Chemical peels are a trusted and effective solution for addressing a wide range of skin concerns, from dullness and discoloration to fine lines and acne. At Bellaire Dermatology, we offer a curated selection of professional-grade chemical peels designed to help patients across the Houston area, including Bellaire and Sugarland, achieve smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin. Whether you’re new to peels or seeking advanced exfoliation, our board-certified dermatologists tailor each treatment to your skin’s unique needs.
What Are Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin. This controlled injury stimulates skin regeneration, revealing a healthier and more youthful complexion. Peels can vary in intensity:
- Light (Superficial) Peels: Light peels target the outer layer (epidermis) for gentle exfoliation. They’re ideal for mild discoloration or texture.
- Medium Peels: Medium peels reach the upper dermis to treat sun damage, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation.
- Deep Peels: Deep peels penetrate the mid-to-lower dermis for significant improvement in wrinkles, scars, and severe discoloration.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Brightens Dull, Tired-Looking Skin
Chemical peels exfoliate the outermost layers of dead skin cells, revealing a fresher, more radiant complexion underneath. This helps restore your natural glow and gives the skin a smoother, more luminous appearance.
Smooths Fine Lines and Wrinkles
By stimulating collagen production, medium and deep peels can soften the appearance of fine lines and early wrinkles. Over time, your skin becomes firmer and more youthful-looking with continued treatments.
Reduces Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation
Chemical peels target uneven skin tone, dark spots, and sun damage by lifting pigmentation from deeper layers of the skin. This leads to a more even complexion and helps reduce the appearance of melasma and age spots.
Clears Acne and Prevents Breakouts
Certain peels, like salicylic acid and modified Jessner’s, are especially effective for oily and acne-prone skin. They help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and minimize active breakouts while preventing future ones.
Improves Skin Texture and Tone
Peels refine rough patches, smooth flaky skin, and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. The result is a more even, polished skin surface with better absorption of skincare products.
Minimizes the Appearance of Scars
Medium and deep peels can help fade post-acne marks and shallow scars by stimulating skin regeneration. With a series of treatments, skin texture becomes visibly smoother and more uniform.
Enhances the Effectiveness of Skincare Products
By removing the dead skin barrier, chemical peels improve product penetration. Your serums, moisturizers, and treatments can work more effectively on freshly exfoliated skin.
Types of Chemical Peels Offered
Our extensive menu of professional chemical peels includes some of the most trusted names in dermatology. Here’s what we offer:
Retinol Peel
A retinol-based peel works by encouraging cell turnover and collagen production. It’s excellent for smoothing fine lines, brightening skin, and promoting overall clarity with minimal flaking and downtime.
Glycolic Acid Peel
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its small molecule size and deep penetration. It effectively reduces dullness, fine lines, and pigmentation, making it a favorite for patients new to peels.
TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid)
TCA peels range from medium to deep strength and are ideal for treating sun damage, wrinkles, and stubborn melasma. Our dermatologists adjust the strength based on your skin type and desired outcome.
SkinMedica Illuminize Peel®
Perfect for first-time peel patients or those looking for a mild refresher, Illuminize enhances skin clarity and tone without visible peeling. It’s a gentle blend that includes salicylic acid and phytic acid.
SkinMedica Vitalize Peel®
This medium-strength peel improves skin texture and tone while reducing fine lines and sun damage. It contains a proprietary blend of resorcinol, lactic, salicylic, and retinoic acids.
SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel®
For those who’ve already had medium-depth peels, Rejuvenize offers more dramatic results. It addresses moderate-to-severe skin imperfections, including acne scarring and pigmentation.
SkinCeuticals Micropeel
A three-step exfoliation system combining dermaplaning, glycolic acid, and cryogenic therapy. This peel is ideal for smoothing skin texture and giving your complexion a bright, polished finish.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective Peel
This clinical-grade peel targets discoloration, stubborn photodamage, and enlarged pores. It’s formulated with a powerful blend of salicylic, lactic, and phenylethyl resorcinol acids to correct uneven skin tone.
Modified Jessner’s Peel
A widely used multi-acid peel that includes lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. It’s ideal for treating oily skin, acne, and mild pigmentation issues.
What to Expect During Your Chemical Peel Treatment
At Bellaire Dermatology, every chemical peel is carefully customized to meet your skin’s unique needs. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect throughout your treatment journey:
Consultation
Your chemical peel experience begins with a personalized skin consultation. One of our dermatology providers will examine your skin type, discuss your goals, and identify specific concerns such as discoloration, fine lines, or acne. Based on your needs and lifestyle, we’ll recommend the most appropriate type and depth of peel.
Treatment
Once your skin is prepped and cleansed, the chemical solution is carefully applied to your skin in layers. You may feel a tingling or warm sensation as the peel works, but the process is generally well-tolerated. Depending on the type of peel, the solution may be neutralized after a few minutes or left to self-neutralize. The entire treatment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and we’ll finish by applying soothing serums and sunscreen.
