Chemical peels can be an effective way to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. They work well for certain concerns but are not a fix for everything.
This guide outlines five common skin issues that peels can help treat, along with three they cannot. The goal is to provide clear, honest information so you can make confident, informed decisions about your skin care.
What is a Chemical Peel
A chemical peel uses a mild acid to exfoliate the skin by removing the outer layer of dead cells. This process encourages fresher, younger cells to rise to the surface, revealing a brighter and more refined complexion.
Peels come in different strengths. Some are superficial and target only the outermost layer, while others penetrate deeper to treat more stubborn concerns. A licensed professional will assess your skin type and concerns to determine the right level for you.
During the procedure, you may feel a mild stinging or warming sensation. After the peel, a calming treatment and sun protection are applied to soothe the skin. In the days that follow, light peeling may occur as dead skin sheds, often revealing a smoother texture and a healthy glow underneath.
1. Uneven tone and sun spots
Many people have patches of darker skin from sun exposure. These spots form when melanin builds in one area.
Chemical peels can help reduce excess pigmentation by removing layers of skin that hold concentrated melanin. At the same time, they stimulate new cell growth, which gradually leads to a more even skin tone. Over a series of treatments, dark spots such as sun damage and hyperpigmentation can fade, giving the skin a clearer, more balanced appearance.
Because chemical peels penetrate deeper than most over-the-counter acid products, they are more effective for this type of discoloration. Licensed professionals control the depth of the peel based on your skin type and the severity of pigmentation, ensuring both safety and results.
After a peel, your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. It is important to avoid direct sun exposure and to apply sunscreen daily. Achieving your ideal tone often requires multiple sessions spaced out over several weeks.
2. Dull texture and rough patches
Over time, old skin cells accumulate on the surface and can leave your skin feeling rough or looking dull. A chemical peel gently removes these dead cells, allowing fresher, healthier skin to emerge. This reveals a softer texture and a more radiant appearance.
When done regularly, chemical peels help maintain smoothness by clearing away rough patches and raised areas. They also unclog pores, which allows your moisturizers and serums to absorb more effectively.
To get the best results without irritation, it’s important to choose the right peel for your skin. Our trained Estheticians will assess your texture concerns and recommend a peel that targets them safely and effectively, reducing the risk of damage and helping you achieve consistent improvement.
3. Mild acne and clogged pores
Acne often begins when dead skin cells block a pore, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Chemical peels help clear these blockages by exfoliating the surface and encouraging healthy skin cell turnover. This process can reduce the frequency of breakouts and improve the appearance of clogged pores.
Some peels contain salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates oil and targets the bacteria responsible for acne. By helping to keep pores clear, these peels are especially effective for blackheads, whiteheads, and mild inflammatory acne.
However, peels are not suitable for deep cystic acne, which forms below the surface and typically requires medical treatment. For more superficial concerns, chemical peels can play a valuable role in managing breakouts.
For best results, pair peels with a consistent skincare routine. Cleanse your face twice a day, use a lightweight moisturizer, and consider incorporating a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide under the guidance of your licensed esthetician.
4. Fine lines and early wrinkles
Fine lines develop as the skin gradually loses collagen and volume. Chemical peels help by removing the outermost layer of aging skin and encouraging new collagen production, which can make the skin appear firmer and more refined over time.
Lighter peels can improve the appearance of fine lines around delicate areas such as the eyes and mouth. Deeper peels often produce more noticeable results, but they also come with a longer recovery period. Our licensed Estheticians can assess your skin and recommend the appropriate depth based on your goals and tolerance for downtime.
It’s important to set realistic expectations. A single peel will not erase fine lines or freeze them into smoothness. Instead, peels work gradually, softening lines over time when used consistently and in combination with good skincare. Daily use of moisturizer and sun protection helps maintain firmness and enhance long-term results.
5. Mild scarring and texture from old acne
Some forms of acne leave behind shallow scars or small pits that affect the surface texture of the skin. Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of these mild scars by removing damaged outer layers and stimulating healthy new skin growth.
Peels are especially effective for softening rolling scars or small sunken marks, as they can reach just deep enough to encourage smoother skin over time. However, improvement usually requires a series of treatments rather than a single session.
