Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are used for a variety of conditions at Houston Dermatology Specialists in Cypress, Texas. Double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Christopher Downing, M.D., FAAD, and his team perform chemical peels to treat a number of skin conditions and lessen the signs of sun damage and aging.

What conditions can be treated with a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are often used to treat:

• Acne
• Acne scarring
• Hyperpigmentation
• Lentigines, also known as liver spots
• Melasma
• Wrinkles on the face, including around the eyes and mouth

What chemical peels are offered at Houston Dermatology Specialists?

We offer multiple chemical peels to address various skin conditions.

What You Should Expect During Recovery

After a chemical peel, your recovery time will depend on the depth of the peel. Although each person’s experience varies, the following is a general guideline of what you can expect:

Superficial Peels

• Days 1-3: Slight redness and peeling, similar to a mild sunburn
• Days 3-5: Mild peeling and flaking as new skin surfaces
• Day 5 and beyond: Refreshed and rejuvenated skin

Medium Peels

• Days 1-3: Moderate redness and swelling
• Days 3-7: More significant peeling and flaking
• Day 7 and beyond: Healing begins, revealing a more even tone and texture

Deep Peels

• Days 1-7: More intense redness, swelling, and crusting
• Days 7-14: Pronounced peeling and shedding
• Day 14 and beyond: Gradual healing and significant improvement in deeper wrinkles and scars

General Aftercare Tips

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your sensitive skin from sunlight.
• Stay Hydrated and Moisturize: Drink water and use a gentle moisturizer as directed.
• Follow Aftercare Instructions: Adhere to the specific aftercare steps provided by your specialist.

Can chemical peels be combined with other treatments?

Chemical peels effectively complement other treatments to enhance your overall results. Combining treatments can address multiple skin concerns, providing a comprehensive approach to skin care.

Although they may need to be performed in a separate treatment session, here are some procedures that pair well with chemical peels:

BOTOX® Cosmetic

Combining chemical peels with BOTOX can yield excellent results. While chemical peels exfoliate the skin to improve its texture and tone, BOTOX smooths dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. This combination helps you achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin by addressing both surface imperfections and deeper wrinkles.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are another excellent treatment to pair with chemical peels. While chemical peels rejuvenate the skin’s surface, dermal fillers restore volume and smooth out deeper lines and folds. This dual approach can provide a more youthful and refreshed appearance, making your skin look firmer and more radiant.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a popular treatment that complements chemical peels beautifully. The microneedling procedure creates micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This combination is particularly effective for improving skin texture, reducing the appearance of scars, and achieving a smoother complexion.