Chemical peels are one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatment options available and a fan favorite of many members of #TeamTimeless and our patients. With a limited number of side effects and rapid recovery times, chemical peels are a quick and easy way to address many common skincare issues.  

Chemical peel acids not only exfoliate, but can also erase sun damage, plump up wrinkles, even out texture, and help eradicate acne scarring. Even better, depending on the skincare issues that you are looking to address, we can customize your chemical peels using a variety of acids to get the results you are looking for. 

Popular acids used to address common skincare issues 

• Best for Acne: Salicylic 

Looking for help in reducing breakouts? Clinical therapeutic studies show oil-soluble salicylic acid can penetrate sebaceous glands to help prevent clogging in pores and regulate the production of oil. 

• Best for Skin Resurfacing: Trichloroacetic 

Used to reduce discoloration, improve melasma, and reduce fine lines the TCA peel uses trichloroacetic acid to dry the top layers of skin so they peel off over a period of several days.  

• Best for Hydration: Hyaluronic 

Hyaluronic acid has a well-earned nickname as “nature’s moisturizer,” and is known as the ultimate hydrator. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our bodies, but we produce less and less as we age. Used in a topical form, hyaluronic acid acts as a space filler by binding to water—it can retain more than 1,000 times its weight in water!—and keeping skin free of wrinkles. 

• Best All-Around: Lactic 

Lactic acid can help those contending with multiple skin-related issues. A lactic acid peel will clear out toxins, dead cells and debris, while simultaneously boosting collagen production to hydrate the skin. Plus, this alpha-hydroxy acid derived from milk is less irritating than other options, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. 

• Best for Brightening: Ascorbic 

This extra pure form of vitamin C is known as a superstar antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radical damage caused by pollution and the sun’s harmful UV rays. Vitamin C can also brighten skin and improve elasticity since it helps synthesize collagen, which gives your skin its bounce. 

• Best for a New Face: Retinoic 

This vitamin A derivative works well in erasing wrinkles and reducing acne. It works by promoting exfoliation, improving skin quality, and blocking inflammatory pathways.  

• Best for Exfoliation: Glycolic 

Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is a favorite for those with acneic skin. It works to clear acne, blackheads, and whiteheads and can decrease oiliness in general, as well as boost exfoliation for a more even skin tone.  

Customizing your chemical peel 

A common question we get at Timeless Skin Solutions is “why is my skin not flaking after this chemical peel?”  

The fact is that there are a variety of factors that determine how much your skin will flake after getting a chemical peel. As we have already talked about, there are a wide variety of chemical peels, using different acids, that have different goals and different impacts on the skin. Some of the chemical peels hit the more superficial layers of skin (less flaking) while others go much deeper and there will be more flaking and downtime associated with them.  

Your history of getting chemical peels will also affect how your skin reacts. If you have been consistently getting chemical peels over a long period of time, your skin is in good shape and you will not see as much flaking as a result. When we talked with Allyson Sterling, PA-C, she likened it to exercise.  

“When you first start working out you are so sore you can’t even walk. And then as you get in better shape, you are working out harder and doing more you don’t get sore at all. It’s very similar with your chemical peel.”  

Allyson goes on to explain that we are also able to customize your chemical peel to fit your life. “If you have availability for downtime or you don’t, we can match that with your skincare and program.” 

At Timeless, our medical providers create an individual SkinScript for each of our patients to help them achieve their skincare goals. Our providers can help you determine the best combination of products and treatments to help you achieve them. Our goal is to help you look natural and refreshed – you, just a little better. Contact us if you have any questions about the products you are using and to start your skincare journey today.