Chemical Peels 101: Everything You Need to Know
posted January 22, 2025When it comes to achieving a radiant, refreshed complexion, few treatments are as effective as a chemical peel. This time-tested skincare procedure helps address a range of concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to uneven texture and even stubborn acne scars. In fact, chemical face peels are the third most common non-invasive cosmetic procedure in the US, with more than 1 million performed each year.
Whether you’re new to chemical peels or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from how they work to what you can expect during and after the treatment.
Chemical Peels 101 Overview
What Is a Chemical Peel?
It’s pretty simple: a chemical peel is a procedure where a clinical-grade acid (like glycolic or salicylic acid) is applied to the skin, which causes the top layers of skin to exfoliate. Breaking down these layers of skin helps diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. The new top layer of skin is rejuvenated with improved tone and color and a smoother texture.
Chemical Peel Benefits?
Curious if a chemical peel is right for you? The benefits of a chemical peel are:
- Reducing visible signs of sun damage (sun spots)
- Reducing age and brown spots
- Decreasing fine lines and wrinkles
- Help improve uneven skin tone and texture
- Reduction in scaring and breakouts for acne-prone skin
- Decongesting clogged pores
Chemical Peel Before/Afters
Before and after photos of chemical peels can help illustrate the full process of the treatment; From application on day 1 to day 8 afterward.
Ready For a Complimentary Consultation?
Viva Day Spa + Med Spa’s expert medical practitioners are here to help with a complimentary consultation. First, they’ll review your current health (history and medications) to determine potential treatment contraindications. Then they will create a comprehensive treatment plan custom-tailored for you — with your health and wellness in mind first and foremost.
Medical Grade vs. Non-Medical Grade Chemical Peels
When it comes to the different types of chemical peels, you have the option of either medical grade or non-medical grade. They usually contain the same ingredients, but non-medical grade peels are milder and only affect the topmost layer of skin. Because they give minimal results, they’re best suited for general skin maintenance and mild skin issues.
Medical grade peels, on the other hand, use medical grade unbuffered solutions with prescription-strength concentrations of peeling agents. Rather than affecting just the top layers of the skin, they target deeper layers, which is why they’re strong enough to treat issues like wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. Results from medical grade chemical peels are more dramatic and can be seen even after a single treatment.
Non-medical Grade
- The Peaceful Peel: Suitable for helping to smooth textures, fade unwanted pigmentation, and minimize the appearance of fine lines or acne scarring. It combines the Viva Express Facial with a combination of hydroxy acids to help rid the skin of superficial dead skin cells in a safe and controlled in-spa treatment. Your Viva Day Spa esthetician will help you choose between a glycolic or salicylic acid peel to best suit your skin care needs and goals.
Medical Grade
- Micropeel: Our two-step Micropeel procedure combines dermaplaning (skin resurfacing), skin sensitive solution or Glycolic 20/30% chemical peel solution, and post-healing medical grade products. This 30-minute treatment may be customized to accommodate all skin types. The Micropeel is ideal for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, texture, laxity, dullness, and skin imperfections.
- Micropeel Plus: This medical grade treatment provides a unique one-step, self-neutralizing chemical exfoliation designed to reduce acne and help correct environmental skin damage. It is formulated with a combination of salicylic acid (salicylic 20% or 30%) to refine pores and help reduce the appearance of acne, and glycolic acid to aid in the improvement of rough texture, blotchiness, and uneven skin tone. The Micropeel Plus is a great treatment for active acne, cystic acne, and acne scarring.
- Advanced Corrective Peel: The deepest, most advanced chemical peel we offer at Viva Day Spa + Med Spa. The 30-minute Advanced Corrective Peel from SkinCeuticals works in the lowest (basal) layer of the epidermis, where live tissue, pigmentation, and age spots dwell. Formulated with clinical-grade acids and a maximized peel concentration of phenylethyl resorcinol, its unique combination of ingredients sloughs off even the most stubborn pigmentation, evens skin tone and texture, and helps minimize enlarged pores. It is ideal for all skin types and Fitzpatrick I-V.
How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?
The average cost of a chemical peel is $519, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. At Viva Day Spa + Med Spa, our Chemical Peels range in price from $160-$250 per visit, with a series of 3-6 treatments recommended.
Looking for a Chemical Peel in Austin?
If you’re ready to peel your way to smoother, clearer, rejuvenated skin, we’re a top-rated medical spa in Austin that’s here to help. If you’re a new patient, we welcome you in for a complimentary consultation so that we can discuss your skin care needs and choose the chemical peel — as well as a full skin care rejuvenation plan — that will help turn back time and give you the best skin of your life.
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