Chemical Peels

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment that uses a specially formulated solution to remove damaged outer layers of skin. As the treated skin naturally exfoliates, fresh new skin is revealed underneath, creating a smoother texture, more even skin tone, and healthier appearance.

Chemical peels are one of the most effective cosmetic dermatology treatments for improving both the appearance and health of your skin. Depending on the type of peel selected, treatment can address acne, pigmentation concerns, signs of aging, enlarged pores, rough texture, and more.

Because different skin concerns require different approaches, our providers carefully evaluate your skin before recommending the most appropriate peel.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels provide numerous cosmetic and skin health benefits, including:

• Brighter, healthier-looking skin
• Improved skin tone and texture
• Reduced acne breakouts
• Smaller-appearing pores
• Smoother acne scars
• Fading of dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Improvement in melasma
• Softening of fine lines
• Reduced sun damage
• Increased collagen production
• More radiant complexion

Many patients notice healthier, glowing skin after a series of treatments.

Skin Conditions Chemical Peels Can Improve

Chemical peels are commonly recommended to improve:

• Acne
• Acne scars
• Oily skin
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Enlarged pores
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Sun damage
• Fine lines and early wrinkles
• Rough skin texture
• Uneven skin tone
• Dull complexion

During your consultation, we'll determine which treatment best addresses your specific concerns.

Types of Chemical Peels We Offer

Salicylic Acid Peel

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores, making it one of the most effective treatments for acne-prone and oily skin. This peel helps dissolve excess oil, remove dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation associated with acne.

Best For

• Active acne
• Acne-prone skin
• Oily skin
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Enlarged pores
• Mild acne scarring
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Benefits of Salicylic Acid Peels

• Unclogs pores
• Reduces acne breakouts
• Controls excess oil production
• Smooths skin texture
• Brightens skin
• Helps fade acne discoloration
• Minimal downtime for most patients

Many patients benefit from a series of treatments performed every 3–4 weeks for optimal improvement.

Mandelic Acid Peel

Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds and has a larger molecular structure than many other acids. Because it penetrates the skin more gradually, it provides excellent results while being gentle enough for many patients with sensitive skin or darker skin tones.

Best For

• Melasma
• Hyperpigmentation
• Uneven skin tone
• Sun damage
• Mild acne
• Fine lines
• Sensitive skin
• Select patients with rosacea

Benefits of Mandelic Acid Peels

• Brightens the complexion
• Improves skin tone
• Reduces pigmentation
• Stimulates collagen production
• Softens fine lines
• Gentle exfoliation with less irritation
• Safe for many skin types

Patients often achieve the best results with a series of 4–6 treatments spaced several weeks apart.

Which Chemical Peel Is Right for You?

The best chemical peel depends on your skin type and concerns.

Salicylic Acid Peels are often recommended for patients struggling with acne, oily skin, clogged pores, and post-acne discoloration.

Mandelic Acid Peels are ideal for patients seeking brighter skin, treatment for melasma or sun damage, or those with sensitive skin who may benefit from a gentler peel.

Our dermatology team will perform a thorough skin evaluation to determine which treatment will provide the safest and most effective results.

What Happens During a Chemical Peel?

Your appointment begins with a consultation and skin assessment. After cleansing your skin, your provider carefully applies the chemical solution to the treatment area.

During treatment, you may experience:

• Mild tingling
• Warmth
• Temporary burning sensation

These sensations typically resolve quickly.

Most appointments take approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to return to most normal activities immediately afterward.

Recovery After a Chemical Peel

Recovery depends on the strength of your peel and your individual skin response.

You may experience:

• Mild redness
• Tightness
• Dryness
• Flaking
• Peeling over several days
• Temporary skin sensitivity

Not every patient experiences visible peeling. Even without significant peeling, the treatment continues to stimulate skin renewal and improvement.

Preparing for Your Chemical Peel

To help ensure the safest treatment and best possible results, we may recommend:

• Avoiding retinoids for 3–5 days before treatment
• Avoiding waxing or hair removal for one week
• Limiting excessive sun exposure
• Informing your provider if you have active cold sores, are pregnant, or have recently taken isotretinoin (Accutane®).

Caring for Your Skin After Treatment

Following your chemical peel, proper skincare is essential.

We recommend:

• Wearing SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily
• Using gentle cleansers and moisturizers
• Avoiding exfoliating products for several days
• Avoiding picking or peeling the skin
• Avoiding strenuous exercise, hot tubs, and excessive heat for 24 hours
• Following your dermatologist's personalized aftercare instructions

Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels are considered very safe when performed by experienced dermatology professionals.

Possible temporary side effects include:

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Temporary sensitivity
• Temporary darkening before improvement

Rare complications such as infection, allergic reaction, or prolonged pigmentation changes may occur but are uncommon, particularly when aftercare instructions are followed carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I peel after treatment?
Not always. Some patients experience noticeable peeling, while others have only mild flaking but still achieve excellent results.

How many treatments will I need?
Most patients benefit from a series of 3–6 chemical peels, depending on their skin concerns and treatment goals.

Can chemical peels be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Chemical peels may be combined with medical-grade skincare, microneedling, laser treatments, and other cosmetic procedures as recommended by your dermatologist.

Are chemical peels good for acne?
Yes. Salicylic acid peels are especially effective for acne by reducing oil production, unclogging pores, and minimizing breakouts.

Are chemical peels safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Mandelic acid peels are an excellent option for many patients with sensitive skin because they penetrate more slowly and tend to cause less irritation.

Why Choose Integrated Dermatology of Newton-Brighton?

At Integrated Dermatology of Newton-Brighton, we combine advanced dermatologic expertise with personalized care to help every patient achieve healthier, more confident skin.

We proudly serve patients throughout Brighton, Needham, Mashpee, and surrounding Massachusetts communities, offering customized treatment plans based on your skin type, medical history, and cosmetic goals.

Whether you're seeking treatment for acne, pigmentation, sun damage, or signs of aging, our experienced dermatology providers are here to help you achieve long-lasting results.

Schedule Your Chemical Peel Consultation in Brighton, Needham & Mashpee, MA

Healthy, glowing skin starts with personalized care.

If you're interested in learning whether a Salicylic Acid Peel or Mandelic Acid Peel is right for you, schedule a consultation with the experienced dermatology team at Integrated Dermatology of Newton-Brighton.

Call: 617-783-7100
Schedule Online: https://www.newtonbrightondermatology.com/schedule