Chemical Peels 101: What You Need to Know Before You Peel

At Intimate Skin & Esthetics, we believe in educating our clients so they feel empowered and informed about every treatment. One of the most transformative services we offer is the chemical peel—a professional exfoliation method that helps reveal smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin. But with so many types of peels available, it’s important to understand the differences and whether this treatment is right for your skin.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel uses a customized blend of acids to exfoliate the skin, improving texture, tone, and clarity. Peels range from superficial to medium-depth, depending on the ingredients and how they’re applied.

Types of Chemical Peels

Not all peels are created equal. At Intimate Skin & Esthetics, we offer several types of chemical peels, including:

• Mandelic Acid Peel – Derived from bitter almonds, this gentle AHA is perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Mandelic acid works well to address texture, mild pigmentation, and inflammation without causing excess irritation.

• TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) Peel – A medium-depth peel used to treat more stubborn concerns like fine lines, sun damage, and acne scars. TCA provides deeper exfoliation and may require a longer recovery period.

• Jessner’s Peel – A blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. This combination is great for oily, acne-prone skin or clients with hyperpigmentation. It can also be layered to increase the intensity of the treatment.

Layered vs. Neutralizing Peels

You might hear us talk about “layering” or “neutralizing” peels, and here’s what that means:

• Layered peels involve applying multiple layers of a solution in one treatment. Each layer increases the depth of exfoliation and the strength of the peel. This approach is highly customized to your skin’s needs and tolerance.

• Neutralizing peels require a special solution to stop the acid from continuing to work. Not all peels self-neutralize, so this step is critical for protecting your skin.

What Do Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels are incredibly versatile and can address a range of skin concerns, including:

• Acne and acne scarring

• Hyperpigmentation and dark spots

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Uneven skin tone and texture

• Sun damage and dullness

• Clogged or enlarged pores

Who Can Get a Peel?

Most skin types can benefit from chemical peels, but choosing the right peel for your skin type and tone is key—especially for deeper complexions (Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI). These skin types are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if not properly prepped or treated.

That’s why a consultation and proper skin prep are essential. We often recommend 2–4 weeks of pre-treatment skincare to ensure your skin is hydrated, balanced, and ready for a deeper exfoliation.

Why Pre-Care Is So Important—Especially for Melanin-Rich Skin

For layered or medium-depth peels, pre-care isn’t optional—it’s a must. This may include the use of pigment inhibitors, gentle exfoliants, and hydration support to reduce the risk of irritation or discoloration, especially in higher Fitzpatrick types. Healthy, prepped skin responds better, heals faster, and achieves more even results.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?

Your skin is unique, and every treatment should be tailored to your specific needs and goals. That’s why we always start with a consultation to ensure you’re a good candidate and help you prep for the best results possible.

Ready to take your skin to the next level?

Book your consultation with Intimate Skin & Esthetics today.

Because healthy skin is always the goal.