Chemical peels are non-invasive treatments that exfoliate the skin, improving the look of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and texture irregularities. While the term chemical peel may sound a bit intimidating, it doesn’t need to be.
Board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joel Schlesinger explains, “The term chemical peel, a treatment that dates back to Cleopatra in Ancient Egypt, is derived from the type of exfoliation it uses. Chemical peels involve chemical exfoliation, which utilizes varying concentrations of skin-friendly acids, including glycolic, lactic, salicylic and more, to revitalize skin.”
Chemical peels are a great way to achieve a renewed glow and our team is here to help you choose the ideal peel for your skin. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the benefits and limitations of chemical peels with help from our board-certified dermatologists and licensed aestheticians, including:
- The benefits of a chemical peel
- Differences between professional chemical peels vs. a chemical peel at home
- Chemical peel cost
- How to choose the best chemical peel for you
The benefits of a chemical peel
Chemical peels are typically performed in med spas or dermatologists’ offices and work by dissolving the bonds that hold together the top layer of skin (the epidermis). This process, better known as exfoliation, reveals fresher, younger skin and minimizes mild signs of aging, uneven tone, rough texture and acne.
LovelySkin Spa Team Lead and licensed aesthetician Joey Lasher, C.M.E, says superficial chemical peels are a valuable treatment she loves to offer clients. She adds, “Peels can do so many different things for the skin, including stimulating cell renewal, boosting collagen and strengthening the skin barrier, which in turn, helps to smooth skin texture and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It’s always best to do them in a series of 4 to 6 peels for your best results, and make sure to discuss your at-home skin care regimen with your aesthetician – what you use at home is just as important as what we do in the treatment room!”
A series of peels is a great option if you want a refreshed glow before a big event. If deep wrinkles or extensive discoloration are your top concerns, your best choice may be to book an appointment at Schlessinger MD.
Board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Daniel Schlessinger advises, “Superficial chemical peels have their place, but if you have more prominent concerns you want to address, I recommend resurfacing fractional lasers like HALO® or MOXI®. When performed by an appropriately trained physician, they are very effective at precisely targeting the specific skin depths necessary to treat extensive signs of aging or photodamage.”
Differences between professional chemical peels vs. a chemical peel at home
Historically, at-home chemical peels have relied on lower concentrations of exfoliating acids, offering a gentler, more superficial treatment compared to the higher-strength peels available in medical spas. While using mild at-home peels from reputable skin care brands is typically safe, trying a professional-strength chemical peel at home can be very dangerous. The FDA has recently advised against purchasing products to perform chemical peels at home, in particular, those that use certain acids in very high concentrations.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger adds, “It can be risky to perform a professional-strength chemical peel at home. Without proper training, the solution may be too strong for your skin type, or it can be left on too long, which can cause severe chemical burns, pain, swelling, skin color changes and even scarring. For these reasons, professional chemical peels should always be performed by trained medical aestheticians under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist.”
Additionally, there are instances in which chemical peels may not be appropriate or safe for you at all. Dr. Joel Schlessinger says, “If you have psoriasis, current or recent Accutane use, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, a chemical peel would not be a good recommendation for you.”
Chemical peel cost
As with any spa treatment, the chemical peel cost can vary from state to state and depends on the type of peel. While the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says the average chemical peel cost is $1829 in the United States, a chemical peel in Omaha is typically much more affordable. At the LovelySkin Spa, our chemical peels and other facial peels range from $95 to $150 depending on the type of peel, and they are always performed safely by our licensed aestheticians under the direction of Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger adds, “Light, superficial peels are a great way to explore skin resurfacing treatments before investing in more advanced procedures like laser resurfacing. Many of our patients also love that they can experience visible skin rejuvenation in a relaxing spa setting.”
