You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your skin. Whether you want more control over how your skin ages or just a powerful tool to address skin concerns like acne and sun damage, chemical peels are one of the more versatile tools in your skin care arsenal. But, with such a wide variety of chemical peel treatments, choosing the right one for your skin can be overwhelming. Let's explore the science behind chemical peels, how to decide whether they are the right option for your skin, and some alternatives to help you achieve healthier, glowing skin at your own pace.
You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your skin. Whether you want more control over how your skin ages or just a powerful tool to address skin concerns like acne and sun damage, chemical peels are one of the more versatile tools in your skin care arsenal. But, with such a wide variety of chemical peel treatments, choosing the right one for your skin can be overwhelming. Let's explore the science behind chemical peels, how to decide whether they are the right option for your skin, and some alternatives to help you achieve healthier, glowing skin at your own pace.
01
The Science of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the outer layers of your skin, removing dead cells for smoother, more youthful skin. The acids in your chemical peel create controlled damage that promotes the turnover of skin cells, helping them produce new collagen and elastin.[1] Repeat treatments can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and acne, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.[1]
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels come in three main types based on how deep they penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, and deep. Each is designed to target specific skin concerns and is suitable for different skin types:
Superficial
Superficial peels are the gentlest, only stripping away the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. Typically using alpha hydroxy acid, superficial peels are great for light skin issues such as uneven tone, rough texture, or fine lines. Because they are relatively gentle on the skin, you'll likely only experience minor redness or limited peeling.[1] If you're looking for a quick skin refresh, this is a gentle choice with little to no disruption to your daily life. Depending on your skin sensitivity, you can typically get a superficial chemical peel every two to five weeks. This recovery time is necessary to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.[1]
01
The Science of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the outer layers of your skin, removing dead cells for smoother, more youthful skin. The acids in your chemical peel create controlled damage that promotes the turnover of skin cells, helping them produce new collagen and elastin.[1] Repeat treatments can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and acne, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.[1]
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels come in three main types based on how deep they penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, and deep. Each is designed to target specific skin concerns and is suitable for different skin types:
Superficial
Superficial peels are the gentlest, only stripping away the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. Typically using alpha hydroxy acid, superficial peels are great for light skin issues such as uneven tone, rough texture, or fine lines. Because they are relatively gentle on the skin, you'll likely only experience minor redness or limited peeling.[1] If you're looking for a quick skin refresh, this is a gentle choice with little to no disruption to your daily life. Depending on your skin sensitivity, you can typically get a superficial chemical peel every two to five weeks. This recovery time is necessary to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.[1]
Medium
Medium-depth peels penetrate further, affecting both the epidermis and upper layers of the dermis. These peels often use stronger and more potent acids like trichloroacetic acid, Jessner's solution, and glycolic acid.[2] Because they penetrate deeper into the skin, these chemical peels can treat skin conditions originating in the dermis, like deeper wrinkles, acne scars, or sun damage. While the results are more noticeable, your skin can take one to two weeks to recover, with much more peeling, redness, and sensitivity as the skin heals. While you may only experience the side effects for a few weeks, the full healing process can take 3 to 6 months and requires thorough care to avoid damaging the skin.[3]
Medium
Medium-depth peels penetrate further, affecting both the epidermis and upper layers of the dermis. These peels often use stronger and more potent acids like trichloroacetic acid, Jessner's solution, and glycolic acid.[2] Because they penetrate deeper into the skin, these chemical peels can treat skin conditions originating in the dermis, like deeper wrinkles, acne scars, or sun damage. While the results are more noticeable, your skin can take one to two weeks to recover, with much more peeling, redness, and sensitivity as the skin heals. While you may only experience the side effects for a few weeks, the full healing process can take 3 to 6 months and requires thorough care to avoid damaging the skin.[3]
Deep
The deepest chemical peels are the most potent but also riskiest. Because they deeply penetrate the dermis, causing large amounts of skin resurfacing, they leave your skin unprotected and have a lengthy recovery period. The depth of these peels lets them treat skin conditions like severe sun damage and scarring. [1] Because of their depth, however, these deep peels can come with potential side effects like scarring and pigmentation changes. This makes them riskier options that should only be performed by experienced dermatologists or plastic surgeons. Most experts find that repeated deep chemical peels can lead to permanent damage, leading some to suggest that you should only get this procedure once to correct specific conditions. This means you should consult a dermatologist before every deep chemical peel to ensure your skin can handle the high level of skin damage associated with the procedure.[3,4]
Deep
The deepest chemical peels are the most potent but also riskiest. Because they deeply penetrate the dermis, causing large amounts of skin resurfacing, they leave your skin unprotected and have a lengthy recovery period. The depth of these peels lets them treat skin conditions like severe sun damage and scarring. [1] Because of their depth, however, these deep peels can come with potential side effects like scarring and pigmentation changes. This makes them riskier options that should only be performed by experienced dermatologists or plastic surgeons. Most experts find that repeated deep chemical peels can lead to permanent damage, leading some to suggest that you should only get this procedure once to correct specific conditions. This means you should consult a dermatologist before every deep chemical peel to ensure your skin can handle the high level of skin damage associated with the procedure.[3,4]
02
Considerations Before Getting a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels can be a great way to improve your skin. But, before you decide on a chemical peel, you should consider these factors to decide what kind of peel is right for you and your skin.
