Chemical Peels 101: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Chemical peels are one of the most popular and effective skin rejuvenation treatments for improving texture, tone, and overall radiance. Whether you’re looking to minimize fine lines, fade dark spots, or refresh dull skin, a chemical peel can deliver noticeable results with minimal downtime. But before you book your appointment, it’s important to understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment that uses a specialized solution to gently exfoliate the outer layers of skin. This process removes dead skin cells, stimulates collagen production, and encourages new, healthy skin to emerge.
Chemical peels can improve:
✔ Fine lines and wrinkles
✔ Uneven skin tone and texture
✔ Sun damage and age spots
✔ Acne and acne scars
✔ Enlarged pores

Types of Chemical Peels

At Dermagnify, we offer different peel strengths to address your unique skin concerns:

• Light Peels – Gentle exfoliation with little to no downtime
  
  
• Medium Peels – Targets deeper skin layers for more dramatic results
  
  
• Deep Peels – For significant skin concerns, requiring longer recovery
  
  

Your personalized treatment plan will be tailored based on your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.

Before Your Chemical Peel: How to Prepare

To ensure the best results and minimize irritation, follow these steps before your peel:
✅ Avoid Retinol and Exfoliants for at least 3–5 days prior
✅ Stop using harsh skincare products that may cause sensitivity
✅ Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin
✅ Inform your provider about any medications or skin conditions

Dr. Mark Cappel and the Dermagnify team will provide detailed pre-treatment instructions during your consultation.

During the Procedure: What Happens

Here’s what to expect during your appointment:

1. Cleansing: Your skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove oil and impurities.
   
   
2. Application: The chemical solution is applied to your skin in layers, depending on the depth of peel.
   
   
3. Sensation: You may feel a mild tingling or warmth for a few minutes.
   
   
4. Neutralization: The peel is neutralized and soothing products are applied.
   
   

The entire process usually takes 30–45 minutes—perfect for a lunchtime treatment!

After Your Chemical Peel: Recovery & Results

Post-peel care is essential for beautiful, long-lasting results:
✔ Day 1–2: Skin may feel tight and look slightly red.
✔ Day 3–5: Light peeling or flaking occurs (do not pick!).
✔ Day 7+: Skin looks fresher, smoother, and more radiant.

Pro Tips for Aftercare:

• Moisturize generously
  
  
• Avoid sun exposure and wear SPF daily
  
  
• Skip harsh products until fully healed
  
  

Results improve over time as new collagen forms, and multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal outcomes.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?

If you want to improve skin tone, texture, and overall glow without surgery, chemical peels are an excellent option. At Dermagnify, Dr. Mark Cappel offers safe, customized peel treatments designed to deliver real results while prioritizing your skin health.

Ready for Your Glow-Up?

Schedule your chemical peel consultation today and discover the difference professional skin care can make.