SkinMedica Chemical Peel

SkinMedica Chemical Peels are a professional strength line of peels designed to improve the overall texture, tone, and clarity of your skin with minimal downtime. They work by applying a carefully formulated solution of acids and active ingredients to the skin, which breaks down the bonds between dead, damaged skin cells and encourages them to shed. As that older, sun damaged surface layer sloughs off, fresh new skin is revealed underneath, and your body ramps up collagen and cell turnover in the process. The result is brighter, smoother, more radiant skin that looks and feels healthier from the inside out.

SkinMedica offers three main peels, each designed for different skin types and goals. The Illuminize Peel is the most gentle option and is great for sensitive skin, first time peel clients, or anyone who wants a quick glow up with zero downtime. The Vitalize Peel is a medium strength peel that's ideal for mild to moderate concerns like fine lines, dullness, uneven tone, and early sun damage. It typically comes with 2 to 3 days of light flaking. The Rejuvenize Peel is the strongest of the three and is best for moderate to severe concerns like deeper pigmentation, melasma, acne scarring, and more noticeable sun damage. It can involve 5 to 7 days of more visible peeling, but the results are worth it. During your consultation we'll look at your skin, talk through your goals and concerns, and help you choose the right peel for where you are.

These peels are effective for a wide range of skin concerns, including dullness, uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne, acne scarring, large pores, and rough texture. They can be used on the face, and the Vitalize and Rejuvenize can also be used on the neck and chest. Because SkinMedica peels use formulations that include built-in anti-irritants and penetration enhancers, they deliver serious results with less irritation than many other medical grade peels on the market, and all three are safe for a wide range of skin tones when used appropriately.

A typical SkinMedica Chemical Peel appointment takes about 30 to 45 minutes. We start by thoroughly cleansing and prepping your skin, then apply the peel solution in layers. You'll likely feel a mild tingling, warmth, or light stinging during application, which is completely normal and usually settles within a minute or two. We provide a handheld fan during treatment to keep you comfortable, and the whole active application only takes around 15 minutes. If your peel includes retinoic acid, you'll leave with a slight yellow tint on your skin that fades within a few hours.

Downtime depends on which peel you choose. The Illuminize has essentially no downtime, just a little pinkness that fades in an hour or two. The Vitalize typically comes with mild flaking that starts on day 2 or 3 and resolves in about 5 days. The Rejuvenize involves more visible peeling that can last up to a week to 10 days. Your skin may feel tight, itchy, or look slightly red in the first day or two, similar to a mild sunburn. Do not pick or pull at flaking skin, let it come off naturally. Picking can cause irritation, uneven results, or even scarring.

Aftercare is straightforward but important. Avoid direct sun, intense workouts, saunas, and sweating for at least 24 to 48 hours after your peel. Stick with a gentle, soap free cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer while your skin heals. Hold off on retinol, acids, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliants, and bleaching creams for at least 2 weeks or until peeling is fully complete. Sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day for at least a week after, and ideally always, since your skin will be more photosensitive during healing.

Results are visible right away with the Illuminize and build over about a week with the Vitalize and Rejuvenize as your skin finishes turning over. For the best long-term results, we recommend a series of 3 to 6 peels spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Most clients come in every few months for maintenance peels once they've hit their initial goals. SkinMedica peels pair beautifully with other treatments in your skin plan, though you'll want to space them out properly, which we'll help you map out.

SkinMedica Chemical Peels aren't recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have recently taken Accutane (typically within the last 6 to 12 months), have active cold sores, open wounds, sunburn, eczema or rosacea flares in the treatment area, or have a known allergy to aspirin or salicylates. We'll go through your full history during your consultation to make sure you're a good candidate and choose the peel that fits your skin best.