Chemical Peels

A chemical peel treatment involves applying a specialized solution to the face to remove dead, damaged outer layers of skin. This process of skin resurfacing reveals the smoother, clearer skin underneath. By accelerating cell turnover, it effectively addresses issues like uneven tone, fine lines, and dullness, leading to significant skin brightening.

It depends on your skin type. A salicylic peel is oil-soluble, meaning it can get deep into the pores to dissolve blemish-causing debris, making it the gold standard for a chemical peel acne treatment. A glycolic peel, however, is better for surface exfoliation and skin smoothing. During your peel consultation, we’ll determine which acid—or combination—will give you the best peel results.

Yes, specialized dark spot peels and a peel for melasma work by lifting the excess pigment trapped in the upper layers of the skin. We often use a medium-depth approach to target the deeper melanin clusters. While you may see a glow after one visit, the most dramatic peel before after changes for pigmentation usually happen after a series of treatments.

Your chemical peel recovery depends on the depth of the treatment. For a light “lunchtime” peel, you may just have some redness. For a medium-depth tca peel, the skin will typically feel tight for 48 hours and then begin to flake or peel in “sheets” for 3 to 7 days. It is crucial to follow your chemical peel aftercare and never pick at the peeling skin, as this can lead to scarring.

A sun damage peel is excellent for removing the “leathery” texture and spots caused by UV exposure. For chemical peel scars (specifically shallow acne scars peels), we use stronger solutions like a tca peel to stimulate collagen production and level out the skin surface. Deep, pitted scars may require a series of peels combined with other modalities like microneedling.

The chemical peel downtime varies. Superficial peels have zero downtime—you can go right back to work. Medium peels, often used as a peel for acne or sun damage, require about 5 to 7 days of “social downtime” where your skin will be visibly shedding. At Alüura, we always plan your sessions around your schedule to ensure you’re comfortable during the healing phase.

The chemical peel cost is determined by the type of acid used and the depth of the treatment. A superficial glycolic peel is more affordable than a medium-depth tca peel or a specialized “branded” peel. During your Alüura peel consultation, we provide a transparent quote based on whether you need a single “refresh” or a corrective series.

Absolutely. Reviewing peel before after photos of patients with similar skin concerns—such as acne scars peels or dark spot peels—is the best way to set realistic expectations. Most patients see an immediate “brightening” after the first week, with structural improvements in texture appearing more prominently after 3 to 4 sessions.