- Skin Concerns: Each type of peel is designed to treat different skin concerns. Superficial peels work best for minor concerns like light texture issues or fine lines in the epidermis. On the other hand, medium and deep peels are better for treating advanced signs of aging or scarring that can only be treated by resurfacing the dermis.
- Skin Type: Your skin type can affect how your skin reacts to a chemical peel. If you have sensitive skin or a darker complexion, be mindful that some peels may cause irritation or pigmentation changes.[3] Consulting a dermatologist can help you determine the best approach for your skin.
- Season: Because chemical peels can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, many people get their deeper chemical peels during the fall or winter, when the sun is less intense and exposure is lower.[3]
- Recovery Timeline: The recovery time for chemical peels can vary. Superficial peels usually involve little to no downtime, while deeper peels may require several days to weeks for healing. Be sure to plan your peel according to your schedule, especially if you need to accommodate special events or vacations.
- Age: While chemical peels can be effective for all ages, younger individuals with minor skin concerns may prefer a superficial peel. If your skin shows more advanced signs of aging, you may benefit from a deeper treatment to treat wrinkles. A dermatologist can guide you in choosing the best peel based on your skinβs age and condition
02
Considerations Before Getting a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels can be a great way to improve your skin. But, before you decide on a chemical peel, you should consider these factors to decide what kind of peel is right for you and your skin.
- Skin Concerns: Each type of peel is designed to treat different skin concerns. Superficial peels work best for minor concerns like light texture issues or fine lines in the epidermis. On the other hand, medium and deep peels are better for treating advanced signs of aging or scarring that can only be treated by resurfacing the dermis.
- Skin Type: Your skin type can affect how your skin reacts to a chemical peel. If you have sensitive skin or a darker complexion, be mindful that some peels may cause irritation or pigmentation changes.[3] Consulting a dermatologist can help you determine the best approach for your skin.
- Season: Because chemical peels can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, many people get their deeper chemical peels during the fall or winter, when the sun is less intense and exposure is lower.[3]
- Recovery Timeline: The recovery time for chemical peels can vary. Superficial peels usually involve little to no downtime, while deeper peels may require several days to weeks for healing. Be sure to plan your peel according to your schedule, especially if you need to accommodate special events or vacations.
- Age: While chemical peels can be effective for all ages, younger individuals with minor skin concerns may prefer a superficial peel. If your skin shows more advanced signs of aging, you may benefit from a deeper treatment to treat wrinkles. A dermatologist can guide you in choosing the best peel based on your skinβs age and condition
03
Chemical Peel Aftercare Tips
Your chemical peel will leave your skin temporarily unprotected and needing extra care. Not only will these expert-recommended tips minimize discomfort, but they can also help you get the most out of your chemical peels:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: You are usually protected from sun damage by the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis. Since chemical peels often strip this layer away, your skin is more sensitive to UV rays and more likely to accumulate sun damage.[3] Protect your skin by avoiding direct sunlight and wearing a broad-spectrum mineral-based SPF, free from potential irritants like fragrances. We recommend OS-01 FACE SPF since it contains antioxidants and collagen-boosting peptides to protect against sun damage and reverse UV aging.
