What Is a Chemical Peel Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

Our skin is our first line of defense against harmful environmental factors, but it’s not invincible. The buildup of dirt, dead cells, and pollutants in the skin, combined with the harmful effects of sun exposure, cause the first signs of aging skin start to appear as early as our 20s.

Fortunately, there is a solution. This article explains how chemical peels work to transform sun-damaged skin and leave you with a rejuvenated complexion.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment for the face, neck, and hands. The treatment involves the application of a chemical solution to the treated area, causing controlled damage to the skin. The damaged skin gradually peels off and is replaced by new, smoother, brighter skin.

Note: Besides common treatment areas, chemical peels are sometimes used to treat acne and acne scars on the back. Find out how a back chemical peel works and who should undergo this treatment.

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peel types differ based on the chemical solution used, how deeply it penetrates the skin, and what conditions it treats. Your chosen medical provider will help you choose a chemical peel for your specific skin issue and goals.

1. Light Chemical Peel

Light chemical peels typically use gentle exfoliating agents like alpha and beta hydroxy acids that penetrate the skin’s top layer. They treat:

Skin discoloration
Uneven skin texture
Dryness
Fine wrinkles
Acne

For full results with this type of chemical peel, patients usually need a series of treatments. There is little to no downtime after light peels.

2. Medium Chemical Peel

Medium chemical peels use trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, and Jessner’s solution that penetrate top and middle skin layers. They are effective for:

Dead skin cell removal
Fine lines and wrinkles
Age spots
Skin discoloration
Acne scars

Patients need downtime after medium chemical peels and usually recover within one week.

Note: Find out what is the best chemical peel for acne scars.

3. Deep Chemical Peel

Deep chemical peels use trichloroacetic or carbolic acid (phenol) that deeply penetrates the middle skin layers. They are effective for:

Dead skin cell removal
Deeper wrinkles
Age spots
Skin discoloration
Scars
Precancerous growths (actinic keratosis)

The patient is given a sedative, local anesthetic, or in rare cases, general anesthesia. Deep chemical peels provide the most dramatic results with only one treatment, but they also require the longest recovery and two months of pre-treatment preparation.

Note: If you want to explore other options for dark spots as well, check out our article and find out how to remove age spots and what might work best for your skin type.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Chemical Peel?

The best candidates for chemical peels are people with fair skin because people with darker pigmentation often experience a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. That’s when the newly grown skin differs in color from the rest of the patient’s skin.

Chemical peels are best used in people who wish to treat aging signs caused by too much sun exposure.

What Conditions Does a Chemical Peel Treat?

Chemical solutions used in chemical peels stimulate the body’s natural healing processes to grow new, rejuvenated skin and treat numerous skin issues. Chemical peels eliminate or improve:

Uneven skin texture
Skin discoloration
Dull complexion
Dry skin
Age spots
Fine wrinkles
Thinning skin
Some types of acne
Acne scarring
Actinic keratosis

How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel Treatment?

Preparing for a chemical peel is an important step that determines the treatment’s safety and effectiveness. The preparation steps and duration are individual and depend on the patient’s skin issue and type of chemical peel.

Your medical provider will instruct you on what to do for the best results. Preparation may involve some of the following:

Taking antiviral medication for one week before the treatment.
Avoiding retinoid creams for 3-7 days prior to the treatment.
Using hydroquinone for several days before the treatment.
Avoiding the sun, tanning beds, and saunas for several weeks.
Avoiding certain cosmetic treatments (hair removal, facial masks, laser resurfacing, etc.).

What to Expect During a Chemical Peel Treatment?

A chemical peel treatment starts with a consultation with your chosen medical provider, who determines the optimal type of peel depending on your skin issue, desired goals, and budget.

The medical provider cleans the skin and dabs or paints a chemical solution onto the treatment area with gauze, a cotton ball, a brush, or a special applicator.

The solution is left on the skin for several minutes. The medical provider then washes or neutralizes the chemicals with water, a saline compress, or a neutralizing solution.

The total treatment time is between 15 and 60 minutes.

Are Chemical Peels Painful?

Chemical peels are not painful because providers either use gentle ingredients or use numbing agents. The patients usually feel only mild to moderate stinging and burning.

The treatment’s intensity depends on the chemical peel type. Light peels use gentle chemical solutions and don’t require any sedation or anesthesia.

Some medium peel patients need a numbing cream, depending on their pain threshold.

Deep chemical peels require sedation and local or general anesthesia before the treatment. Doctors also prescribe painkillers after the treatment.

Chemical Peel Results

Chemical peels improve the skin’s tone and texture. After the top skin layer peels off, the newly grown skin is brighter and smoother. The treatment reduces the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, scars, age spots, and other skin imperfections.

How Long Does the Skin Peel After a Chemical Peel Treatment?

Light peels may cause slight skin flaking for two or three days, but patients often don’t experience any peeling. Medium peel patients typically peel for up to one week. Deep peels cause more dramatic side effects, including peeling that lasts up to two weeks.

How Long Do the Effects of a Chemical Peel Last?

