Chemical Peels 101: What They Are and Why Your Skin Will Love Them
The Glow-Boosting Treatment Everyone’s Talking About
When it comes to skincare, there’s one professional treatment that consistently delivers glowing, refreshed, and smoother skin: the chemical peel. ✨ Don’t let the name scare you — chemical peels aren’t about harsh formulas or dramatic peeling. Instead, they’re customized treatments designed to gently exfoliate, reveal fresh new skin, and address a wide range of concerns from dullness to uneven tone.
At Above All Grand Salon & Spa, we believe in demystifying skincare so clients feel confident booking treatments. If you’ve ever wondered what chemical peels are, how they work, and whether they’re right for you, consider this your complete guide.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a professional exfoliating treatment that uses a solution of safe acids (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid) to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. By sloughing away this buildup, peels encourage cell turnover and reveal fresher, smoother, more radiant skin underneath.
Think of it like hitting the reset button on your complexion. While at-home scrubs only polish the surface, chemical peels go deeper to unclog pores, soften fine lines, and even out texture.
The Benefits of Chemical Peels
So why are chemical peels one of the most requested spa treatments worldwide? Because they’re incredibly versatile. Here’s what they can do for your skin:
🌟 Boost Radiance: Instantly reveal brighter, more even-toned skin.
🧴 Deep Exfoliation: Remove layers of dead skin that skincare products can’t tackle.
👶 Smooth Texture: Soften fine lines, rough patches, and acne scars.
💧 Improve Hydration: By clearing away buildup, your skin absorbs serums and moisturizers more effectively.
🍂 Seasonal Reset: Perfect for fall and winter when your skin may feel dull or congested.
Types of Chemical Peels
Not all peels are the same — and that’s a good thing. Depending on your goals, we’ll customize the formula and strength for your skin type.
Superficial Peels (Light Peels)
- Gentle, minimal downtime
- Great for brightening and evening skin tone
- Uses ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid
Medium Peels
- Target deeper pigmentation, acne scars, or fine lines
- Mild flaking for a few days post-treatment
- Popular for clients looking for visible results without aggressive downtime
Advanced Peels (Customized)
- More intensive treatments tailored by our estheticians
- Focus on specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or deeper wrinkles
- Require professional guidance and aftercare
What to Expect During Your Appointment
At Above All, every chemical peel is tailored to your skin type, lifestyle, and concerns. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Consultation: We assess your skin, talk about your concerns, and determine the right peel for you.
- Cleansing: Your skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove makeup and oils.
- Application: The peel solution is applied and left on for a specific amount of time. You may feel mild tingling — this is normal.
- Neutralization & Removal: The peel is carefully removed, and soothing products are applied.
- Finishing Touch: SPF and hydration seal in your results.
The whole process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, making it an easy lunch-hour treatment.
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
Chemical peels can benefit nearly everyone, but they’re especially effective if you’re dealing with:
- Dull, tired-looking skin
- Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation
- Acne or post-acne marks
- Fine lines or early signs of aging
- Rough texture or large pores
If you have very sensitive skin or specific medical conditions, your esthetician will help decide the safest option.
Aftercare Tips: Protecting Your Fresh Glow
Your results don’t stop when you leave the spa. How you care for your skin afterward makes all the difference.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Your skin will be more sensitive — SPF is non-negotiable.
- Skip Harsh Products: No retinol, scrubs, or strong acids for about a week.
- Hydrate: Drink water and use gentle moisturizers to support healing.
- Don’t Pick or Peel: Flaking is normal; let your skin shed naturally.
With the right aftercare, your glow will last for weeks — and regular treatments can lead to long-term transformation.
FAQs About Chemical Peels
Do chemical peels hurt?
Not at all. You may feel tingling or warmth, but discomfort is minimal.
Will my skin actually peel?
Some light flaking is common, especially with medium-strength peels. Superficial peels often cause no visible peeling.
How often should I get a chemical peel?
Every 4–6 weeks is ideal for maintaining results, but your esthetician will guide you.
Can I wear makeup after a peel?
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours to allow your skin to recover.
Chemical Peels: The Seasonal Skin Reset
Fall is the perfect time for a peel. As the weather shifts, your skin can feel dry, uneven, or congested. A chemical peel clears away summer buildup (think sunscreen, sweat, and oil) and preps your skin for hydration-focused winter routines.
At Above All Grand Salon & Spa, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative this treatment can be. With personalized care, advanced formulas, and professional aftercare guidance, your skin can feel renewed and radiant in just one visit.