A chemical peel is a peeling treatment that uses a formula to safely remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. It’s the most frequently performed aesthetic procedure in North America – relatively low-cost and pain-free, and there’s no down-time needed. It’s also one of the most effective ways to reduce the signs of aging, fine lines and wrinkles, dry skin, excessively oily skin, acne, acne scars, pigmentation (sun damage) and melasma.

Chemicals peels have been used for many years as a beauty enhancer. Modern chemical peels are designed to treat:

-sun damage such as sunspots, freckles, melasma, pigmentation and age or liver spots

-fine lines and wrinkles

-rough, dry skin

-acne scarring

-skin discoloration or pigmentation

-blackheads and clogged pores

-excessively oily skin

Yes! In fact, a chemical peel enhances the results of many cosmetic procedures. IPL, skin tightening, and laser hair removal all show better results on skin that has been recently treated with a chemical peel. Inform your technician when you book your treatment about other procedures you have had or plan to have.

Normal side effects include redness and swelling on the treated areas. These side effects usually fade within one to three hours after a treatment.

Chemical peels work by using special formulas to break down the structural bonds within the top layer of skin. After the outer layer of dead cells peel away, fresh, new skin is exposed. Your skin looks and feels firmer and smoother. Peels also provide long-term benefits by boosting cell turnover and encouraging collagen production.

Almost any part of the body can be treated with a chemical peel. Clients often ask for peels on their face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.

During a chemical peel, a special peeling formula is applied to the skin. Clients may experience a warm sensation. Some redness may appear but usually lasts only for a few minutes. The peeling solution may or may not be removed depending on the formula used. Sunscreen is usually applied for sun protection. Skin usually begins to peel after 1 or 2 days, and continues to peel for up to 1 week.

Chemical peels are recommended for men or women who suffer from sun damage, acne, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation or malasma, blackheads or excessively oily or dry skin types.

To prepare for your chemical peel, please follow these steps:

Avoid sun exposure for one week prior to after peeling treatment.

Stop using Retin-A, AHA/BHA, and glycolic acid products at least three days prior to peeling treatment and after peeling treatment.

Avoid waxing, bleaching, threading, dying, and laser treatments to area being treated one week prior to peeling treatment and after peeling treatment.

Laser treatments should be avoided for a least two weeks prior and after peeling treatment.

After your chemical peel, always apply a wide spectrum UVA/UVB sun-blocking agent. Jane Iredale skin care makeup is a full-spectrum sunscreen. It’s best to avoid any sun exposure for 48 hours immediately after a peel, if possible.