Light chemical peels provide subtle results that last for about one month and require repeated treatments. Medium chemical peels leave more visible results for about six months after a series of treatments. Deep chemical peels involve one treatment and provide dramatic effects that may last for years.

Chemical Peel Aftercare

Aftercare tips provided by your medical provider will help you speed up the recovery after a chemical peel. Different chemical peel types require different aftercare regimes. The following general tips apply to all chemical peels:

Avoid the sun.
Apply cold compresses.
Take pain relief medication (e.g., ibuprofen).
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+.
Apply ointment prescribed by your medical provider.
Avoid picking, rubbing, and scratching your skin.

Note: For more tips, check out our complete guide to chemical peel aftercare.

Chemical Peel Side Effects

Depending on the type of chemical peel, you may experience the following side effects:

Redness
Swelling
Stinging
Skin flaking
Skin irritation
Peeling
Blisters and crusting
Dryness
Discomfort

Light chemical peels cause minimal side effects, while redness from deep chemical peels may last for three months.

More severe risks of chemical peel treatments include:

Scarring
Infection
Reactivation of cold sores
Hyperpigmentation
Heart, kidney, or liver damage from deep chemical peels

Who Should Not Get a Chemical Peel?

Some health conditions increase the chance of unwanted results after chemical peels. They include:

Pregnancy
Taking oral birth control
Taking certain acne medication
A history of scarring
A history of severe outbreaks of cold sores
A history of skin discoloration

Medical providers caution these patients against chemical peels or recommend a particular pre-treatment regimen to reduce the risk of skin damage.

How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates the average chemical peel costs $519.

Vibrant Skin Bar skin experts offer light and medium chemical peels. Light peels cost $99 per session, and medium peels cost $125 per session. Deep peels may cost up to a few thousand dollars because they require anesthesia and carry more risk.

Conclusion

Chemical peels rank highly among cosmetic treatments. Patients love them, especially the less invasive light and medium peels, because they provide impressive results with low risk and without needles.

To enjoy youthful, glowing skin and a smooth complexion once again, consider having a chemical peel. However, make sure you choose a licensed medical professional to ensure you get the desired results.

If you want to find out how effective chemical peels are compared to other cosmetic treatments, read our articles chemical peel vs. laser and microneedling vs. chemical peel, and choose the treatment that best suits your needs.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser: Which Treatment Is Best for You?

Advances in the cosmetics industry have brought forth numerous ways to reverse the signs of aging. Chemical peels and laser therapy are among the most popular anti-aging treatments because of their versatility and the multiple benefits they offer. Both treatments have several levels of intensity, providing customizable options for the patient’s skin concerns.

Let’s look at how chemical peels are different from laser resurfacing, which conditions they treat, and how to determine what’s best for you.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment. Exfoliation is achieved by the application of chemical solutions that penetrate the skin. They cause controlled damage, removing dead cells and promoting the growth of new, youthful-looking skin.

Types of Chemical Peel

There are three types of chemical peels:

Light peels provide subtle results that last about one month and require no downtime.
Medium peels penetrate deeper skin layers and provide more visible results but need recovery time of up to one week.
Deep peels cause a dramatic skin transformation that lasts for years, but the procedure carries more risk and requires anesthesia and recovery time of up to several months.

Skin experts often recommend laser resurfacing instead of deep peels because the two treatments provide similar results, with the laser therapy carrying less risk of complications.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser resurfacing involves using a laser device that sends controlled pulsed light to the target area. The light energy heats skin layers and stimulates increased collagen production. The procedure tightens skin, improves tone, and reduces irregularities such as wrinkles, acne scars, and blemishes.

Note: Read our article and learn about BBL laser treatment.

Types of Laser Techniques

All laser techniques are grouped into two main categories:

Non-ablative lasers that heat the skin to stimulate collagen production without peeling the skin’s top layer. They promote cell turnover and bring rejuvenated skin to the surface.
Ablative laser treatments peel off the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and heat the underlying layer (dermis). This stimulates the production of collagen. They are more invasive than non-ablative treatments and produce more dramatic results but require more downtime.

Note: Find out what are the benefits of collagen for the skin and how can you restore it.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser Treatment

The following table sums up the main differences between chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments.

	Chemical Peel	Laser Treatment
How it works	A chemical solution removes the skin’s top layers to bring new, improved skin to the surface.	A laser device heats the outer skin layers to stimulate collagen production and bring new, improved skin to the surface.
Conditions it treats	Age spots, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scars.	Fine lines and deep wrinkles, acne scars, blemishes, sagging skin.
Risks and side effects	Common: redness, swelling, itching, scaling. Severe: infection, scarring, discoloration. Deep peels may cause liver, heart, or kidney damage.	Common: redness, swelling, itching Severe: infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation.
Recovery time	No downtime for light peels. Up to one week for medium peels. Up to several months for deep peels.	Up to two weeks.
Results duration	One month for light peels. Four to six months for medium peels. Several years for deep peels.	Several years.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: What Conditions Can Be Treated?

