Chemical Peels

Peeling is not guaranteed. Many clients experience little to no visible peeling, while others may notice mild flaking or dryness for a few days. Individual response varies based on skin type and treatment customization.

Downtime is minimal. You may experience mild redness, tightness, or dryness immediately following treatment, which typically resolves within a few days. Most clients can return to normal activities quickly while following post-care instructions (avoiding direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and exfoliating ingredients.). On most skin types, this peel will provide an instant exfoliation with little to no peeling.

Yes - this gel-based peel is gentle enough to act as a pre-exfoliator when combined with other advanced treatments. The gel-formulation helps to control acid penetration, allowing for a slower, more controlled absorption compared to traditional liquid peels, which reduces the risk of irritation or over-exfoliation.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to reveal smoother and brighter skin from underneath.

Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from fermented sugars and milk. It gently exfoliates the skin by loosening dead skin cells on the surface, revealing smoother, brighter and more hydrated skin. Lactic acid is great for first-time peel or AHA using clients. It has a larger molecule size that makes it slower-penetrating, making it a better choice for those who are sensitive.

Yes, this peel may be safely combined with select facials when appropriate. However, it cannot be combined with all treatments, as layering exfoliating services may increase the risk of irritation or over-exfoliation. Your provider will determine the safest treatment plan for your skin.

This peel is best suited for clients who have previously tolerated light chemical peels and exfoliating acids or active ingredients. Your esthetic provider will assess your skin and determine if this peel is appropriate for you.

These ingredients are commonly used to treat acne, congestion, and uneven texture:

• Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into pores to dissolve oil, unclog congestion, and reduce breakouts.
• Retinal (Retinaldehyde) is a vitamin A derivative that helps regulate cell turnover, improve texture, and support clearer skin, often with faster results than traditional retinol.
• Shikimic Acid is a gentle exfoliating acid that helps smooth the skin and enhance exfoliation while being less irritating than stronger acids.

This combination helps clear pores, reduce blemishes, regulate oil production, and refine skin texture, making it ideal for acne-prone and congested skin types.

This peel is best suited for first-time peel clients, sensitive skin types, or anyone wishing for a refreshed glow. It’s also ideal for maintenance in between more intensive skin treatments (any advanced exfoliating facials or procedures).

Temporary warmth and mild redness of the face may occur for the first 30 minutes after the peel, and slight flaking or dryness of the face may appear 2-4 days after treatment, but will subside quickly and naturally.

No - but some patients may feel a slight tingling and warming sensation which can seem scary if unexpected. This peel is a low percent glycolic acid formulation, making it gentle on the skin.

Both the Micro Peel 15 and Micro Peel 20 are formulated with glycolic acid to clinically exfoliate and restore the skin.The only difference is the percentage of the active acid (glycolic acid) 15% glycolic acid is significantly gentler on the skin due to is lower concentrate, making it more suitable for first-timers and more sensitive (yet glycolic tolerant) patients.

Yes, this peel may be safely combined with select facials when appropriate. However, it cannot be combined with all treatments, as layering exfoliating services may increase the risk of irritation or over-exfoliation. Your provider will determine the safest treatment plan for your skin.

The Micro Peel 20 is ideal for treating acne-prone skin, uneven texture, discoloration, enlarged pores, and fine lines. It is especially beneficial for clients seeking stronger corrective results than light peels.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to reveal smoother and brighter skin from underneath.

Visible peeling is possible but not guaranteed. Some clients experience light to moderate peeling or flaking for several days, while others may notice dryness or tightness as the skin renews itself.

Downtime is typically minimal to moderate. You may experience redness, dryness, or peeling for a few days following treatment. Your provider will review expected recovery and aftercare to ensure optimal healing (avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and exfoliating ingredients).

This peel is best suited for clients who have previously tolerated lighter peels or active skincare. Your esthetic provider will assess your skin and determine if this peel is appropriate for you.

Yes, this peel may be safely combined with select facials when appropriate. However, it cannot be combined with all treatments, as layering exfoliating services may increase the risk of irritation or over-exfoliation. Your provider will determine the safest treatment plan for your skin.

Both the Micro Peel 15 and Micro Peel 20 are formulated with glycolic acid to clinically exfoliate and restore the skin.The only difference is the percentage of the active acid (glycolic acid). 20% glycolic acid is more corrective and clinical due to its higher concentration, making it more appropriate for clients who have experienced and tolerated more advanced treatments.

This peel is best suited for clients who have previously tolerated light to medium level chemical peels. Your esthetic provider will assess your skin and determine if this peel is appropriate for you.

Downtime for this treatment is mild to moderate. You may experience redness, dryness, and peeling for up to a week following treatment as the skin cells regenerate. Your provider will review expected recovery and aftercare to ensure optimal healing (avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and exfoliating ingredients and wear sun protection for up to 2 weeks post treatment.).

Some clients see visible improvement after one treatment, but a series of treatments is often recommended for best results, depending on the depth and severity of pigmentation. Your provider will create a customized treatment plan based on your skin’s needs.

These ingredients work together to target pigmentation, discoloration, and uneven skin tone:

• TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) is a professional exfoliating acid that accelerates cell turnover by removing damaged, pigmented surface cells. This helps improve texture and reveal fresher, brighter skin beneath.
• Kojic Acid is a well-known brightening ingredient that helps inhibit excess melanin production, making it effective for dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
• Ferulic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage while supporting overall skin clarity and radiance.

Together, these ingredients help fade visible pigmentation, brighten the complexion, and promote more even-toned skin when used under professional supervision.

Not always. Visible peeling depends on the type and strength of the chemical peel used, as well as your skin's individual response. Some peels cause little to no reaction, other than a refreshed glow while others result in subtle flaking. Your esthetic provider will hand-pick a formula that’s based on your skin concerns, lifestyle, and tolerance to ensure results and will fully prepare you for what to expect immediately after treatment. Keep in mind, with a chance of peeling/flaking it’s best to schedule this treatment 1-2 weeks in advance of a special occasion (wedding, photoshoot, etc.).

There is little downtime with the chemical peels we offer here at Happel Medical Spa. Light-Medium level peels usually result in mild redness, dryness, and light flaking that will resolve on its own in a few hours or days. Your esthetic provider will help you choose a peel that aligns with your skin goals, schedule, and comfort level, and will provide detailed post-care instructions to support safe healing and maximum results. Direct sun-exposure should always be avoided after any type of chemical peel for at least 72 hours, and SPF is always advised.

Before your appointment, you should stop using any topical skin prescriptions or over-the- counter exfoliators (tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, ect.) for a minimum of 5-7 days. You should also avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and waxing at least 7 days before your treatment appointment. After the peel, most patients can return to their normal skin routine after 7 days.

For light to medium strength chemical peels, they can be performed as often as 3-4 weeks on their own or as an enhancement to your monthly facial. For more corrective and in-depth peels, your esthetic provider will space them out accordingly in longer time periods to allow proper skin recovery.

Yes - chemical peels are often combined with certain facials and advanced treatments to enhance overall results! However, not all treatments are appropriate to pair with every peel. Your provider will carefully assess your skin and customize your treatment plan to ensure combinations are safe, effective, and aligned with your skin goals.