1. Choose your specialist carefully. Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, licensed estheticians and registered nurses can all perform chemical peels. However, depending on the type of peel, you might need to see a doctor.

Before choosing the specialist, here are some tips from the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery to ensure that he or she is well-qualified:

• Check educational and training background, credentials and experience.


• Ask how many times he or she has performed this procedure.
• Ask to see before and after photos of patients who’ve had chemical peels.

2. Become familiar with the types of peels. There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep. And, they increase substantially in cost depending on the peel. The cost ranges from $150 to $300 for superficial peels; $1,000 to $2,000 for medium peels and $2,500 up to $5,000 for deep peels, according to Smart SkinCare.

• Superficial: The mildest of chemical peels, superficial peels treat fine lines, discoloration, dryness, roughness and mild acne. Results are subtle and you’ll need regular maintenance sessions. Estheticians typically perform superficial peels
  • Common solutions: Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid), salicylic acid
• Medium: These peels penetrate deeper into the skin, producing a second-degree burn. Medium peels treat wrinkles, pigmentation problems, sun damage and blemishes. You’ll need at least a week to recover. You’ll also need several peels to achieve desired results.
  • Common solution: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
• Deep: These peels target deep wrinkles, dramatic discoloration and skin lesions. Deep peels are the most effective, providing pronounced and long-lasting results. But they’re also riskier with longer recovery time — most people take two weeks off from work. A certified, experienced plastic surgeon must perform these peels. This peel is only performed once.
  • Common solution: Phenol

3. Schedule a skin consultation. Because a chemical peel is an aggressive treatment, it’s important that you get an in-depth analysis of your skin. When at the consultation, make sure the specialist takes your medical history. And be prepared to ask questions.

Here are several questions to get you started:

• What is my skin type?


• What are my skin concerns?


• How can chemical peels improve my skin?


• What kind of peel is best for my skin type?

4. Consider your skin type. Be aware that a chemical peel isn’t always the best option for your skin type. These are several examples when a chemical peel isn’t appropriate or can be helpful.

• Dry or sensitive skin: In most cases, a chemical peel isn’t the best treatment for your easily irritated skin. A peel might cause dryness, flakiness, itching and redness.
• Mild to moderate acne and/or acne scars: A chemical peel is a good choice, because the acids work to both kill active blemishes on the surface and also prevent new blemishes from forming. By accelerating the exfoliation process, a chemical peel delivers clearer, healthier-looking skin.
• Severe acne: If you have inflammatory acne and deep cysts, you’ll want to consult a dermatologist; a chemical peel might not be the best treatment for you.

5. Become an expert on your chemical peel. Before having the chemical peel, make sure you ask the specialist these important questions.

• What kind of peel is it?


• What strength?


• How many sessions will I need?


• What are the pros and cons?


• What kind of results can I expect?


• Potential complications?


• What should I do to prepare for the treatment beforehand?


• How should I care for my skin after the treatment?

6. Minimize potential risks. Communication is key in making your chemical peel a safe experience, so be sure to ask many questions about what to expect during and after the treatment. This way you can make sure you’re experiencing normal reactions or seek immediate attention if you aren’t. Remember if something doesn’t feel right, always speak up.

Some questions to get you started:

• Please give me a detailed explanation on how the procedure will be performed.


• What kind of discomfort, pain and other reactions can I expect during the procedure?


• How should my skin react after the chemical peel?


• What are the common and uncommon side effects?


• What kinds of reactions warrant medical attention?

Also, when the specialist takes your medical history, discuss any health conditions, the medications you’re currently taking and skin products you’re using.

7. Prepare your skin. About two to four weeks prior to your chemical peel, the specialist will ask you to incorporate pre-care products into your daily regimen. These products are designed to thin out the skin’s surface, allowing the peel to penetrate deeper and evenly. You might be prescribed Retin-A, an AHA product or hydroquinone cream.

When using these new products, you might have to discontinue your old ones. Your specialist will give you specific information about what products to use and avoid.

8. Be realistic about the results. Depending on the type of peel, your results might be subtle or dramatic. That’s why you should fully understand how the chemical peel will improve your skin and whether you’ll need additional sessions to maintain results.

See also:

Review of Top 5 Products to Repair Aging Skin

Improving Acne Scars and Discoloration

Turning Back Time: Anti-Aging Products for Every Age