Exfoliate and renew for a radiant glow.
Chemical peels improve pigment, texture, and sun damage by removing controlled layers of skin. Ranging from light to deep, peels can improve skin texture, reduce discoloration, and treat acne.
InquireChemical peels are categorized by depth of penetration. Superficial peels using alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) or low-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA 10–20%) target the stratum corneum and superficial epidermis. Medium-depth peels using TCA 35% or the Jessner-TCA combination penetrate to the papillary dermis, addressing moderate photodamage and acne scarring. Deep peels using phenol or the Gordon-Baker formula reach the reticular dermis for maximum rejuvenation. All medium and deep peels require four to six weeks of pretreatment with tretinoin and hydroquinone to optimize outcomes. The solution is applied in controlled passes, monitoring for uniform frosting, the clinical endpoint for depth assessment, and neutralized where applicable.
Chemical peels work best for lighter skin types with sun damage, uneven pigment, acne marks, or rough texture. Lighter peels are appropriate for darker skin types with proper pretreatment and adjusted protocols. Good candidates have no active herpes simplex outbreaks, have completed their pretreatment skin conditioning protocol, and have clear expectations for multiple days of social downtime with medium and deep peels. Isotretinoin must be discontinued for at least twelve months prior to medium or deep peels.
Light peels require minimal recovery with mild redness and flaking over two to three days. Medium-depth peels produce moderate swelling and peeling beginning on days two to three and resolving within seven to ten days. Deep peels involve significant edema and weeping during the first week, followed by progressive skin shedding over ten to fourteen days. Strict sun avoidance and a gentle, occlusive skincare regimen are essential throughout recovery. New skin is initially pink and gradually fades to normal over four to six weeks.
Redness, tightness, and initial frosting resolve. Swelling peaks. Occlusive moisturizer applied continuously.
Active skin peeling occurs. Skin must not be picked or forcibly removed. Gentle cleansing only.
New skin emerges. Pink or erythematous appearance normalizes. Strict SPF 50+ sun protection required.
Chemical peel risks vary by depth. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the most common concern, particularly in darker skin types, and is mitigated by thorough pretreatment. Herpes simplex reactivation is prevented by prophylactic antiviral medication. Scarring is rare with proper patient selection and technique. Deep phenol peels carry systemic risks including cardiac arrhythmia and require cardiac monitoring during treatment.
Laser resurfacing, especially ablative fractional CO2 or Erbium YAG lasers, offers a technologically distinct but comparable approach to skin renewal with the advantage of more precise depth control. Microneedling with radiofrequency can address texture and mild laxity with less downtime. Topical medical-grade regimens including retinoids, growth factors, and antioxidants can maintain results between treatments but cannot replicate the depth of correction achieved by medium or deep peels.
Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California