Benefits of Chemical Peels: Here’s What to Expect During Your Treatment

Chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment for smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin. It rejuvenates the skin and eliminates concerns like acne scars. Here’s a little overview of chemical peels and what you can expect during and after your treatment.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professional skin treatment that uses a solution to gently exfoliate the skin. This solution removes damaged outer skin layers and promotes cell turnover for fresh, healthy skin. 

Depending on your goals, a chemical peel can:

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Remove acne scars
• Improve uneven skin tone
• Heal sun damage
• Minimize enlarged pores

At the Westchester Center for Dermatology, our team personalizes treatments to meet your skin goals.

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels come in three main types: light, medium, and deep peels.

Light Peels

Light chemical peels are ideal for gentle skin rejuvenation. These peels use mild acids like glycolic or salicylic acid to improve texture and brighten the complexion.

Medium Peels

Medium chemical peels target deeper issues, such as moderate acne scars and sun damage. The treatment uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or similar solutions.

Deep Peels

Deep chemical peels penetrate the skin’s deeper layers for dramatic results to address severe wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation issues.

During your consultation, your dermatologist will recommend the chemical exfoliation best suited to your skin and goals.

Chemical Peel Benefits

Chemical peel benefits include improved skin texture, fading acne scars, even skin tone, and boosted confidence.

Chemical peels smooth over the skin and reduce rough patches and fine lines by removing dead skin cells. The treatment also minimizes the appearance of acne scars by encouraging collagen production and promoting skin healing.

Peels reduce pigmentation and discoloration, giving you a brighter, more uniform complexion. Radiant skin treatments like chemical peels often enhance self-esteem as your skin’s appearance improves.

Book a consultation with our board-certified dermatologists and begin experiencing the benefits of a chemical peel.

What to Expect During Your Chemical Peel Treatment

On the day of the chemical peel treatment, your skin will be cleansed to remove oils and impurities. The chemical solution is applied evenly to your skin. You may feel a slight tingling or warm sensation lasting a few minutes.

The solution is neutralized for certain peels after a set time, and your skin is soothed with a calming product.

Your dermatologist will provide instructions for caring for your skin after the peel to promote healing and enhance results.

Post-Chemical Peel Care

After a chemical peel, you must always keep your skin hydrated and protected from sun exposure. Use a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin and prevent discoloration.

If you have questions about post-treatment care, feel free to schedule a consultation. One of our esteemed doctors, Dr. David Kriegel, was named an outstanding practicing doctor of New York in 2024 through MSP Communications’ peer review. The results were published in The New York Times Sunday Magazine on May 4, 2025.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?

If you’re interested in a chemical peel for acne scars or simply want brighter, smoother skin, book your appointment with us. At Westchester Center for Dermatology, our team will help you improve your skin health for a younger look.

Westchester Center for Dermatology is located in Scarsdale and near patients in Hasting on Hudson, Crestwood, Tuckahoe, Thornwood, Pleasantville, Harrison, Hawthorne, and Purchase.