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are good for treating sun-damaged skin, age spots, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, acne, and fine lines. Medium and deep peels effectively remove atrophic scars that are left by severe acne or chickenpox.

Note: Find out how to remove age spots and what treatment might work for you.

Laser

Photo facial laser therapy targets pigmentation issues and fine lines. Halo Pro resurfacing is a better solution for more prominent wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, blemishes, and deep scars. It also tightens pores and treats skin laxity.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: The Procedures

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve the use of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin. Light peels don’t require a numbing cream and anesthesia before the procedure. Medium peels may require sedation. Deep peels require IV sedation and local or general anesthesia.

The medical provider brushes a chemical solution to the target area and leaves it to penetrate the skin for 10-30 minutes, depending on the chemical peel type. The provider then washes your face and neutralizes the chemical solution.

Laser

For non-ablative laser treatment, you may receive a numbing cream. Some ablative techniques, such as CO2 laser therapy, require sedation and anesthesia.

The medical provider handles a laser device to send pulsating light to the target area during the treatment. Unlike chemical peels that cover the whole treatment area (i.e., the face), lasers can provide spot treatment, focusing on one specific area – a scar, crow’s feet, etc.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: The Ideal Candidate

If you want to rejuvenate your skin, reverse the effects of sun damage, or remove acne and acne scars, you are a good candidate for chemical peels and laser therapy. Your medical provider will help you choose the best treatment for your skin condition.

You need to resolve an active skin infection, open wound, cold sores, or acne breakout before you can get a peel or laser treatment.

Pregnancy, keloid scarring, and the use of certain medications may prevent you from having the treatment.

Note: Find what is the best chemical peel for acne scars and how to choose the best treatment for your skin.

Does Skin Tone Affect What Treatment I Get?

Your skin tone will largely affect what treatment your medical provider recommends. Peels and laser resurfacing are both equally effective for lighter skin tones. Patients with darker complexions may benefit more from chemical peels as laser treatments pose the risk of unwanted results.

Consult your medical provider to determine the best course of action for your skin tone and the issue you want to treat.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: The Results

Chemical peels improve the tone and texture of sun-damaged skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, and rejuvenate the skin.

Light chemical peels require maintenance treatments every four to six weeks, while deep peels provide long-lasting results.

The benefits of laser therapy are similar to the benefits of chemical peels, but laser resurfacing is more effective at reducing acne scars and deep wrinkles.

The results after a laser treatment may last up to five years, depending on the laser treatment type.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Risks and Side Effects

Chemical peels and laser treatments are generally safe when performed by licensed and experienced medical professionals. The safety of the procedure also depends on your adherence to pre and post-treatment skincare routines recommended by your medical provider. However, there are some side effects that these two treatments may cause:

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels may cause the following reactions:

Common side effects	Rare side effects
Redness Swelling Itching Scaling Pigmentation	Infection Scarring Heart, kidney, liver damage (with deep peels)

Laser

Laser resurfacing may cause the following reactions:

Common side effects	Rare side effects
Redness Swelling Itching Pigmentation	Infection Scarring Acne (with an ablative laser) Scarring (with an ablative laser) Ectropion or turning of the eyelid (with an ablative laser)

The types of chemical peel and laser therapy determine their potential risks.

Deep chemical peel risks are comparable to those of laser resurfacing. Light chemical peel risks are comparable to those of photo laser treatments.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Aftercare

Follow your medical provider’s aftercare recommendations to minimize the risks of side effects and complications from chemical peels and laser resurfacing.

Here are some general aftercare tips:

Avoid the sun, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs.
Avoid intensive physical activity.
Use gentle skin care products.
Use moisturizers regularly.
Apply sunscreen when outdoors.

Note: If you are wondering how to choose a sunscreen, check out our article and find out the things you need to consider.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Cost

The cost of a chemical peel and laser treatment depends on the type of treatment, the severity of the skin issue, and the medical provider’s expertise and location.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, light chemical peels cost $99, medium chemical peels cost $125, and laser treatments cost from $350 for photo facial laser therapy to $1,200 for Vibrant resurfacing laser treatment.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser: Which One Is Better?

Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments provide similar effects, but the procedures are different. Depending on your skin issue, one may be better than the other. You will determine this during a consultation with your medical provider.

Chemical peels are usually better for patients with darker skin, while patients with deep wrinkles or scars benefit more from laser therapy. Sometimes, skin experts recommend a combination of these two treatments for the best results.

Your skin goals, budget, and how much time you can spend in recovery will also affect your choice of treatment.

Conclusion

Chemical peels and laser therapy are highly effective procedures for the treatment of damaged skin and they both leave you with a younger-looking complexion.

Think about the pros and cons of each treatment and consult with a trusted medical provider to determine the best way to reverse signs of aging and enjoy a youthful glow.

Types of Chemical Peels: Which One Is Best for You?

Chemical peels are the most popular cosmetic procedures after Botox and dermal fillers. They are anti-aging, skin resurfacing treatments that provide a range of benefits, including reduced wrinkles, brighter skin tone, improved skin texture, and diminished scars and blemishes.