While chemical peels cannot repair deep or surgical scars, they can make shallow scars less noticeable and create a more even, refined surface.
3 Skin Concerns Chemical Peels Cannot Fix
Even with strong peels you will not see change in certain problems. You will need other treatments for these issues.
Deep scars from injury or surgery
Scars caused by cuts, surgery, or severe injury often run deep beneath the skin’s surface. These types of scars extend through multiple layers, far below the reach of light or medium chemical peels. Even stronger peels cannot penetrate deep enough to fully remodel this kind of tissue.
For these scars, more advanced treatments such as microneedling, laser therapy, or surgical revision may be required. While chemical peels can improve surface texture and tone, they are not designed to address deeply embedded scar tissue.
You need treatments that reach deeper tissue layers. Laser, microneedling or surgery may help.
Raised lesions such as cysts, moles or skin tags
Chemical peels target the outer layers of the skin, which makes them effective for surface-level concerns. However, they do not affect raised bumps, cysts, or moles. These are deeper structures that lie below the reach of a peel.
To remove cysts, moles, or other raised growths, minor surgical procedures or dermatologic treatments such as excision are typically required. A licensed provider can evaluate the condition and recommend the appropriate method for safe and effective removal.
Never treat these with a peel. A professional must assess them first. You might need a biopsy or specialist care.
Deep wrinkles and sagging skin
Peels can smooth out mild lines and improve cell turnover. But deep wrinkles need stronger tools. Collagen remodel or skin lifting treatments offer better results.
Treatments you may consider include radiofrequency therapy, ultrasound therapy or injectable fillers.
What Peels Can Do for You
Skin Concern | Peel Can Help | Peel Cannot Help |
Uneven tone or sun spots | ✔ | |
Dull texture and rough patches | ✔ | |
Mild acne and clogged pores | ✔ | |
Fine lines and early wrinkles | ✔ | |
Mild acne scars | ✔ | |
Deep scars | ✔ | |
Raised lesions (cysts, moles) | ✔ | |
Deep wrinkles or sagging | ✔ |
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel
Planning helps your skin heal faster. Follow these steps before your peel.
- Clean your skin. Do not use makeup or oil that day.
- Avoid strong acids. Stop retinol or exfoliating products for 3 to 5 days.
- Reduce sun exposure. Sunburned skin will react more during the peel.
- Talk to your provider. Mention allergies or sensitive skin.
- Plan downtime. A light peel may cause mild peeling. A deeper peel may need a few days to recover.
What to Expect During and After a Peel
During the peel
The treatment begins with your provider thoroughly cleansing your face to remove oils and impurities. The chemical solution is then applied in sections. You may feel warmth, tingling, or a mild stinging sensation as the acid works on your skin.
Your provider monitors the timing closely to ensure the peel reaches the right depth without causing irritation. Once the prescribed amount of peel has been applied, the patient is free to leave while the peel remains on the face to self-neutralize. Aftercare is provided for use at home.
After the peel
Following a chemical peel, your skin may feel tight and appear red, similar to a mild sunburn. Light peeling or flaking can occur over the next two to seven days, and some people experience mild itching as the skin heals.
During this time, it is important to care for your skin gently. Use a mild cleanser, post repair cream, and sunscreen. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and direct sun exposure, as your skin will be more sensitive than usual. Daily use of the broad-spectrum sunscreen provided is essential to protect the new skin and maintain your results.
Once healing is complete, you should notice a fresher, more radiant appearance. Many people see improved smoothness and brightness after just one session, though a series of treatments is often needed to reach long-term skin goals.
How Often Should You Get a Peel
You control the schedule with your provider.
Here is a safe plan:
- Light peels every 2 or 4 weeks
- Medium peels every 6 to 8 weeks
- Strong peels rarely repeated; only as advised
Too many peels may damage the skin barrier. Long recovery or inflammation may result. A plan based on your skin type avoids these traps.
Choosing a Professional
Check for:
- Licensed esthetician or board certified specialist
- Peel options up to medium strength
- Treatment to soothe and protect after peel
- Clear healing plan and sun protection advice
Skip clinics that push deep peels without assessing your skin. You want calm confidence and no rush.
