Skin Peel Basics

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical facial peels, also referred to as chemical resurfacing, are used to produce a controlled injury to the skin to promote the growth of new skin. Chemical peels have been around for hundreds of years from ancient Egyptians bathing in sour milk and old wine - that contained lactic and fruit acids that are still commonly acid used in mild chemical peels today) to the current day facial peels performed in spas and in homes across the world. Skin peels are used to exfoliate and peel away the outer layers of skin to reveal a smooth, tight and more even toned complexion with a youthful radiant glow.

Are the peels sold here professional strength?

Our peels are professional grade, unbuffered peels.

Who can use chemical peels?

Just about anyone can get a chemical peel, however there are some instances that one should not use a skin peel - see Who Should Not Use a Chemical Peel? for more details.

Can men use chemical peels?

Men can absolutely use peels and tend to have a thicker skin, so they may be well tolerated.

Can I use a chemical peel on other parts of my body?

Chemical peels can be used on the body, however you will want to avoid the genital area. Typically the skin on the body is much thicker than the face, so you may want to consult with our estheticians to see the best fit for you.

Who shouldn't use a chemical peel?

You should NOT use a skin peel if:

• You are currently taking antibiotics, Accutane or oral steroids or if you have done so within the past year.
• You have a tendency to form keloid scars.
• You have previously experienced cold sores on the mouth or face or have a health condition that affects your immune system or your body’s ability to heal.
• You are undergoing cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• You have been treated with a hair removal system the past two days.
• If you are pregnant or nursing.

Which peel is right for me?

There are various types of acids used in chemicals peels such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid and various acid combinations are widely available for at home use. Most often, chemical peels are used on the face, but may also be used on the neck, chest.

Can peels be used for removing tattoos or stretch marks?

We do not promote our peels for stretch mark/ tattoo removal as there are many factors involved. It can depend on the age of the stretch marks, how dark, how deep. You can certainly try, it may or may not help.

How many layers of skin does the skin consist of?

There are three layers of the skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis, the middle layer, the dermis. and the inner layer is the subcutaneous. Superficial peels (e.g. glycolic acid) produce very superficial injury, confined to the epidermis. Superficial peels can help improve conditions, such as acne and dyschromia. Deeper peels, (e.g. phenol peels) produce injury within the dermis and can reverse moderate-to-severe photo aging and wrinkles. In general, the deeper peels offer the most dramatic results but require longer recovery periods and carry a higher risk of complications