Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a deliberate, controlled exfoliation. Done thoughtfully, it accelerates the skin’s natural turnover, lifting dullness and clarifying tone. Done casually, it is a treatment that can be felt for weeks. The difference is in the formulation, the depth, and the hands that apply it.

At Simply Me, peels are not chosen from a menu. They are matched to your skin — its baseline tolerance, its current concerns, the season, and what other treatments are in your plan.

Peels are often sequenced with dermaplaning beforehand for an even surface.

How it works

Chemical peels apply a medical-grade acid solution to dissolve the bonds between dead surface cells and, depending on depth, to stimulate deeper skin renewal. As the treated layer sheds in the days that follow, fresher skin is revealed beneath.

Peels are categorized by depth.

Light peels use gentler acids — glycolic, lactic, mandelic, or low-percentage salicylic — to refresh the surface. They produce a brightening effect with minimal visible peeling and no real downtime.

Medium-depth peels use stronger formulations such as TCA at moderate concentration, or layered combinations, to reach the upper dermis. These produce visible peeling for several days and address more pronounced pigmentation, fine lines, and texture.

Deeper peels are reserved for specific clinical indications and require considered downtime and pre-conditioning. We discuss whether these are appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

The acid you receive is selected during consultation based on a careful read of your skin and your goals. There is no single best peel. There is the right peel for this skin, today.

What to expect

We begin with a thorough cleanse to remove oil and product. The skin is prepped and the chosen solution is applied in measured layers, with timing watched closely. You will feel a tingling, warming, or stinging sensation that builds and then settles. We use a small fan, and for deeper peels, neutralizing or soothing protocols are part of the appointment.

The treatment itself takes thirty to forty-five minutes. Skin will look flushed immediately after. Depending on depth, peeling begins anywhere from twenty-four hours to several days later and continues for three to seven days.

You will leave with a clear post-care plan and the products you need to support recovery.

Who it’s right for

• Adults concerned with dullness, uneven tone, or sun damage
• Patients with melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, treated with appropriate caution
• Those addressing fine lines, mild scarring, or congested texture
• Patients building a long-term skin plan that includes a series of peels at intervals

Peels are not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding for many formulations, with active infection or open wounds, on isotretinoin within the past six months, or for skin types where the chosen acid carries pigmentation risk. We assess carefully and may recommend a gentler option.

After care

1. Do not pick or pull peeling skin. Let it shed on its own.
2. Use only the cleanser and moisturizer recommended; pause all actives.
3. Apply broad-spectrum SPF every day. Sun exposure during recovery risks pigmentation.
4. Avoid heat, exercise, and sweating for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
5. Expect peeling on days two through six, with new skin visible by day seven to ten.
6. Most patients see best results from a series of three to six peels spaced three to six weeks apart.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a chemical peel cost?

Pricing varies by depth and formulation. Light peels are the most accessible. Medium peels involve a longer appointment and more recovery, and are priced accordingly.

How much downtime should I expect after a chemical peel?

Light peels: little to none, with mild flaking. Medium peels: three to seven days of visible peeling. We choose based on what your schedule and skin can absorb.

Can I have a chemical peel if I have melasma?

Yes, but cautiously. Some peels can worsen melasma if not chosen and timed correctly. We pre-treat with topicals and select gentler formulations matched to your skin type.

How is a chemical peel different from microneedling?

Peels resurface chemically; microneedling stimulates collagen mechanically. They address overlapping concerns by different means and can be sequenced over months.

Will I peel visibly in public?

With a medium peel, yes — usually days two through six. Plan accordingly. Light peels rarely produce visible flaking.

Can I get a chemical peel in summer?

Yes, with careful sun protection. Some formulations are designed for year-round use.

How often should I get a chemical peel?

A series of three to six sessions spaced three to six weeks apart, then maintenance every few months. We tailor the cadence to your skin.