This article breaks down the three main chemical peel types and provides information on the most common chemical peel acid solutions. Knowing how chemical peels work will help you determine which type is suitable for you.

What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels vary in strength depending on the combination and percentage of chemical acids used for the treatment. The patient’s medical provider creates a customized chemical peel plan based on skin type, skin concern, and aesthetic goals.

Light Chemical Peels (Superficial Chemical Peels)

Light chemical peels exfoliate the uppermost skin layers (epidermis) and speed up skin cell turnover to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and help with discoloration.

The treatment doesn’t require any recovery time because the acids are used in low concentrations. Patients may experience slight redness and swelling that disappear within seven days. A series of four to six treatments is typically required for effective results.

Light chemical peels usually contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and/or beta hydroxy acids (BHA).

Note: Check out how our AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser can benefit your skin.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) – Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel

Alpha-hydroxy acids are the mildest chemical peel solutions. They are suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. AHAs include lactic, citric, mandelic, tartaric, and glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is an excellent exfoliator because it consists of small molecules that deeply penetrate skin layers without causing irritation. The exfoliation stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in a smoother, younger-looking complexion with less visible imperfections.

Glycolic acid is the most commonly used solution for light peels, but skin experts also use it in higher concentrations for deeper peels.

Note: Check out our list of products for sensitive skin.

Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA) – Salicylic Acid Chemical Peel

Beta-hydroxy acids are oil soluble and penetrate deeper than AHAs because they attach to the skin’s natural oils. For this reason, they are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Salicylic acid is the most common BHA, with powerful antibacterial and pore-unclogging properties that help reduce acne. It also stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture, reducing mild acne scars, and promoting smoother, healthier skin.

Note: Find out what are the best skin care products for oily, acne-prone skin.

Medium Chemical Peels

Medium chemical peels penetrate epidermal and dermal layers, exfoliate dead skin cells, oil buildup, and dirt, and stimulate collagen production. They treat age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, and mild to moderate acne scars.

Depending on the intensity of the peel and depth of penetration, medium peels cause redness, swelling, skin peeling, and require recovery of up to two weeks. For best results, patients need one to three treatments.

Medium chemical peels are usually made up of different concentrations of trichloracetic acid (TCA). They may also contain glycolic acid or some other combination of chemical solutions.

Note: There are various benefits of collagen for the skin. Find out how to maintain and increase its levels.

Trichloracetic Acid Chemical Peels (TCA)

TCA is used for medium and deep peels, depending on the concentration of acid. Peels with TCA help address moderate acne scars, deep wrinkles, and pigmentation. They are suitable for darker skin tones. They are also used for acne scar spot treatments.

Jessner’s Solution Chemical Peel

Jessner’s solution is a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. Depending on the acid concentration, it is used as a light or medium chemical peel. It effectively treats acne and mild acne scars, improves tone and texture, and controls sebum production. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Note: Find out what is the best chemical peel for acne scars and what to consider before getting one.

Deep Chemical Peels

Deep chemical peels usually use carbolic acid (phenol) to penetrate all skin layers and dramatically transform the skin.

Phenol peels treat severe atrophic scars and provide visible anti-aging effects. The results last for years with only one treatment. However, recovery time may extend to several months. Skin experts often recommend laser resurfacing instead due to the intensity of the deep peel treatment.

Phenol Chemical Peels

Phenol penetrates the deepest of all chemical peel solutions. It requires sedation and local anesthesia. Side effects include redness, swelling, peeling, and blistering. Aftercare often includes taking antiviral medications, wearing bandages, and applying ointment to the treated area.

However, the results of phenol peels are impressive. The skin appears younger, and all skin imperfections due to sun damage and aging are reduced or eliminated.

Which Type of Chemical Peel Should You Choose?

There is no universal best chemical peel. Each patient requires a different approach, depending on their skin type and concern.

For example, patients with darker skin tones should avoid phenol peels because they may permanently lighten their skin. These patients are more likely to benefit from medium peels with weaker TCA concentrations, medium peels with glycolic acid, or superficial peels with mandelic acid.

Patients with acne-prone skin are often treated with light BHA peels, while patients with deep acne scars may only need a spot treatment with TCA.

The best way to determine the right chemical peel for your skin is to consult an experienced skin professional with a medical degree. This will ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

Vibrant Skin Bar skin experts offer professional light chemical peels to resurface a brighter, glowing complexion without downtime.

Our medium peels are designed for patients who want to see more dramatic anti-aging effects on thein their skin tone and texture.

Regardless of the type of peel you choose, it is essential to use sunscreen post-treatment to avoid damaging the sensitive, newly resurfaced skin.

Conclusion

Chemical peels are among the most versatile cosmetic treatments, providing a wide range of skin benefits – from a reduction in wrinkles and age spots to youthful, glowing skin.

To achieve your desired look, make sure you find a reputable, board-certified medical provider who will create a customized chemical peel for your particular skin concern.

