What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel uses an acid-based solution to exfoliate the outer layers of your skin. The acid dissolves the tired, damaged surface cells to reveal the fresh cells underneath, improving the tone, texture, clarity and radiance of your complexion.

Most peels use acids that are commonly found in anti-aging and anti-blemish skincare, but at a more intensive concentration for maximum results. Peels range from light and superficial to deeper and more corrective.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Every peel involves a blend of acids, such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic or trichloroacetic acid, applied to clean skin for a set amount of time. These ingredients loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can shed more easily. In response, your skin ramps up cell turnover and collagen production.

The strength of the peel determines how deeply it works and how much visible flaking you may experience afterward:

• Light peels provide gentle exfoliation with little to no downtime. They can be repeated in a series for gradually improving results.
• Medium peels penetrate deeper for more dramatic results but are associated with increased downtime. They may be repeated quarterly.
• Deep peels are intensive clinical procedures that reach below the surface skin layer into the dermis. They require significant recovery and are done only once.

At LIVskin, we focus on light and medium peels that balance results with comfort and convenience. Our Advanced Practice Estheticians will help you decide which type of peel is right for you.

What Chemical Peels Are Available at LIVskin in Minnetonka and Excelsior?

We only carry peels from respected clinical skincare brands known for professional-grade formulas and high-quality ingredients. Explore your options below.

Sensitive Skin Solution — from $50

The “Runway Ready” treatment. This micropeel gently exfoliates all skin types, decongests pores, hydrates the skin and helps improve the appearance of photodamage. With no downtime, it can be done the same day as your big event.

Vivier Brilliance Peel — from $75

Appropriate for mild to moderate skin conditions. A gentle yet effective professional combination peel that helps refresh, brighten, tighten and illuminate the appearance of the skin. Ideal for aging skin, age spots, dehydrated skin, skin imperfections, oily skin and congested skin.

SkinMedica — Illuminize — from $100

Appropriate for mild skin imperfections. This non-invasive superficial peel is effective for mild concerns such as fine lines, pigment irregularities and mild photodamage. It brightens the overall appearance of the skin with minimal downtime and visible results after one treatment. Safe for all skin types and ideal for first-time peel patients.

SkinMedica — Vitalize — from $200

Appropriate for mild to moderate skin imperfections. SkinMedica's most popular chemical peel smooths the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and roughness. Noticeable results after just one peel, with compelling results after a series of three to six.

SkinMedica — Rejuvenize Peel — from $300

Appropriate for moderate to severe skin imperfections. Rejuvenize is the strongest peel in the SkinMedica lineup. It targets more advanced sun damage, moderate to severe pigment irregularities, acne scarring and deeper lines. See results after one peel, with more significant improvement after a series of three to six.

VI Peel Precision Plus — from $390

Appropriate for sun damage and pigmented skin. Uniquely formulated for treating pigmentation damage, the Precision Plus is a powerful booster system targeted to stubborn pigmentation, including melasma. This booster is added to the VI Peel, creating the ultimate treatment choice for dramatic results.

VI Peel Purify — from $360

Appropriate for active acne and acne-prone skin. The VI Purify is a highly effective acne treatment. It combines the power of benzoyl peroxide, kojic acid and hydrocortisone for superior, consistent results — a targeted solution to tackle active acne and acne-prone skin.

VI Peel Purify Precision Plus — from $390

Appropriate for acne scars and skin damage. While battling acne, you can still be left with scarring and increased pigment damage. The Precision Plus booster combats stubborn pigmentation and acne scarring and reduces the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation acne may leave behind — treating scars and skin damage while working on active acne.

VI Body Peel — small area from $400, large area from $450

Appropriate for various skin issues on the body. Formulated specifically for the body, where skin is thicker and requires a stronger peeling formula. It treats areas like the back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands, addressing body acne, surgical and acne scarring, sun damage, stretch marks, wrinkles and rough texture.

Which Peel Is Right for My Skin Concern?

Not sure which peel fits your skin goals? Here's a simple guide to help you compare your options by concern.

Dullness & General Rejuvenation

• Sensitive Skin Solution
• Vivier Brilliance Peel
• SkinMedica — Illuminize
• SkinMedica — Vitalize

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

• Vivier Brilliance Peel
• SkinMedica — Vitalize

Sun Damage & Age Spots

• Sensitive Skin Solution
• Vivier Brilliance Peel
• SkinMedica — Illuminize

Stubborn Pigmentation & Melasma

• VI Peel Precision Plus
• VI Peel Purify Precision Plus

Congested, Oily Skin

• Sensitive Skin Solution
• Vivier Brilliance Peel
• VI Peel Purify

Acne Breakouts

• VI Peel Purify

Acne Scarring & Post-Acne Marks

• VI Peel Purify Precision Plus

Event Preparation

• Sensitive Skin Solution (same-day, no downtime)

When you come in for your consultation, our Advanced Practice Estheticians will help you decide which peel is right for you. Most first visits include a VISIA® Complexion Analysis to help personalize your treatment plan.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

If you're dealing with dullness, uneven texture, sun damage, breakouts or early signs of aging, there's a good chance a peel can help. The range of available strengths and formulations makes chemical peels a safe and effective option for most people.

That said, peels aren't right for everyone at every moment. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection or open lesion in the treatment area, or are using certain medications like isotretinoin, we may recommend waiting or choosing a different treatment.

What to Expect From Your Chemical Peel at LIVskin

Consultation

One of our Advanced Practice Aestheticians will assess your skin during an in-person consultation and develop a customized treatment plan to address your concerns. This may involve a scan with our state-of-the-art VISIA® system to see what's happening beneath the surface of your skin.

If you're not an ideal candidate for a chemical peel at this time, your provider may recommend alternative timing or a different treatment, such as a Hydrafacial™ or laser resurfacing, that may be a better fit for your goals and current skin condition.

Treatment

Your chemical peel will be applied in-office by your Advanced Practice Aesthetician and left on to allow the desired effects to occur. During this time, you may notice some tingling or warmth. The strength of these sensations varies depending on the type of peel used, but they are generally well tolerated.

Some peels are neutralized and removed in the office. Others are washed off at home. Your provider will explain exactly what to do before you leave your appointment.

Recovery

After your chemical peel, you may notice some dryness, redness and increased skin sensitivity. This is normal and will subside as the healing process continues.

Over the next few days, you may experience some flaking or peeling if you opted for a stronger peel. Let the skin shed naturally, as picking may diminish your results and lead to scarring.

Avoid scrubbing your skin, using products with harsh or irritating ingredients, sun exposure and other professional skin treatments. Your Advanced Practice Aesthetician will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you get the most out of your peel.

What Kind of Results Can a Chemical Peel Achieve?

With most of our peels, you'll see results in a week or two, once your skin has had time to shed and renew. The exception is our Sensitive Skin Solution, which delivers immediate results with no downtime.

Your skin may appear smoother and more even in tone, with a healthy glow. The specific results achieved, as well as their longevity, depend on the type of peel, your skin condition, your age, your lifestyle and your skincare routine. As a general rule, the stronger the peel, the more dramatic and durable the results.

To maintain the results of your chemical peel, your Advanced Practice Aesthetician may recommend a skincare regimen with products tailored to your skin type and concerns.