- Keep Skin Hydrated: Chemical peels temporarily disrupt your skin barrier, which is often why you can experience dryness and peel during the recovery process. Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic, and irritant-free moisturizer supports your skinβs recovery and minimizes some of the more uncomfortable side effects.[5] Our topical supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY, are irritant-free and ultra-hydrating, perfect for restoring a damaged skin barrier.[6]
- Avoid Scrubbing or Exfoliating: Refrain from exfoliating or scrubbing your skin until it has fully healed to avoid irritation and delays in recovery.[5] After your skin is fully healed, you'll want to slowly introduce your favorite gentle cleanserβours is PREPβinto your skin care routine.
- Avoid Irritating Skin Care Products: You'll want to give your skin a breather from makeup and other irritating skin care products like retinol for a few days to weeks after your treatment.[5] This gives your skin room to heal without interference.
03
Chemical Peel Aftercare Tips
Your chemical peel will leave your skin temporarily unprotected and needing extra care. Not only will these expert-recommended tips minimize discomfort, but they can also help you get the most out of your chemical peels:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: You are usually protected from sun damage by the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis. Since chemical peels often strip this layer away, your skin is more sensitive to UV rays and more likely to accumulate sun damage.[3] Protect your skin by avoiding direct sunlight and wearing a broad-spectrum mineral-based SPF, free from potential irritants like fragrances. We recommend OS-01 FACE SPF since it contains antioxidants and collagen-boosting peptides to protect against sun damage and reverse UV aging.
- Keep Skin Hydrated: Chemical peels temporarily disrupt your skin barrier, which is often why you can experience dryness and peel during the recovery process. Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic, and irritant-free moisturizer supports your skinβs recovery and minimizes some of the more uncomfortable side effects.[5] Our topical supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY, are irritant-free and ultra-hydrating, perfect for restoring a damaged skin barrier.[6]
- Avoid Scrubbing or Exfoliating: Refrain from exfoliating or scrubbing your skin until it has fully healed to avoid irritation and delays in recovery.[5] After your skin is fully healed, you'll want to slowly introduce your favorite gentle cleanserβours is PREPβinto your skin care routine.
- Avoid Irritating Skin Care Products: You'll want to give your skin a breather from makeup and other irritating skin care products like retinol for a few days to weeks after your treatment.[5] This gives your skin room to heal without interference.
04
What Are The Alternatives to Chemical Peels
While chemical peels are an excellent option for some, they are not for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin. Luckily, plenty of other options exist for those who want their skin to look and feel younger:
Microneedling
Microneedling treatments use tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the epidermis and dermis that are easily repaired by the body. While it may sound intense, itβs a great way to boost collagen production and improve the texture of your skin. This happens because the body increases blood flow to the affected area to help the skin repair itself.[7] It might take a few sessions to see the full results, but the process causes the bodyβs healing response to produce new collagen fibers, leaving you with smoother, more youthful-looking skin.These treatments sometimes use a serum or other topical treatment to boost the effects, as the micro-channels created by the microneedling increase the penetration of these products.[7]
04
What Are The Alternatives to Chemical Peels
While chemical peels are an excellent option for some, they are not for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin. Luckily, plenty of other options exist for those who want their skin to look and feel younger:
Microneedling
Microneedling treatments use tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the epidermis and dermis that are easily repaired by the body. While it may sound intense, itβs a great way to boost collagen production and improve the texture of your skin. This happens because the body increases blood flow to the affected area to help the skin repair itself.[7] It might take a few sessions to see the full results, but the process causes the bodyβs healing response to produce new collagen fibers, leaving you with smoother, more youthful-looking skin.These treatments sometimes use a serum or other topical treatment to boost the effects, as the micro-channels created by the microneedling increase the penetration of these products.[7]
Laser Resurfacing
Laser therapy treatments use specialized lasers to promote new growth by removing layers of skin cells. Like chemical peels, various versions of this treatment are used to treat skin concerns like fine lines, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.[8] Some of these treatments come with the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in those with darker skin tones.[9] This makes consultation with a qualified professional about the best treatment for your skin type crucial for seeing the best results.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser therapy treatments use specialized lasers to promote new growth by removing layers of skin cells. Like chemical peels, various versions of this treatment are used to treat skin concerns like fine lines, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.[8] Some of these treatments come with the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in those with darker skin tones.[9] This makes consultation with a qualified professional about the best treatment for your skin type crucial for seeing the best results.
