Chemical Peels for Brighter, Smoother Skin
A peel clears away the dull, damaged top layers of your skin so the fresher skin underneath can come through. It's one of the oldest tools in aesthetics, and it still works on acne marks, sun spots, uneven tone and rough texture. Jennifer matches the strength of the peel to your skin, so you get results without more downtime than you planned for.
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What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a medical-grade acid solution applied to the skin to remove damaged outer layers and kick off new cell turnover and collagen. Peels treat acne and clogged pores, acne marks, sun spots, uneven skin tone, dullness, fine lines and rough texture. At the Osteopathic Center for Healing in Rockville, MD, Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP chooses the peel strength for your skin type and goals. Light peels have little to no downtime. Medium peels usually mean about a week of peeling. Most people get the best results from a series spaced a few weeks apart.
How Deep Does a Peel Go?
Every peel removes skin in a controlled way. The deeper it goes, the more it can change, and the longer your skin takes to heal.
A Fresh Start
Works on the very top layer. It brightens, smooths and helps with mild acne and clogged pores. You might flake a little for a few days, or not at all. Great as a regular refresh.
A Bigger Change
Reaches a little deeper, into the upper dermis. Better for sun spots, uneven tone, acne marks and fine lines. Plan on about a week of peeling, then a noticeable difference.
Deep peels are a bigger procedure with weeks of recovery. Most people get what they're after from light or medium peels, often done as a series.
Which Peel Fits Your Concern?
Acne and Clogged Pores
Light peels with acids that work inside the pore help clear breakouts and calm oil. These usually work best as a series.
Acne Marks and Scars
Peels fade the flat marks and discoloration acne leaves behind. Pitted scars usually need collagen-building treatments too.
Sun Spots, Melasma and Uneven Tone
Peels that target pigment, plus sunscreen every single day. Melasma needs a careful, gentle approach because irritation and heat can make it darker.
What Happens During Peel Week, Day by Day?
Here's a typical week after a medium peel. Light peels are much easier, and many people see a little flaking or nothing at all.
- Day 1Tight and Pink
Skin feels tight and may look a little pink or shiny. You can go about your day.
- Day 2Darker Spots
Sun spots can look darker for a bit. That's pigment on its way out.
- Day 3Peeling Starts
Usually around the mouth and nose first, then it spreads.
- Days 4 to 5Peak Peeling
The most flaking. Let it come off on its own and keep moisturizing.
- Days 6 to 7Fresh Skin
Peeling winds down, and smoother, brighter skin shows up underneath.
How Do Peels Compare to PRX-T33, Microneedling and Tixel?
Chemical Peel
- Visible Peeling
- Yes, mostly with medium peels
- Downtime
- None to about a week, depending on depth
- Best For
- Tone, sun spots, acne and texture
PRX-T33
- Visible Peeling
- No
- Downtime
- None
- Best For
- Glow and firmness with no time off
Microneedling
- Visible Peeling
- No
- Downtime
- 1 to 3 days of pink skin
- Best For
- Scars, pores and collagen
Tixel
- Visible Peeling
- Tiny dots flake off
- Downtime
- A few days
- Best For
- Texture, lines and tightening
Not sure which one fits? That's what the consult is for. Jennifer will look at your skin and walk you through it.
Why Do Peels Work Best as a Series?
One peel gives you a glow. Real change in spots, marks and texture usually comes from a few peels spaced a few weeks apart, so your skin can heal and renew between each one. After that, a peel every so often keeps things looking fresh.
Jennifer will map out a plan that fits your skin, your goals and your calendar, including when to time peels around events. Fall and winter are the easiest seasons for a series, since there's less sun to dodge while your skin heals.
Skin check, goals and a plan
A few peels, a few weeks apart
A refresh peel every so often
How Should You Care for Your Skin?
Before Your Peel
- Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids a few days ahead. Jennifer will tell you exactly when.
- Skip waxing, lasers and other facial treatments the week before.
- Tell us if you get cold sores, since a peel can set one off.
- Come in with no sunburn and no fresh tan.
After Your Peel
- Don't pick or pull at peeling skin. Let it fall off on its own.
- Use a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturizer only.
- Wear sunscreen every day, SPF 30 or higher, and stay out of direct sun.
- Hold off on retinoids, acids, scrubs and sweaty workouts for the first few days.
Who Should Wait?
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You've taken isotretinoin for acne in the past several months.
- You have an active cold sore, rash or open skin on your face.
- You have a sunburn or just had facial waxing or a laser treatment.
Peels for Every Skin Tone
Peels work on all skin tones. Darker skin can be more likely to form dark spots after irritation, so Jennifer starts gentler, may prep your skin ahead of time and builds up slowly. That way you get the glow without the setback.
Who Is Jennifer Gularson?
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP has over 20 years of aesthetic experience and is a certified functional medicine practitioner. She looks at what's going on with your skin before she picks a peel, so the strength, the timing and the aftercare all fit you.
What Do People Ask About Chemical Peels?
Do Chemical Peels Hurt?
Most people feel warmth, tingling or stinging for a few minutes while the peel is on. It eases once the peel is neutralized or removed.
How Many Peels Will I Need?
It depends on your skin and your goals. Many people do a series of a few peels spaced a few weeks apart, then come back for a refresh every so often.
When Will I See Results?
Skin usually looks brighter once the peeling is done, about a week after a medium peel. Changes in spots, marks and texture build over a series.
Can I Wear Makeup After a Peel?
After a light peel, often the next day. After a medium peel, it's best to wait until the peeling is done.
Are Chemical Peels Safe for Darker Skin?
Yes, with the right peel. Darker skin is more prone to dark spots after irritation, so Jennifer chooses gentler peels, may prep your skin first and builds up slowly.
What's the Difference Between a Chemical Peel and PRX-T33?
A chemical peel removes the top layers of skin, so you usually see peeling. PRX-T33 works under the surface without visible peeling or downtime. Some people use both.
Request an Appointment
Tell us what you want to work on with your skin, and our team will reach out to schedule your consult with Jennifer.
Let's Talk About Your Skin
Book a consult with Jennifer in Rockville, MD.
Not ready to book? Start with a free 15-minute call