Overview
Choosing the right peel.
Not all peels are the same. The acid, the strength and the number of layers all determine how deeply a peel works and how much downtime it causes. Dr. Burris matches each peel to your skin concern, your skin type, and how much flaking you're comfortable with.
- Salicylic acid peels: oil-soluble, so they work inside the pore. Ideal for acne, blackheads and oily skin, and well tolerated by darker skin tones.
- Glycolic acid peels: brighten dull skin, soften fine lines and improve uneven tone and texture.
- Jessner's peels: a blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol that exfoliates more deeply. Well suited to stubborn acne, pigmentation and rough texture.
- TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels: a stronger peel for sun damage, actinic keratoses (precancerous spots), deeper pigmentation, fine wrinkles and some acne scarring.
Superficial salicylic and glycolic peels are usually done as a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Jessner's and TCA peels go deeper and are spaced further apart, often as a single treatment or a short series.
Who it's for
Concerns peels treat.
- Active acne and clogged pores
- Post-acne marks and uneven tone
- Melasma and sun spots, as part of a broader plan
- Sun damage and actinic keratoses (precancerous spots)
- Dull, rough or congested skin
- Fine lines, early photoaging and mild acne scarring
Your visit
What to expect.
Plan to stop using retinoids and other exfoliating products 3–7 days before your peel. At the appointment, your skin is cleansed and degreased, then the peel is applied for a few minutes. Expect warmth or tingling that fades quickly.
After a salicylic or glycolic peel, skin may look pink and then flake lightly for 2–5 days. Jessner's and TCA peels cause more noticeable redness and sheet-like peeling, typically for about 5–7 days, so plan around important events. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and diligent sunscreen, don't pick at peeling skin, and restart actives once your skin has healed.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Do chemical peels help acne?
Yes. Salicylic acid peels are especially effective because they penetrate oil and unclog pores. They work best alongside a daily treatment regimen.
Are peels safe for darker skin tones?
Superficial peels, especially salicylic acid, are generally well tolerated in skin of color. Deeper peels such as TCA carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so Dr. Burris selects the peel and strength carefully and may recommend pre-treating the skin first.
Which peel is right for me?
It depends on your concern and how much downtime you can take. Salicylic and glycolic peels suit acne, dullness and maintenance with little downtime. Jessner's and TCA peels treat sun damage, stubborn pigmentation and texture more aggressively, with about a week of peeling. Dr. Burris will recommend the best option at your consultation.
How much downtime is there?
Salicylic and glycolic peels involve little downtime: mild redness and light flaking for a few days. Jessner's and TCA peels typically mean about 5–7 days of visible peeling.
Who should avoid a chemical peel?
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an aspirin allergy (for salicylic acid and Jessner's), have active cold sores or dermatitis, or have recently used isotretinoin should discuss timing with Dr. Burris first. If you get cold sores, antiviral medication may be recommended before a deeper peel.