Chemical Peel Treatments Available at The Moore Center
We offer a wide range of focused chemical peels in Athens, Georgia designed to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity.
Our treatments address concerns such as sun damage, acne scarring, uneven pigmentation, and early signs of aging. Each peel is selected based on your skin type, goals, and the depth of treatment needed.
VI Peel System
The VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that blends several active ingredients to target multiple concerns at once. It combines trichloroacetic acid (TCA), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and Vitamin C.
This blend helps exfoliate damaged skin, reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and brighten the complexion.
The VI Peel is safe for all skin types and tones and is known for being well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort during treatment.
Benefits of the VI Peel include:
- Reduction in sun damage and dark spots
- Fewer acne breakouts and less visible acne scarring
- Softer fine lines
- Brighter, smoother skin within seven days
- Short recovery period with clear aftercare instructions
We offer the VI Peel for the face and neck as well as for larger body areas.
VI Peel Body Treatment
The VI Peel Body treatment extends the benefits of professional peeling beyond the face. It is designed to improve texture and tone across the chest, back, arms, and other areas where skin concerns are common but often untreated.
It can help with hyperpigmentation, body acne, sun damage, and stretch marks.
Obagi Blue Brilliance Peel
For those seeking a lighter resurfacing option, we offer the Obagi Blue Brilliance Peel. This treatment combines salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid for gentle but effective exfoliation.
It is appropriate for regular use and helps improve dullness, uneven tone, and fine surface lines.
This peel delivers professional results and is suitable for a range of skin types.
How Our Peels Work
Each chemical peel works by removing the outermost layer of skin cells through a controlled application of acids. The body then responds by generating new skin cells and increasing collagen production in the treated area. The process helps soften irregular pigmentation, smooth rough texture, and reduce visible blemishes over time.
Our treatments use acids targeted for specific concerns:
- TCA breaks down surface damage and promotes new skin growth
- Retinoic acid speeds up cell turnover and collagen repair
- Salicylic acid clears blocked pores and reduces inflammation
- Phenol penetrates deeper layers for lasting results
- Vitamin C brightens skin and supports healing
What to Expect from Treatment
Each chemical peel begins with a consultation. We assess your skin type and choose the appropriate formula. During treatment, your skin is cleansed, and the peel is applied in even layers. Most clients describe the sensation as warm or slightly tingling.
The peel stays on the skin for several hours and is rinsed off at home. Over the next week, you will experience light flaking to heavy peeling. Full results are typically visible within one week.
Proper aftercare is essential. We provide specific instructions that include avoiding sun exposure, using non-irritating skincare, and protecting your skin with sunscreen. Picking at peeling skin should be avoided to prevent scarring or uneven healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do peels hurt
No. You feel warmth or mild sting. Let your provider know if it hurts. They will stop or rinse sooner.
How long until I see results
You notice brightness a few days after peeling stops. Full results appear after one to three weeks. You may need three to six sessions for lasting change.
Can I wear makeup after a peel
Yes. But wait until your skin calms. That is usually one to three days later. Use gentle, non clogging products.
Can I do a peel during pregnancy
Some acids are not safe. Always talk to your provider and your doctor. They may recommend mild acids like glycolic or fruit based peels.
Is peeling normal
Yes. It is part of the process. Mild peeling may last up to seven days. Do not pull the skin. Use gentle care.
How do I care for my skin after a peel
Clean gently. Use Post Repair Cream for Itching. No actives, such as retinol or exfoliants, for a week. Block sun with SPF 30 or higher. Skip workouts that make you sweat a lot.
Final Thoughts
Chemical peels do change your skin. They fix some issues and not others. They even out skin tone and smooth. They help with mild acne and early lines too. They do not treat deep scars or sagging skin. A peel is not a cure all. But it offers a reliable path to better skin.
Plan well. Work with a trained provider. Do the right aftercare. Let peels become part of your routine.
If you want deeper change or a custom plan ask our providers for next steps. We may suggest lasers or other treatments. You now have a clear guide to decide.