Exfoliating Scrubs
Sometimes, the simplest things can make a huge difference. Regular exfoliation can help your body remove dead skin cells, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath.[10] While not as strong as other treatments, theyβre an easy way to make your skin feel soft and smooth. Just be careful not to overdo it, as harsh scrubs can irritate sensitive skin.
Exfoliating Scrubs
Sometimes, the simplest things can make a huge difference. Regular exfoliation can help your body remove dead skin cells, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath.[10] While not as strong as other treatments, theyβre an easy way to make your skin feel soft and smooth. Just be careful not to overdo it, as harsh scrubs can irritate sensitive skin.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light to penetrate the skin, stimulate cellular regeneration, boost mitochondrial health, and promote natural collagen production. Plus, because it's entirely non-invasive, it is an excellent option for improving skin tone, reducing fine lines, and promoting overall skin health that you can easily integrate into your routine.[11,12]
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light to penetrate the skin, stimulate cellular regeneration, boost mitochondrial health, and promote natural collagen production. Plus, because it's entirely non-invasive, it is an excellent option for improving skin tone, reducing fine lines, and promoting overall skin health that you can easily integrate into your routine.[11,12]
How to Use OneSkinβs Skin Protocol to Boost Collagen
While many of these treatments are excellent ways to boost your skinβs collagen production and help your skin look and feel younger, only OneSkinβs skin protocol is designed to reverse the biological age of skin with the OS-01 peptide. Powered by our proprietary peptide, OS-01, our topical supplements OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by blocking cellular senescence, a root cause of skin aging.[6] And, because our products are designed to work on all skin types and are proven to be safe on sensitive skin, you can use our topical supplements and SPFs to complement your other skin care treatments.
How to Use OneSkinβs Skin Protocol to Boost Collagen
While many of these treatments are excellent ways to boost your skinβs collagen production and help your skin look and feel younger, only OneSkinβs skin protocol is designed to reverse the biological age of skin with the OS-01 peptide. Powered by our proprietary peptide, OS-01, our topical supplements OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by blocking cellular senescence, a root cause of skin aging.[6] And, because our products are designed to work on all skin types and are proven to be safe on sensitive skin, you can use our topical supplements and SPFs to complement your other skin care treatments.
Key Takeaways:
- Chemical peels help rejuvenate your skin by removing dead cells and boosting collagen production.
- Chemical peels come in three types, each targeting different levels of skin penetration to address various concerns: Superficial, medium, and deep.
- Choosing the right chemical peel depends on skin type and the specific issues you're trying to address.
- After a chemical peel, protecting your skin from sun damage and keeping it hydrated are vital steps to ensure you get the most out of your peel.
- If chemical peels aren't right for you, options like microneedling or exfoliating scrubs can also promote skin health.
- Complement your chemical peel treatments with OneSkinβs topical supplements to enhance your skinβs rejuvenation and combat the visible and invisible signs of skin aging.
Key Takeaways:
- Chemical peels help rejuvenate your skin by removing dead cells and boosting collagen production.
- Chemical peels come in three types, each targeting different levels of skin penetration to address various concerns: Superficial, medium, and deep.
- Choosing the right chemical peel depends on skin type and the specific issues you're trying to address.
- After a chemical peel, protecting your skin from sun damage and keeping it hydrated are vital steps to ensure you get the most out of your peel.
- If chemical peels aren't right for you, options like microneedling or exfoliating scrubs can also promote skin health.
- Complement your chemical peel treatments with OneSkinβs topical supplements to enhance your skinβs rejuvenation and combat the visible and invisible signs of skin aging.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29064096/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6122508/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921757/
- https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/chemical-peel/deep
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK547752/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4976400/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7118506/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10777097/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5172479/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33471046/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10462800/
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29064096/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6122508/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921757/
- https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/chemical-peel/deep
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK547752/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4976400/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7118506/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10777097/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5172479/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33471046/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10462800/
