How Long Does a Chemical Peel Last?

Depending on the depth, a chemical peel will last from 3-5
years. If it is a deeper peel, it will last longer.

The results of a chemical peel will vary with your skin type and the type of chemical peel that is performed.
Most chemical peels are done in a series of treatments to achieve the best results.
For example, a glycolic peel can be done once every 2-4 weeks for a series of about 6 treatments depending on your skin type and your goals/areas of concern.
Typically after a series of treatments your results will last for about 6 months if well maintained with home care products and daily use of an SPF.
Many patients will choose to have maintenance treatments every 2-3 months to encourage continuous improvement.
Someone having a stronger chemical peel such as our VI peel can see more dramatic results with one to three treatments, again according to skin type and the condition of their skin.
Results of the VI peel can last for well over a year and recommended maintenance is 1 to 2 treatments a year.

Chemical peels are usually divided into superficial, medium, and deep peels. Medium peels, using combinations of acids, such as trichloroacetic acid and Jessner's solution, among others, penetrate to the dermis and are effective for improving mild to moderate photodamage and wrinkling.

Healing generally takes about 7-10 days and is accompanied by some oozing, scabs and crusts. The results may last for at least a year or more and with continued sun protection far longer.

Deep peels, no longer commonly performed, involve the application of strong acids, such as phenol along with certain penetration enhancers. As the name implies, the peeling solution is intended to penetrate the skin more deeply, and is therefore useful for improving moderate to deep wrinkling, crinkling, discoloration and laxity.

A true, burn-like wound is created and healing make take up to two weeks, although there is a risk for scarring and permanent loss of skin pigmentation. The results may last for years.

Superficial Peels, on the other hand, such as those performed with alpha hydroxyacids, commonly glycolic acid, are quite popular for refreshing, smoothing and brightening dull, sallow skin and evening out blotchy, irregular skin pigmentation.

In my experience, an initial series of four to six or more peels of this sort, performed at monthly intervals, is wonderful for dealing with fine wrinkles, crinkles, discolorations, and photodamage.

Once the series is over, maintenance treatments can be scheduled as needed. I like to refer to these treatments as "fruit washes" because the material used was originally naturally derived. There is generally no downtime. Patients can come during a lunchbreak and expect to return immediately to work with brighter skin. For this reason they are frequently referred to as "lunchtime beauty fixes."