
As always, be sure to drink plenty of water so that your skin has the hydration it needs.
Common Myths About Chemical Peels
Are Chemical Peels Painful? No!
While there can be some amount of tingling or sensation associated with a chemical peel, they are far from painful. These are controlled agents designed specifically to be safe and comfortable for patients undergoing this treatment.
Are Peels Only for Severe Skin Issues? No!
While chemical peels are extremely effective in treating severe signs of aging and hyperpigmentation, they can also be used to treat things like small breakouts, fine lines, and overall dullness in appearance.
Do You Peel for Weeks After Treatment? No!
While you will experience some redness and peeling with a medium-depth peel, it typically subsides within about a week. When it comes to a superficial peel, you may experience redness for a day or two, but it should subside after that. You may peel or flake very minimally, primarily in the nasolabial fold, but the downtime for a superficial peel is essentially nonexistent.
Are At-Home Peels the Same as Professional Treatments? No!
Professional peels have higher potency. These peels are only available to licensed professionals and offer greater exfoliation than over-the-counter chemical peels.
Why Choose a Professional Chemical Peel at Horizon Med Spa
Chemical peels are a powerful way to refresh your skin, treat ongoing concerns, and enhance your glow. Whether you're looking for a gentle boost with a Hydrafacial peel or a deeper resurfacing with a medium-depth treatment, the key is finding the right peel for your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.
At Horizon Med Spa and Wellness, we take a personalized approach to chemical peels, tailoring every treatment to your skin’s unique needs. If you’re curious about what a peel can do for you, book a consultation with us today. We’re here to guide you through every step of your skincare journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels
What are the benefits of chemical peels?
Chemical peels remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, fade dark spots, and reveal a brighter, more youthful glow.
What types of chemical peels are available?
We offer superficial chemical peels like PCA No-Peel and Hydrafacial peels, as well as medium-depth VI Peels that target pigmentation, acne, and aging.
How long does it take to recover from a chemical peel?
Recovery depends on the peel type. Superficial peels have little to no downtime, while medium-depth peels may require 4–7 days of healing.
Are chemical peels painful?
No. Chemical peels may cause mild tingling or warmth, but professional treatments are safe, controlled, and designed to be comfortable for patients.
Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?
Most skin types benefit from chemical peels. They are ideal for those with acne, fine lines, sun damage, uneven tone, or dullness looking for refreshed skin.
What is the difference between at-home peels and professional chemical peels?
At-home peels use lower-strength acids. Professional chemical peels use higher potency, customized formulations that deliver deeper exfoliation and more dramatic results.
Kimberly Losik, a board certified nurse practitioner, is the Founder, Owner and Medical Director of Horizon Med Spa and Wellness. Kimberly has earned multiple degrees including a bachelors in Kinesiology, a bachelors in Nursing, as well as a Masters in Nursing. For over a decade, she has earned experience in Orthopedics, Geriatrics, Internal medicine, Medical weight loss, aesthetics and anti-aging medicine. Her passion to help patients look and feel like the best version of themselves was the foundation of Horizon, which began in early 2020. Since then, she has attended numerous trainings, conferences and seminars to continue to offer patients the best solutions Additionally, she is a clinical trainer for the company Inmode, an internationally recognized leader in the aesthetic industry.
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