What Is a Pumpkin Facial: Benefits, Results, and Cost

Pumpkin usually makes us think of Halloween and Thanksgiving, not beauty treatments. However, skin experts have recognized the fruit’s amazing effects on the skin and have formulated a pumpkin facial.

Read on to learn how a pumpkin facial works and how you can improve your skin’s condition with this cosmetic treatment.

What Is a Pumpkin Facial?

A pumpkin facial is a gentle chemical peel that contains high levels of fruit enzymes and antioxidants. The enzymes in the pumpkin pulp gently exfoliate the skin’s top layer, removing dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities. Exfoliation helps antioxidants and other nutrients from the pumpkin to penetrate the skin and provide deep nourishment and protection from free radicals.

This treatment is suitable for every skin type and has no side effects.

Note: Learn more about different chemical peel types.

Benefits of a Pumpkin Facial

Pumpkin contains vitamins A, C, E, and flavonoids. It is a great source of B complex vitamins, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous. Each of these nutrients has a role in improving our well-being. When used topically in a chemical peel, pumpkin nutrients provide numerous benefits to the skin.

Here are the benefits a pumpkin facial brings

1. Treats dry skin

The nutrients in a pumpkin that promote faster cell turnover (fruit enzymes), reverse aging signs by fighting free radicals (vitamins A and C), and regulate oil production (zinc, potassium, and magnesium) also play a part in restoring moisture to dry skin.

2. Diminishes dark spots

Pumpkins are high in beta-carotene. This derivative of vitamin A fights sun damage and helps with pigmentation issues.

3. Provides anti-aging benefits

Vitamins A and C in a pumpkin protect the skin from free radicals by boosting collagen production. Increased collagen helps soften the skin, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines.

4. Reduces acne

Zinc in the pumpkin facial assists in the regulation of hormone levels and oil production. Pumpkin is also an excellent source of vitamin B, which helps improve cell turnover and reduce acne.

5. Makes the skin brighter

Fruit enzymes in the pumpkin facial gently exfoliate the skin’s top layer, removing dead skin cells and other impurities. This results in brighter, glowing, and younger-looking skin.

What Can You Expect During the Pumpkin Facial Treatment?

The pumpkin facial treatment is a quick, in-office treatment that requires no preparation.

First, your cosmetic provider thoroughly cleans your face to remove all makeup and impurities. Then they apply the pumpkin enzyme peel to your skin, massage it for a few minutes, and leave it on for another few minutes. Finally, the cosmetic provider washes the peel with water and applies a moisturizer for your particular skin type.

No special aftercare is required after a pumpkin peel. You can resume your regular activities, including sports.

Pumpkin Facial Results

Light peels such as the pumpkin enzyme facial provide subtle results after the first session. The skin after a pumpkin peel is brighter and smoother, with fewer wrinkles, age spots, and acne.

Experts at Vibrant Skin Bar recommend at least three treatments spaced three weeks apart for more dramatic results.

Pumpkin Facial Cost

The price varies depending on your cosmetic provider’s location and experience level.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, the cost of a pumpkin facial is $99.

Conclusion

The pumpkin facial is a gentle cosmetic treatment that transforms dull, aging skin to reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. It is safe, and all skin types can enjoy its benefits.

Schedule a session with our friendly, skilled skin professionals to treat your skin to a pleasant skin rejuvenation session!

Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Everything You Need to Know

Advancements in the cosmetics industry have brought us closer to the centuries-old dream of eternal youth. People can choose between many treatments to address their aesthetic concerns based on the treatment’s technology, effects, the duration of results, and risk factors.

In this article we’ll focus on two of the most popular rejuvenation treatments – microneedling and chemical peels – and explain how they differ, so you can choose the treatment that best suits your needs.

What Is Microneedling and How Does It Work?

Microneedling is an anti-aging cosmetic treatment that involves using an FDA-approved device with short needles to create tiny wounds on the skin’s surface. This controlled injury stimulates the body’s healing mechanisms, producing more collagen and elastin, and rebuilding the skin.

Benefits

Collagen and elastin are essential in keeping the skin firm and even. Increased production of the skin’s building blocks results in a range of benefits:

Reduced age spots, dark spots, freckles, and blemishes
Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
Tighter, firmer skin
Even and bright skin tone
Reduced acne scars and burn scars
Reduced hair loss
Improved wound healing
Reduced stretch marks

Note: Learn more how microneedling helps reduce stretch marks.

Procedure

Microneedling is a safe procedure when licensed medical professionals perform it in a medical setting – a clinic or med spa.

First, the medical provider applies a topical anesthetic on the patient’s skin. When the cream takes effect, the provider moves a hand-held microneedling device across the treatment area, creating tiny, superficial wounds to induce collagen synthesis in the skin’s deeper layers. The process lasts about 20 minutes.

Finally, the provider applies a serum with anti-aging ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and growth factors, to enhance the rejuvenating effects of the treatment.

Note: Read more on how to rejuvenate skin, and what are the best skin care products for rejuvenation.

