Spring Forward with Fresh Skin: The Benefits of a Chemical Peel

Many people walk into a chemical peel consultation expecting one type of peel and leave with a completely different recommendation. Your skin type, the severity of your concerns, and how much healing time you can manage all factor into which peel your dermatologist suggests.

At Vivida Dermatology, with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, our board-certified dermatologists walk you through exactly what a chemical peel involves and which type might work best for your skin.

Looking at your skin concerns

The consultation starts with a conversation about what you want to improve. Your dermatologist examines your skin closely to see what’s happening on the surface and just below it. Skin type matters here — thicker, oilier skin can typically handle stronger peels, while sensitive or dry skin usually responds better to gentler options.

What chemical peels can fix

Peels remove the outer layer of dead skin cells that accumulate damage and trap dirt and bacteria. Once that damaged layer comes off, fresh skin underneath shows through. Chemical peels can improve:

• Acne and clogged pores
• Small scars from old breakouts
• Uneven skin tone and dark patches
• Rough or flaky texture
• Fine lines and early wrinkles
• Precancerous growths called actinic keratoses

The consultation helps you understand which of these issues a peel can realistically address and which may require a different treatment approach.

Choosing between superficial, medium, and deep peels

Not all chemical peels work the same way. The strength of the acid solution determines how deep it penetrates and how much recovery time you need afterward.

Superficial peels for mild improvement

A light peel uses glycolic acid or salicylic acid applied with a cotton ball or sponge. It sits on your skin briefly before your provider washes it away with a neutralizing solution. This type removes just the outermost layer of dead cells, giving you brighter, smoother skin with minimal downtime. You can get these peels regularly — every few weeks if needed.

Medium peels for noticeable results

Medium peels typically use trichloroacetic acid, sometimes combined with glycolic acid. These penetrate deeper than superficial peels and produce more visible improvement in texture and tone. Expect a few days of redness and peeling as your skin heals.

Deep peels for dramatic change

Deep peels contain phenol (carbolic acid) and offer the most striking results, but they’re harsh on your skin and require a lengthy recovery time. Your provider applies the solution in 15-minute intervals while you receive intravenous (IV) fluids. 

You can only get one deep peel in your lifetime, so most people reserve deep peels for severe sun damage or deep wrinkles that haven’t responded to other treatments.

Preparing your skin before the procedure

Walking into your peel with unprepared skin increases your risk of complications and poor results. During the consultation, your dermatologist gives you specific instructions to follow in the week or two leading up to your appointment.

You should stop using certain products and treatments that could irritate your skin or interfere with how the peel works:

• Waxing, threading, or plucking facial hair
• Exfoliating scrubs and retinoids
• Skin bleaching products
• Self-tanners

You also need to wear sunscreen every day during this prep period. Sun exposure before a peel can make your skin more susceptible to damage and uneven results.

If you’re getting a medium or deep peel, arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. 

Chemical peel consultations in Las Vegas, Henderson, and St. George

That first appointment gives you a realistic picture of what a chemical peel can do for your specific skin concerns. Call Vivida Dermatology or book a consultation online at one of our Nevada or Utah locations.