Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a popular type of cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of the skin. They treat a variety of skin problems and have different levels of intensity, making it easy to find a peel that works with your lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

Whatever your skin concern, our experts at Lockhart Matter Dermatology can help. We offer safe, effective chemical peels to clients in the Prosper, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and greater Dallas area. To learn more, schedule a consultation today. 

What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. The solution is left on the skin for a certain period of time before being washed off. This process sloughs off dead skin cells and promotes the growth of healthy new skin.

Benefits

Chemical peels have a wide range of skin benefits, including:

• Softened fine lines and wrinkles
• Faded acne scars
• Smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin
• Reduced hyperpigmentation and discoloration

Before and Afters

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels typically fall within three categories: light, medium or deep. Depending on the depth of the peel, different layers of skin are affected. The deeper the peel, the more effective it will be but the more downtime it will require.

Light peels

A light or superficial peel is the least intense of the three and usually involves the application of glycolic acid, lactic acid, other alpha-hydroxy acids and salicylic acid. This type of peel immediately makes the skin appear brighter and more clear. It also subtly improves the appearance of fine lines, sun spots and other signs of aging.

Superficial peels typically cause mild sun sensitivity for a day or two, but otherwise don’t involve downtime.

Medium peels

A medium chemical peel is more intense and offers more significant results. It involves stronger chemicals, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or Jessner’s solution, a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.

This type of peel reduces the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. In some cases, it can also treat acne scars and precancerous growths such as actinic keratosis.

Medium-depth peels may require 1–2 weeks of recovery time and have more side effects such as swelling, redness, scabbing, peeling and discomfort.

Deep peels

The most transformative type of chemical peel, a deep peel involves the use of phenol, also known as carbolic acid. The phenol penetrates the dermis, the lowest layer of skin, to treat wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging in a single session while encouraging long-term collagen growth. It is also the most aggressive of the three types and carries the greatest risk of side effects.

Recovery from a deep chemical peel takes several weeks, and it is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor for the best results. Expect to have redness, swelling, blisters, scabbing and peeling of the skin. Keep the treated area clean, moisturized and protected from sun exposure. You will also need to avoid any activities that could cause excessive sweating or friction on the treated area.

Because a deep peel can potentially cause serious complications, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of undergoing treatment with a qualified healthcare professional.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a safe, effective treatment for most healthy men and women looking to improve the look and feel of their skin. 

This procedure treats many skin concerns, including:

• Acne
• Acne scars
• Discoloration
• Dull or uneven skin tone
• Fine lines
• Melasma
• Rough skin texture
• Precancerous growths
• Sun spots
• Unwanted pigmentation
• Wrinkles

If you have a darker skin tone, you’re more likely to experience complications such as hypopigmentation and scarring after certain types of peels; consult a dermatologist who’s experienced with your skin type before undergoing a chemical peel. 

If you take or have taken isotretinoin in the past, wait at least 6 months before scheduling a peel. Anyone who is pregnant or has an active skin infection, history of keloid scarring or compromised immune system should avoid this procedure.

Chemical Peels We Offer

Lockhart Matter Dermatology uses peels developed by SkinBetter Science and the Vitality Institute, two leaders in the field of clinically tested, results-oriented skincare. 

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Peel

This light, no-downtime peel contains a patented retinoid and triple acid formulation designed to complement the award-winning SkinBetter product line. 

The Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Peel treats:

• Early signs of aging
• Mild sun damage
• Uneven skin tone and texture

Vitality Institute VI Peels

Created by the Vitality Institute, a clinical skincare brand dedicated to inclusivity, these medium-depth peels are safe for all skin tones and offer results in 7 days.

VI Peel Original

The original VI Peel improves the tone, texture and clarity of your skin while protecting against future damage. It’s an ideal first-time peel for clients of all ages and is safe for sensitive skin. 

VI Peel Original treats:

• Rough, uneven skin
• Keratosis pilaris
• Early signs of aging

VI Peel Advanced

Designed for clients aged 40+, the VI Peel Advanced boosts collagen production with ingredients that deeply penetrate the skin to fight signs of aging.

VI Peel Advanced treats:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Loss of elasticity 

VI Peel Body

This collagen-boosting combination of TCA and alpha-hydroxy acids is formulated for use anywhere on the body. Reveal smoother, more radiant skin with a single treatment.

VI Peel Body treats:

• Body acne
• Hyperpigmentation
• Stretch marks
• Surgical scars

VI Peel Precision Plus

Winner of a Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Beauty Award, this peel treats hyperpigmentation by suppressing melanin production and promoting rapid cell turnover. 

VI Peel Precision Plus treats:

• Melasma
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Sun-damaged skin

VI Peel Purify

Fight the symptoms and triggers of acne with a peel designed for congested, oily skin. VI Peel Purify peel clears away pore-clogging dead cells, eliminates acne-causing bacteria and soothes irritation and redness.

VI Peel Purify treats:

• Active acne
• Clogged pores
• Excessive oil
• Inflammation

VI Peel Precision Plus + Purify

This comprehensive peel treats both acne and acne scars. It reduces oil production, fights bacteria, lightens dark spots and fades textural scarring.

VI Peel Precision Plus + Purify treats:

• Active acne
• Acne scars
• Excessive oil
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

What to Expect From Your Chemical Peel

At your appointment, you’ll lie down on a comfortable treatment table and your esthetician will cleanse your skin. They’ll then prepare the peel solution and apply it with a cosmetic brush or cotton pads. Depending on the type of peel, they may apply multiple layers of the solution. 

Some peels are washed off after a few minutes; others stay on your face to be washed off several hours later.

Results

Once your skin has healed, you’ll have a brighter, smoother complexion with a reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The more intense the peel is, the more transformative your results will be.

Related treatments

Lockhart Matter Dermatology offers several other skin rejuvenation services. They include:

• Botox: the popular injectable neurotoxin that smooths fine lines created by repeated expressions
• Dermal fillers: injectables that plump the skin for a fuller, more youthful appearance
• Laser skin resurfacing: a procedure that lasers away damage and promotes the growth of new, healthier skin cells

FAQs

Are chemical peels safe?

Light and medium chemical peels have an excellent safety profile, although certain acids may not be appropriate for all skin tones. That being said, the deeper the peel, the more likely you are to experience unwanted side effects such as infection or scarring.

Deep peels require sedation, a course of antibiotics and extensive downtime. These peels carry the risk of more serious side effects, including heart, liver or kidney damage.

How do I prepare for a chemical peel?

Follow all instructions from your provider in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Depending on your skin and the type of peel, you may be directed to:

• Avoid unprotected sun exposure
• Avoid depilatory creams, electrolysis and waxing for 1 week
• Do not shave the area for 24 hours preceding the peel
• Take antiviral medication if you have a history of cold sores caused by the herpes virus
• Use a retinoid or hydroquinone, skin-bleaching agent, before and after the peel
• Arrange for a ride home if you’ll be sedated during the procedure

How do I take care of my skin after a chemical peel?

After any chemical peel, it’s recommended to:

• Wear sunscreen every day and avoid unprotected sun exposure
• Apply protective ointments and fragrance-free moisturizers
• Avoid picking at peeling or crusted skin
• Refrain from using facial scrubs and exfoliating skin care products
• Use cool compresses and take pain medication as necessary

Your provider may give you a more detailed skin care regimen to follow.