Recovery

Microneedling causes mild side effects such as redness and swelling, which typically disappear after two or three days. The procedure requires minimal or no downtime.

Cost

Our medical experts at the Vibrant Skin Bar offer microneedling at $300 per session. The total cost of the treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s cosmetic issue and the number of recommended sessions.

What Is a Chemical Peel and How Does It Work?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment in which a medical provider applies a chemical solution to the skin’s surface layer to remove it, revealing a smoother, rejuvenated complexion. Based on the solution’s strength and depth of penetration, chemical peels are divided into light, medium, and deep peels.

Benefits

Like microneedling, chemical peels improve many cosmetic issues and provide the following benefits:

Reduced age spots, dark spots, freckles, and blemishes
Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
Plumper, rehydrated skin
More even skin tone
Reduced acne and acne scars

Note: Learn which is the best chemical peel for acne scars.

Procedure

During a professional chemical peel, the medical provider first cleans the patient’s treatment area with rubbing alcohol. In the case of a deep peel, the patient receives sedation and local or general anesthesia.

The provider applies the chemical solution and leaves it on the patient’s skin for several minutes. Patients usually feel a stinging sensation. Finally, the provider removes the solution with water and a saline compress.

Recovery

Recovery time after a chemical peel depends on the type of peel. There is no downtime after light peels. Medium peels cause redness, swelling, and skin peeling and require a week or two of downtime. Recovery after a deep peel can take months, during which patients take antiviral medication and wear bandages on the treated area.

Cost

The medical experts at the Vibrant Skin Bar provide light and medium chemical peels. Light peels cost $99 per session, and medium peels cost $125 per session. Most patients need several sessions to achieve the desired results.

Pros and Cons of Microneedling

Microneedling addresses various cosmetic issues and requires no downtime, making it a popular option among patients. However, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Consult this table of microneedling pros and cons to see whether the procedure is right for you.

Microneedling PROS	Microneedling CONS
Long-lasting results. User experience shows that the skin tightening effects of microneedling can last for years.	Gradual results. It takes time for collagen to rebuild the skin and improve cosmetic concerns.
Addresses sagging skin. Unlike chemical peels, microneedling rebuilds connective tissue and firms the skin.	Cost. Microneedling is more expensive per session than light and medium peels.
Suitable for all skin colors. Unlike chemical peels, microneedling is safe for people with darker skin tones.	Not suitable for everyone. People with bacterial infections, skin conditions, bleeding disorders, those taking acne medication with isotretinoin, and pregnant women are not suitable candidates for microneedling.

Pros and Cons of Chemical Peels

Like microneedling, chemical peels provide a range of benefits but may not be suitable for everyone.

Chemical Peel PROS	Chemical Peel CONS
Deeply exfoliates the skin. Chemical peels thoroughly cleanse the skin, removing dead skin cells, dirt, and toxins.	Recommended for people with light skin tone. Chemicals in peels can cause discoloration in people with darker skin tones.
No needles used.	Longer recovery period. Medium peels require a week or two of downtime, while recovery from deep peels can take several months.
Impressive results with one treatment. After they recover from a deep peel, patients report results that last up to 10 years.	Not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, and people with a history of scarring and skin conditions are not good candidates for microneedling.

Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels: How to Choose?

The best way to achieve your beauty goal is to consult an experienced medical professional who will recommend a cosmetic treatment based on your medical condition and skin concern.

Light and medium chemical peels are a great option for patients with skin concerns such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. The treatment also cleanses the skin, unclogs pores, and prevents acne. Regular chemical peel sessions provide patients with an even, rejuvenated complexion.

Microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure for issues caused by collagen decline, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, hair loss, and stretch marks. Patients typically need several sessions to see the effects, but the results are long lasting.

Conclusion

Microneedling and chemical peels are among the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures today. They treat common aesthetic issues using different technologies, and skin experts recommend one or the other based on the patient’s needs and expectations.

If you feel you could use a boost of confidence, visit the Vibe Tribe at Vibrant Skin Bar. They will help you achieve a smoother, brighter complexion – and improve your mood!

Chemical Peel Aftercare: 11 Dos and Don’ts

Imagine seeing improvement in pigment, wrinkles and scars with one simple treatment - a chemical peel!

Chemical peels can in fact do that to a large extent. They don’t remove all skin imperfections, but they reveal visibly younger, smoother, and brighter skin after one or a series of treatments.

The effectiveness of a chemical peel depends on the type of peel, its intensity, and how well you treat your skin after the procedure.

Read our article on chemical peel types to choose the right peel for your skin issue.

Today we’ll help you understand the importance of adequate chemical peel aftercare and give you general tips on what to do and what to avoid after a chemical peel.

Chemical Peel Aftercare: 11 Dos and Don’ts

Chemical peels are customized for each patient depending on their skin type and skin concern. The treatments vary in intensity and depth of penetration, resulting in different aftercare recommendations for each patient.

Your medical provider will explain how to treat your skin post-treatment to help it heal safely and to maximize the effects of the procedure.

