Overview
Chemical peels use carefully controlled chemical agents to remove damaged outer skin layers, stimulating regeneration of smoother, more evenly pigmented skin underneath. Dr. Fern's practice offers superficial glycolic and salicylic peels for maintenance, medium-depth TCA peels for more significant texture and pigmentation improvement, and deep phenol peels for patients with severe photodamage and deep rhytids — always matched to the patient's skin type and downtime availability.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for chemical peel typically present with one or more of the following:
- Uneven skin tone or pigmentation from sun damage or melasma
- Fine lines and surface texture irregularities
- Post-acne scarring and discoloration
- Dull, tired-appearing skin
The Procedure
Dr. Fern's approach to chemical peel proceeds through the following steps:
- Skin prepared with tretinoin and Vitamin C for several weeks before treatment
- Chemical solution applied evenly; depth controlled by concentration and contact time
- Neutralized or self-neutralizing depending on agent
- Post-peel barrier ointment applied; sun protection strictly required
Recovery
Superficial peels: 3–5 days of mild peeling. Medium-depth: 7–10 days of significant peeling and redness. Deep peels: 10–14 days of significant healing; full redness resolution over several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many peels do I need?
Superficial peels are performed in a series of 3–6. Medium-depth peels often produce significant improvement in a single session. Deep peels are typically done once.
Can darker skin tones have chemical peels?
Yes, with appropriate agent selection. Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin tones require careful protocol selection to minimize risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Dr. Fern's team will assess this at consultation.