How to choose the best chemical peel for you
Choosing the right chemical peel for you depends on your skin type and the skin concerns you wish to address. Here is a breakdown of our favorite chemical peel treatments at the LovelySkin Spa to help guide you:
afa™ Clay Peel & afa™ Antioxidant Peel (Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger’s Top Picks)
What it is: The afa™ Peels are our top recommended chemical peel treatments because they are gentle, yet very effective at rejuvenating skin. With options and strengths for all skin types, the afa™ Peels use a combination of professional-grade bentonite clay and a dermatologist-developed exfoliating solution to purify, resurface and rejuvenate skin.
Type of chemical exfoliation: This peel sets a new standard in chemical peel exfoliation with afaLUXE™, a dermatologist-formulated blend of seven potent antioxidants. Unlike traditional chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid, afaLUXE™ offers deep exfoliation while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier, delivering effective results with virtually no irritation or downtime.
Who it’s best for: The afa™ Clay Peel is ideal for those with normal to oily skin, and the afa™ Antioxidant Peel is best for dry or sensitive skin types. Both are suitable for all ages and ethnicities and are our top chemical peels for hyperpigmentation, large pores, mild wrinkles, texture irregularities, rosacea, acne and more.
Pro Tip: Professional exfoliating products can enhance the results of your chemical peel after skin has fully healed. Our top picks are the LovelySkin LUXE line of graduated exfoliating gels, including LovelySkin LUXE Gel Mild 11%, LovelySkin LUXE Gel Plus 15% and LovelySkin LUXE Gel Max 19%.
Brightening Peel
What it is: The Brightening Peel provides deep chemical exfoliation to brighten dull-looking skin, delivered in a relaxing spa setting.
Type of chemical exfoliation: This peel uses traditional AHAs, like glycolic acid, lactic acid and pyruvic acid to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells onto skin, helping them slough away easily, revealing fresher, more youthful skin beneath.
Who it’s best for: The Brightening Peel is great for anyone who wants to resurface the skin and experience instant brightening benefits while improving tone and texture. It’s also great for minimizing signs of aging like light wrinkling and uneven pigment.
Natura Bisse Diamond Luminous Facial Peel
What it is: This luxurious peel from Spanish brand Natura Bisse combines the most advanced facial massage techniques with gentle yet effective chemical exfoliators to brighten skin—all in one relaxing, rejuvenating experience. LovelySkin Spa is the only spa in Nebraska to offer Natura Bisse spa treatments.
Type of chemical exfoliation: This peel uses glycolic acid, niacinamide and lactic acid, applied in a specific order, to rejuvenate skin and maximize brightening results.
Who it’s best for: This peel is ideal for those who are looking for a day spa treatment to restore skin’s vitality and radiance and diminish the look of dark spots, pigmentation, dull skin tone and melasma.
SkinCeuticals MicroPeel with dermaplaning
What it is: This three-step treatment combines dermaplaning, chemical exfoliation and cryogenic therapy to remove vellus hair and dead skin cells, accelerate cell turnover and soothe redness for a comfortable yet effective treatment.
Type of chemical exfoliation: This peel uses a customizable blend of glycolic and lactic acids to exfoliate and brighten skin while helping slough away dead, dulling skin cells.
Who it’s best for: This peel is an optimal choice for those with congested skin who want to improve fine lines, hyperpigmentation and dullness.
DiamondGlow® Treatment
What it is: Although it is not a chemical peel, this popular facial dermabrasion treatment resurfaces with manual exfoliation to achieve the same effect as a chemical peel, while also infusing skin with a customizable Pro-Infusion Serum comprised of the most beneficial ingredients for your skin. Depending on your skin concerns, you can choose from hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, SkinMedica TNS Advanced+, Even & Correct Advanced Brightening or HA5 Hydra-Collagen.
Type of exfoliation: This treatment uses a diamond tip to provide controlled physical exfoliation to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. High-powered suction deep cleans pores, ridding them of clogging dirt, oil and debris.
Who it’s best for: This treatment is perfect for those who prefer manual exfoliation and want to take advantage of the Pro-Infusion Serums to pinpoint specific concerns like anti-aging, dehydration, congestion or discoloration.
Are you ready to begin your journey to brighter, rejuvenated skin? Book a med spa appointment with our experienced, licensed aestheticians today.