Post-Treatment Care
After your peel, your skin may appear pink or feel tight, similar to a mild sunburn. Light peels may cause no visible peeling, while medium to deep peels can lead to flaking or shedding over several days. We’ll send you home with clear aftercare instructions, including which products to avoid, how to soothe your skin, and when you can resume normal routines. Most patients return to daily activities right away, with visible improvements in skin tone and texture appearing within the first week.
What Results Can You Expect from a Chemical Peel?
Results depend on the type and depth of the peel, but most patients notice the following benefits:
After a Light Peel (e.g., Glycolic, Illuminize)
- Brighter, smoother skin
- Minimized pores
- Subtle improvement in tone
After a Medium Peel (e.g., Vitalize, TCA, Jessner’s)
- Fewer age spots and sun damage
- Smoother texture and even tone
- Diminished fine lines and breakouts
After a Deep Peel (e.g., Rejuvenize, Advanced Corrective)
- Dramatic reduction in discoloration and deep wrinkles
- Rejuvenated skin with improved firmness
- Lasting glow and smoother texture
You’ll typically begin to see results in three to seven days, with continued improvement as the skin regenerates over two to three weeks. Deep peels may show even greater improvements at the four to six-week mark.
How to Maintain and Extend Your Results
To make the most of your chemical peel, post-treatment care and a consistent skincare routine are key. Following the right steps can help preserve your glow and prolong your results.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
We will give you specific aftercare directions to ensure proper healing. This often includes avoiding direct sun exposure, using gentle cleansers, applying SPF 30 or higher daily, and steering clear of exfoliants or retinol-based products for at least a week. Following these steps helps prevent irritation, reduces the risk of pigmentation, and supports your skin’s recovery.
Stick to a Consistent Skincare Routine
After your skin has healed, a consistent routine is essential for long-term improvement. Vitamin C serums can help protect against free radical damage, while retinol encourages ongoing cell turnover to maintain smooth texture. Daily moisturizers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid help strengthen your skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated.
Schedule Regular Peels
Ongoing treatments help maintain your results and gradually enhance your skin over time. Light peels can be done monthly to refresh your glow, while medium peels may be repeated every three to four months for deeper rejuvenation. Deep peels often provide long-lasting effects, and most patients benefit from scheduling them once a year.
Consider Complementary Treatments
Pairing chemical peels with other non-invasive treatments can further elevate your results. Options like microneedling, IPL (intense pulsed light), or injectables such as Botox can target specific concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, or skin laxity. These combination therapies often deliver more comprehensive and long-lasting skin improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels
Can I get a chemical peel if I have sensitive skin?
Many patients with sensitive skin tolerate gentle peels like the SkinMedica Illuminize or low-strength glycolic acid. Our dermatologists will perform a patch test if needed and carefully select a peel that supports your skin barrier while delivering visible benefits.
What should I avoid before my chemical peel?
It’s best to stop using retinoids, exfoliating acids, and waxing treatments at least 3–5 days before your peel. You should also avoid direct sun exposure and self-tanners to minimize sensitivity and ensure even results.
Can chemical peels be done on areas other than the face?
Absolutely. Chemical peels can be used on the neck, chest, hands, and even the back (commonly for acne or sun damage). Let your provider know if you’re interested in treating multiple areas.
How do I know which peel is right for me?
Our dermatologists will assess your skin tone, texture, and concerns in detail during your consultation. We’ll then recommend a peel that matches both your goals and your tolerance for intensity and downtime.
Why Choose Bellaire Dermatology for Chemical Peels?
At Bellaire Dermatology, we blend clinical precision with cosmetic artistry to help you achieve smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. As a trusted name in dermatologic care in Houston for over 20 years, we offer a full spectrum of medical-grade peels delivered in a supportive, physician-led setting.
Expertise You Can See and Feel
Our team includes board-certified dermatologists and skilled aesthetic providers with deep experience in chemical exfoliation and skin renewal. Every treatment is guided by medical insight, so you get more than surface-level results. We treat your skin’s underlying concerns for lasting improvement.
A Personalized Approach to Every Peel
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all skincare. Whether you’re dealing with acne, pigmentation, or aging, your provider will tailor your peel to match your skin’s needs, your lifestyle, and your goals. Our wide range of formulations means you’ll always get the right level of exfoliation.
Safe for All Skin Types and Tones
We carefully select and customize peels that are suitable for diverse skin tones, including those more prone to hyperpigmentation. Our team understands the importance of safe application techniques and post-care, ensuring optimal results without compromising your skin’s integrity.
Long-Term Skin Health, Not Just One-Time Results
We’re committed to your skin beyond a single treatment. From customized home care recommendations to maintenance peels and integrated dermatologic support, Bellaire Dermatology is here to guide you through your skin transformation.
Get Started with Chemical Peels in Houston, TX
If you’re ready to refresh your skin and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion, chemical peels at Bellaire Dermatology offer a safe, effective, and personalized solution. From first-time glow-boosters to deep corrective peels, our expert-led treatments are designed to fit your skin goals and lifestyle. We proudly serve patients from Houston, Bellaire, Sugar Land, and nearby communities in a trusted dermatology setting focused on your comfort and results.
Ready to rejuvenate your skin? Contact us online or call (713) 661-4383 to schedule your chemical peel consultation today. We’re here to help you love your skin again.
