Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are safe and effective cosmetic treatments that can improve the skin’s appearance and texture. A chemical peel works by removing damaged surface layers to reveal smoother, healthier skin that’s underneath. Chemical peels are growing in popularity because they deliver noticeable results with minimal downtime, which is perfect for busy lifestyles.

What is a Chemical Peel?

Think of a chemical peel as a fresh start for your skin. It’s a controlled application of chemical solutions to gently remove damaged skin layers. The process stimulates your skin’s natural renewal and collagen production, resulting in improved texture, tone, and overall appearance. Chemical peels can effectively address multiple skin concerns while promoting natural skin regeneration.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our experienced dermatologists and dermatology providers use medical-grade chemical peel solutions to treat a wide range of skin conditions. Each cosmetic dermatology treatment is customized to meet individual patient needs and skin types.

How Chemical Peels Work

We start with a thorough skin cleansing and prep regimen. A specialized scrub may be applied to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. During treatment, your chemical solution is carefully applied to the treatment area for about 10 minutes, then neutralized and removed.

The peeling process typically begins 1 to 2 days following treatment and continues for about a week. As the damaged skin naturally sheds, newer, healthier skin emerges. This controlled exfoliation process jumpstarts your skin’s natural collagen production, leading to firmer, more youthful-appearing skin.

Once your chemical peel treatment is complete, wearing SPF-50 sunscreen daily is recommended to protect the newly exposed skin, which is now more sensitive to UV radiation.

Types of Chemical Peels

Schweigher Dermatology Group offers three distinct chemical peel services, each formulated to address specific skin concerns and types:

Jessner Peel – Best Chemical Peel for Acne

The Jessner chemical peel combines three active ingredients: resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. This well-established treatment has been used for over 100 years and demonstrates exceptional results for multiple skin concerns. The Jessner peel effectively lightens discolored areas, treats active acne lesions, smooths fine lines, and restores a more youthful skin appearance.

Glycolic Acid Peel – Best Chemical Peel for Sensitive Skin

Glycolic acid is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. This glycolic acid peel is one of the mildest chemical peel options, making it ideal for patients with sensitive skin or those new to chemical peel treatments.

The glycolic acid chemical peel works by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together on the epidermis. By removing this top layer of damaged cells, the treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin. Glycolic acid peels also help remove pore-clogging oils and debris, reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts while minimizing pore appearance.

Patients using the glycolic acid peel typically notice softer, smoother skin immediately after treatment. We recommend repeating these chemical peel treatments every 3 to 4 months.

VI Peel – Best Chemical Peel for All Skin Types

The VI Peel represents an advanced approach to chemical peel treatment, suitable for all skin types and tones, including darker complexions. This innovative chemical peel facial is popular among celebrities and has been featured in prominent publications.

The VI Peel effectively addresses signs of aging, pigmentation issues, redness, acne scars, and sun damage. This treatment also removes damaged surface skin while boosting collagen production for firm, contoured skin. One of the advantages of this chemical peel is its anesthetic component, making it pain-free during application.

VI Peel treatments typically take about 20 minutes to complete. Due to its unique formulation, side effects are minimal, with most patients experiencing only slight stinging when the solution is first applied. We generally recommend VI Peel treatments four times per year for the best results.

Chemical Peel Benefits

Chemical peels provide comprehensive skin improvement benefits, making them effective treatments for multiple skin conditions:

  • Melasma and hyperpigmentation (chemical peel for dark spots)
  • Acne scars and active acne lesions
  • Sun damage and photoaging
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven skin texture and tone
  • Enlarged pores
  • Age spots and discoloration

Chemical peels can effectively remove residual red or brown spots left by sun exposure or acne. These treatments offer a non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation, helping reverse signs of aging while boosting natural collagen production for healthier, more youthful skin.

What to Expect

How long does a chemical peel take? Most chemical peel treatments at Schweiger Dermatology Group are completed within 10 to 30 minutes, based on the type of peel. Jessner and glycolic acid peels typically take about 10 minutes, while VI Peel treatments take 20 minutes. The actual treatment time varies depending on the treatment area.

How long does a chemical peel take to heal? Recovery time depends on the chemical peel type. Generally, peeling begins 1 to 2 days after treatment and continues for approximately one week. During this time, patients should avoid picking at peeling skin and maintain proper sun protection.

Can you wear makeup after a chemical peel? Most patients can resume wearing makeup within 24 to 48 hours, though specific aftercare instructions are provided based on your treatment type.

Chemical Peel Safety

Are chemical peels safe? When performed by qualified dermatologists and dermatology specialists, chemical peels are considered safe and low-risk treatments. Side effects are typically minimal and may include:

  • Temporary skin crusting
  • Increased photosensitivity
  • Mild redness (expected after treatment)
  • Rare: scarring or pigmentation changes

Chemical peels offer an effective method for skin rejuvenation without surgery, providing excellent results with minimal risk when performed by experienced professionals. For patients seeking additional anti-aging treatments, chemical peels can be combined with other services for comprehensive results.

Schedule Your Chemical Peel Consultation

Are you ready to discover what chemical peels can do for your skin?  Our experienced dermatologists and dermatology providers will assess your unique skin concerns and recommend the most appropriate chemical peel treatment just for you.

Take the first step toward healthier, more radiant skin! Visit our location pages to find a convenient office near you. Book online in seconds or call us at (844) 337-6362.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we believe no one should wait to feel confident in their own skin. That's why we're committed to delivering The Ultimate Patient Experience—expert care that's fast, compassionate, and seamless. Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010 to eliminate long wait times for high quality dermatologists, we've grown into the nation's leading dermatology practice, with hundreds of locations across the country and millions of satisfied patients. We offer medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, as well as allergy services—in modern, state-of-the-art offices. Most new patients are seen within days, and we accept most insurances and handle billing for you. Whether it's a skin concern or a cosmetic goal, we make it easy to get the care you need—without the wait.