Chemical Peels: Everything You Need to Know

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Chemical peels are one of the most popular professional skincare treatments, and for good reason. They can transform the skin’s tone, texture, and overall radiance. At Straith Clinic Med Spa, our licensed providers use medical-grade peels to help improve everything from acne and pigmentation to fine lines and sun damage.

If you have ever searched “What is a chemical peel?” or “Which chemical peel is best for me?” this guide explains everything from how peels work to the results you can expect, along with the specific peels we offer in-office.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel treatment uses a solution, often a blend of medical-grade acids, to exfoliate and remove the outermost layers of skin. This controlled resurfacing process reveals smoother, healthier skin underneath and helps improve common concerns such as:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne and acne scarring
• Pigmentation and melasma
• Uneven texture and enlarged pores
• Sun damage

How Does It Work?

• Controlled Exfoliation: The peel solution breaks down damaged skin cells, lifting away the dull, outer layer.
• Cell Regeneration: By stimulating cell turnover, chemical peels encourage the growth of new, healthier skin.
• Visible Restoration: Freshly revealed skin is smoother, brighter, and more evenly toned.

Types of Chemical Peels

Superficial Peel

• Works only on the outer layer (epidermis).
• Minimal downtime; can be repeated more frequently.
• Best for mild discoloration, rough texture, clogged pores, and early fine lines.
• Available at Straith Clinic Med Spa: Pro Clinical Peel and SkinBetter AlphaRet Peel 30.

Medium Peel

• Reaches the upper dermis (second layer of skin).
• Moderate downtime; typically done in a series or a few times a year.
• Best for acne scars, deeper pigmentation, fine-to-moderate wrinkles, and melasma.
• Available at Straith Clinic Med Spa: The Perfect Derma Peel.

Deep Peel

• Penetrates deeper into the dermis.
• Significant downtime, often several weeks.
• Best for advanced sun damage, severe acne scarring, and deep wrinkles.
• Offered at Straith Clinic with physician consultation.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Patients often ask, “What does a chemical peel help with?” These are the top benefits:

• Reduces sun damage and hyperpigmentation, including melasma
• Treats acne and helps regulate excess oil
• Softens acne scars and textural irregularities
• Minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores
• Calms redness and rosacea
• Promotes a fresher, more youthful-looking complexion

When Is the Best Time to Get a Peel?

The ideal time is when you can protect your skin from the sun and allow it to heal. Fall and winter are often best since UV exposure is lower. Avoid peels if you have had recent sun exposure, such as a beach vacation or use of tanning bed, within the last two weeks.

How to Prepare for a Peel

• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids, or hydroquinone at least three to five days before treatment
• Wear SPF 30 or higher daily leading up to your peel

What to Expect During and After a Peel

• Temporary dryness, tightness, or tingling is normal
• Mild redness and peeling typically begin within a few days
• Peeling usually completes by day seven, though healing times may vary

Do’s and Don’ts While Peeling

✅ Do:

• Cleanse gently with lukewarm water
• Use only the products recommended by your provider
• Apply a cold compress if irritation occurs
• Be diligent with SPF

❌ Don’t:

• Pick or peel the skin, which can cause scarring
• Use scrubs, retinoids, or exfoliating products
• Expose your skin to direct sun, saunas, or swimming pools
• Over-exercise or cause heavy sweating until skin has healed

Post-Care and Results

Most patients notice a brighter, smoother complexion within a week once peeling has subsided. Continue to wear SPF daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure to protect your results. If your skin still feels sensitive or irritated, delay returning to active skincare products until it is fully healed.

Featured Peels at Straith Clinic Med Spa

Pro Clinical Peel (with Glutathione)

• What it is: A non-prescription, superficial peel by the maker of The Perfect Derma Peel. Intended for gentler, more frequent use, particularly “in between” more aggressive treatments.
• What’s in it: A blend of acids and antioxidants, including glutathione, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid. Fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free.
• Best for: Maintenance treatments, mild aging, uneven tone, large pores, and dull complexion. Minimal downtime.

SkinBetter Science — AlphaRet Professional Peel System 30

• What it is: An in-office professional peel using AlphaRet® technology. Designed for moderate sun damage.
• What’s in it: Triple-acid complex (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids) combined with a patented retinoid/AHA combination.
• Best for: Mild to moderate sun damage, fine lines, uneven skin tone and texture, and early pigmentation.
• Downtime: Less than deeper peels. Some mild redness or flaking may occur.

The Perfect Derma Peel

• What it is: A medium-depth, medical-grade peel suitable for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I–VI).
• What’s in it: TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, phenol, glutathione, and vitamin C.
• Best for: Hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage, acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture.
• What to expect: Visible peeling around day three, mostly complete by day seven. Downtime is moderate when considering exercise and direct sun exposure.
• Maintenance: Multiple sessions may be recommended for more severe concerns. For maintenance, one to two peels per year are common.

Book Your Chemical Peel at Straith Clinic Med Spa

Ready to see if a chemical peel is right for you? Our team at Straith Clinic Med Spa will create a treatment plan tailored to your skin type and goals.

📞 Call 248-647-5800 or schedule your consultation today.