The following tips are universal and apply to all chemical peel patients.

Dos: 5 Things to Do After a Chemical Peel

1. Listen to Your Chemical Peel Provider

Choose a board-certified medical professional for the treatment because chemical peels use acid solutions to penetrate the skin. It requires medical knowledge and experience. To ensure the safety of the treatment, follow your medical provider’s instructions on how to care for your skin after the treatment. They know best what’s been done to your skin and how to ensure the effectiveness of the chemical peel.

2. Wash Your Skin with Lukewarm Water

The skin is very sensitive after a chemical peel. Cold or hot water may feel uncomfortable and aggravate your skin. To avoid any skin irritation, use cool or lukewarm water when you rinse your face.

3. Use Sunscreen

Resurfaced skin after a chemical peel is more sensitive to UV rays. If you expose it to the sun, it may cause inflammation. Sunscreen is always an essential skincare product, but is a must after a chemical peel because it protects the skin while its natural skin barrier is still weak. Make sure you use it whenever you go outside or spend time near a window.

We recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Elta MD UV Pure is a great choice for patients after a chemical peel treatment because it checks all the boxes as a highly protective sun-blocking product for all skin types, including sensitive.

4. Use Gentle Skincare Products

In line with the above recommendations, use skincare products that won’t irritate and additionally dry out your sensitive skin. Go for soap-free cleansers and water-based moisturizers without harsh ingredients. Avoid retinol, exfoliating agents, and other abrasive components.

Your medical provider may recommend a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to use after the treatment to ensure your skin stays clean and well hydrated. The Vibrant Skin Bar team suggests SkinMedica’s Facial Cleanser because it doesn’t strip the face of its natural oils. The cleanser’s soothing and calming properties are suitable for all skin types.

5. Moisturize

Osmosis MD Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist

Skin is dryer than usual after a chemical peel, and you need to hydrate it. Your medical provider may recommend a heavy-duty ointment after a deep peel. After light or medium peels, Replenish Hydrating Cream is a great choice because it thoroughly hydrates and soothes sensitive skin.

A moisturizer improves your skin’s natural protective barrier. Apply it several times a day or whenever your skin feels tight and you need to soften it to ease the discomfort. If you feel that you need extra hydration, look for gentle hydrating mists that you can spray on your face throughout the day without applying pressure on the skin. Osmosis MD Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist restores moisture while fortifying your skins natural barrier with antioxidants.

Don’ts: 6 Things to Avoid After a Chemical Peel

1. Don’t Touch, Pick, or Scratch

Medical providers warn against applying pressure on treated skin after most cosmetic treatments. Chemical peels not only expose raw, sensitive skin, but they also cause the top layers of skin to peel. This may frustrate patients and tempt them to remove the peeling skin with their fingers.

Peeling, touching, picking, or scratching the skin after a chemical peel can lead to bleeding, infections, breakouts, and scarring. Use a moisturizer instead and let the skin shed off naturally to avoid complications.

2. Don’t Exfoliate

You’ve already exfoliated your skin with a chemical peel. The newly resurfaced skin is free of dead cells, oil, and dirt, so additional exfoliation can only irritate it and cause damage. Wait about one week for light and medium peels or until the skin is fully healed to exfoliate it.

3. Don’t Use Too Many Skincare Products

Swap your usual beauty routine for a minimal skincare regime. After a chemical peel, it’s best to stick to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid retinol creams and heavier products with active ingredients and irritants.

After a medium peel, wait about one week to resume your usual skincare routine. After a deep peel, you will have to wait longer for your skin to completely heal.

4. Avoid Other Cosmetic Treatments

To prevent unnecessary damage to sensitive skin, wait about two weeks before you get another cosmetic treatment. That includes facial waxing, Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and other potentially abrasive procedures.

5. Don’t Expose Your Skin to Excessive Heat

Avoid exposure to the sun, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs, and other sources of heat. Excessive heat and sweating can irritate the skin, cause an infection, and extend recovery time after a chemical peel.

6. Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity

Avoid intensive workouts for the same reason you would avoid saunas. Strenuous physical activity causes excessive sweating and increases blood circulation, which can intensify the side effects of your chemical peel and delay recovery.

Conclusion

Chemical peels are an excellent way to take years off your skin. However, it’s important to stick to best aftercare practices to ensure the treatment’s safety and effectiveness. Most importantly, listen to your medical provider and stick to their post-treatment advice for the best results.

Best Chemical Peel for Acne Scars

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that removes the skin’s top layer with chemical solutions and stimulates the body to grow rejuvenated skin.

Chemical peels are effective for acne scars because they stimulate collagen production and fill and even out the scar tissue. The new skin is smoother and brighter, with less visible imperfections.

This article explores the best professional chemical peels for acne scars, gives recommendations for chemical peels for home use, and helps you choose the best treatment for your skin.

Best Professional Chemical Peels for Acne Scars

Skin experts use three types of chemical peels for acne scars, depending on the patient’s skin type and the severity of the scarring.

