Do chemical peels seem so – yesterday?  I am here to tell you chemical peels are BACK!  Honestly – they never went away, but they are having a resurgence and for good reason.  The trusty ol’ chemical peel can deliver some of the same skin benefits as other high tech devices.  Just beneath the surface of your skin is a clear, spotless complexion and a chemical peel may be the fastest way to get there.

Unlike most old-is-new-again ideas, today’s peels aren’t just a re-marketing effort. In the 90s, the glycolic peel was popular, but it left skin raw and hurt like %@#$! Over the last 20+ years acid formulas have been refined and there are literally a variety peels to safely treat all skin types. Not only has the peel itself changed but so has our approach to using them.  Yes – we still want to remove dead skin cells, but we have learned we can do this without significant redness or visual peeling.  Still not sold? Here are four more reasons to reconsider a chemical peel.

Chemical Peels can make your skin and skin care products work better. In minutes, acids lift away dead skin cells and signal the skin to produce new cells which in turn stimulates new collagen production. As the topmost layer is shed, your skin will look younger and act younger! And, without the dead cells to impede penetration your skin-care products will perform better.

Chemical Peels are low risk and easy to customize. The great thing about chemical peels is that they are safe to use on every skin color without risk of hyperpigmentation. We have learned to use lower percentages of multiple acids to produce a better outcome with less irritation than a single acid at a higher strength. With many premixed combinations available, skin specialists can easily address specific concerns, skin types or complexion goals.

Chemical Peels stop acne and soften the scars that come with it. Salicylic acid peels and peels using a mix of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol and vitamin A (SkinMedica Vitalize peel), dive deep into skin to unclog pores while skimming the surface to erode blackheads and fade post-pimple marks.  The glycolic acid is the catalyst to minimize acne scarring while salicylic acid lingers in the pores and continues to keep them clear over time.

Chemical Peels control melasma. There isn’t a permanent cure for the recurring sun-triggered dark patches brought on by hormonal surges (like those caused by pregnancy and the Pill), but chemical peels (paired with at-home bleaching creams, high-SPF sunscreen, and strict sun avoidance) offer a fighting chance. Recurring chemical peels help to increase cell turnover and speed the exit of unwanted pigment out of the skin!