Types of professional chemical peels:

	Light chemical peels	Medium chemical peels	Deep chemical peels
Chemical solutions	Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA)	Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) Glycolic acid Jessner’s solution	Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) Carbolic acid (phenol)
Number of required treatments	Several	One or more	One
Healing time	No downtime	Recovery up to one week	Recovery up to a few months
Type of acne scars	Hyperpigmentation, mild atrophic scars	Mild and moderate atrophic scars	Deep atrophic scars

Chemical Peel Solutions

Chemical peels are distinguished by how deeply they penetrate the skin. The chemical solution(s) used for the treatment determines the depth of the peel.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid commonly used for professional and at-home chemical peels. It is composed of large molecules that take time to penetrate the skin and rarely cause irritation. It is less likely to cause discoloration and all skin types, including darker complexion, tolerate it well. It is often used in combination with salicylic acid.

Glycolic Acid (GA)

Glycolic acid is an effective exfoliating agent. It is another alpha-hydroxy acid but stronger than mandelic acid. It is commonly used in light and medium chemical peels. It stimulates collagen production and thickens the epidermis, helping to smooth atrophic scars. It also blocks melanin formation, reducing hyperpigmentation.

Glycolic acid is among the safer, less irritating chemical solutions and is often found in chemical peels for home use. It is suitable for all skin types.

Lactic Acid (LA)

Lactic acid is among the mildest AHAs used to treat hyperpigmentation and acne scars. It is safe for dry and sensitive skin because it only penetrates the uppermost layer and doesn’t cause irritation. It is used alone or in combination with other chemical solutions for stronger effects.

Salicylic Acid (SA)

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid commonly used in acne treatments to prevent pore clogging and fight acne-causing bacteria. It also effectively treats acne scars because it stimulates collagen production, which improves skin texture and reduces post-inflammatory scarring.

Salicylic acid is gentle and typically used for mild acne scars. Since it effectively reduces sebum and unclogs pores, skin experts usually recommend it for oily skin.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

Trichloroacetic acid is a powerful chemical solution commonly used in medium and deep chemical peels. It penetrates the epidermal and dermal layers, destroys dead skin cells, and increases collagen and elastin production in the dermis.

It can also be used as a spot treatment for deeper scars. The chemical peel provider applies TCA in the center of the deep scar to reconstruct the scar tissue but doesn’t use the acid on the rest of the face.

Patients require recovery time of up to two weeks after having a TCA chemical peel treatment.

Jessner’s Solution (JS)

Jessner’s solution is a mix of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. It is used as a light or medium peeling agent to improve pigmentation, skin texture, and treat acne and acne scars. It is commonly used for oily skin. It can be too aggressive for dry and sensitive skin.

Carbolic Acid (Phenol)

Phenol is used for deep chemical peels. It is more aggressive and penetrates deeper than other solutions, requiring sedation and local or general anesthesia.

Phenol poses the greatest health risk and requires long recovery but provides the most effective results for pitted acne scars. It is suitable for patients with fair skin who want to see dramatic results with one session.

Note: For more solutions for acne scars read our article and find out what are the best treatments for acne scars.

At-Home Chemical Peels

Chemical peels sold for home use typically contain smaller concentrations of acids used in professional chemical peels. At-home peels don’t contain phenol because it is very aggressive and requires sedation and local or general anesthesia.

At-home chemical exfoliation products provide numerous benefits like removal of dirt and dead skin, unclogging of pores, and improvement of skin tone. They are too gentle to eliminate acne scars fully, but help reduce their appearance and aid in acne prevention.

Vibrant Skin Bar experts recommend the regular use of gentle AHA and BHA exfoliation and cleansing solutions to prevent acne and acne scars.

Things to Consider Before a Chemical Peel

Professional chemical peels can be very beneficial to acne scar patients, but they carry certain risks. It’s best to schedule a consultation with a licensed chemical peel provider to learn whether a chemical peel is right for you.

Your chosen skin expert will examine your skin and recommend a chemical peel which corresponds to your skin and acne scar type.

For example, if you have hypertrophic scars, your medical provider may recommend a more suitable cosmetic treatment such as laser resurfacing or cryotherapy. If you have a darker complexion, they may recommend a medium peel with glycolic acid.

For your safety and the best results, follow certain pre-treatment procedures before a chemical peel. The preparation includes avoiding the sun and certain cosmetic treatments for several weeks and using medications that your medical provider prescribes.

Note that chemical peels cause side effects such as redness, swelling, and scaling. Light chemical peels require no downtime, while deep chemical peels require wearing bandages for several weeks.

Choose a skilled, experienced medical provider for your acne scar treatment to ensure the maximum safety of the procedure.

View in Shop | $125

Conclusion

Chemical peels are among the best cosmetic treatments for atrophic acne scars. They help even out scar tissue and improve skin texture, providing a smooth, glowing complexion.

Weigh in the benefits and potential downsides of the procedure before you decide and make sure you have a safe cosmetic experience by choosing a reputable skin specialist.

Next, find out how back chemical peels help treat bacne and acne scars on the back.