A chemical peel is an acid solution that a trained provider applies to your skin to remove damaged outer layers, so newer, smoother skin can grow in. Our peel menu includes VI Peel, VI Precision, VI Purifying, the Pigment Balancing Peel, the Advanced Corrective Peel, and Mesopeel Periocular. Availability can vary between our New Braunfels and Spring Branch clinics, so confirm the peel you want when you book. If you live in Bulverde, our Spring Branch clinic is a short drive away.
People usually ask us about peels for sun spots, uneven tone, acne marks, rough texture, or fine lines. With a VI Peel, expect a few days of flaking and peeling, with most of it done by day seven. Your provider chooses the peel and its strength at a consult, after looking at your skin and your health history.
What does a chemical peel treat?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists these common uses for chemical peels:
- Sun damage, age spots, and freckles
- Melasma and blotchy, uneven skin tone
- Some types of acne
- Fine lines, especially under the eyes and around the mouth
- Dull or rough-feeling skin
Peels can treat the face, hands, neck, and chest. The AAD notes that most results are not permanent, because skin keeps aging and the sun keeps causing new spots. Daily sunscreen after your skin heals helps your results last longer.
Which chemical peels do we offer?
Dermatologists group peels by how deep they reach. A superficial, or "lunchtime," peel stays in the top layer of skin. A medium peel goes further, and a deep peel goes further still. Deep peels require general anesthesia in a surgical setting and two to three weeks of recovery at home, according to the AAD. Deep peels are a different, more intensive category, and your provider will tell you which type of peel fits your skin.
VI Peel, VI Precision, and VI Purifying
VI Peel makes peels for pigment, acne, and aging skin, and sells them only for use in a provider's office. Our menu lists three of them: VI Peel, VI Precision, and VI Purifying. Your provider will tell you which one fits your skin best.
After a VI Peel, you go home with a kit of aftercare products and written instructions to follow for the next week.
Pigment Balancing Peel and Advanced Corrective Peel
The Pigment Balancing Peel and the Advanced Corrective Peel are both on our menu. The Advanced Corrective Peel is also one of the treatments you can choose each month with our Facial Membership, listed on our pricing page. Your provider can tell you whether either one suits your skin.
Mesopeel Periocular
Mesopeel Periocular is also on our peel menu. Ask your provider at your consult whether it fits your goals.
Gentler options on our facial menu
If you have never had a peel, you can start smaller. Our HydraFacial and Custom Facial both include chemical exfoliation, and you can read about both on our spa services page. Our facial menu also includes an Age Defying Micropeel. Our post on HydraFacial vs. a regular facial explains how those two facials differ.
Is CoolPeel a chemical peel?
No. CoolPeel and the Hollywood Peel are laser treatments. They have "peel" in the name because they refresh the surface of the skin, but neither uses an acid solution.
CoolPeel by DEKA
CoolPeel uses a CO2 laser on the top layer of skin to improve fine lines, sun damage, pore size, and texture. A session takes about 30 minutes, and most people feel slight tingling or warmth. Afterward, you may have slight redness that usually resolves quickly. Most people go back to their normal routine right away. We also offer CoolPeel as a series with Morpheus8, and our microneedling vs. Morpheus8 guide explains that treatment.
Hollywood Peel
The Hollywood Peel is a carbon laser peel. Your provider applies a thin carbon solution, then passes our Spectra laser over it, which heats the carbon and exfoliates the surface of your skin. The provider then wipes away what is left. It takes 20 to 30 minutes. Any redness usually fades within a few hours, so you can have it before a special event, even on the same day.
If sun spots and redness are your main concern, our IPL photofacial guide covers another light-based option.
What happens during a chemical peel appointment?
Your first visit starts with a consult. We ask about your skin goals, the products you use, and your health history. The AAD recommends telling your provider about:
- Isotretinoin (Accutane), now or in the past
- Every medicine you take, including antibiotics, acne treatments, and aspirin
- Cold sores, now or in the past
- Skin that scars easily
- Vitamins, herbs, and supplements
- Past surgeries and cosmetic treatments
Some people need to use a home skin care routine for two to four weeks before their peel. Your provider will tell you if you do.
On the day of the peel, your provider cleans your skin and removes oil so the solution absorbs evenly. The peel goes on in thin layers, and your provider watches how your skin reacts between each one. Most people feel warmth or tingling that eases within a few minutes. Right after a VI Peel, your skin may look slightly tan. Most people can go back to their day.
How much downtime does a chemical peel have?
It depends on the peel. With VI Peel, skin usually starts to flake by day two and peels on days three to five. By day seven, most people have finished peeling. Your first peel may last a little longer. Some people peel very little, and the peel still works.
Lighter, refreshing peels heal in one to seven days, according to the AAD. Your skin may turn red, then flake for a few days, and you can usually wear makeup right away or the next day.
Aftercare during the peeling week
- Use only the products your provider gives you until your skin finishes peeling.
- Do not pull or pick at peeling skin. Picking raises the risk of infection and scarring.
- After a VI Peel, wait four hours before putting anything on your skin, including makeup and sunscreen.
- After a VI Peel, skip workouts for three to four days, and skip swimming pools for 7 to 10 days.
- Avoid tanning beds. Use sunscreen every day once your skin heals.
If your skin burns, swells, or itches in a way that worries you, call us.
Who should wait or skip a chemical peel?
VI Peel lists several reasons to wait or skip a peel:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have taken oral isotretinoin in the past six months.
- You have an active cold sore or have had cold sores before, or have warts, an open wound, or sunburned or broken skin where we would treat.
- You are allergic to aspirin, hydroquinone, or phenol.
- You have had chemotherapy or radiation in the past six months, or you have an autoimmune or liver condition.
Some medicines make your skin more sensitive to light, so bring your medicine list to the consult.
Chemical peels for darker skin tones
The AAD says people with darker skin can safely have peels when the provider has experience with darker skin; otherwise there's a risk of permanent pigment changes. Your provider chooses the peel and the number of layers with your skin tone in mind. If you have melasma or tend to get dark marks after a breakout, tell us at your consult.
Why not use an at-home chemical peel?
In 2024, the FDA warned people not to buy or use certain strong chemical peels at home. Some peels sold online and in beauty stores contain acids like TCA, glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid at strengths that are not safe without professional supervision. The FDA warned these products can cause chemical burns, infections, color changes, and scars that may need emergency or specialist care. The FDA has not approved any chemical peel products.
The strength of a peel, the number of layers, and how long it stays on all change how deep it goes. In the office, your provider controls all three and checks your skin between layers. VI Peel sells its products only to trained providers for in-office use.
How many chemical peels will I need?
One peel can brighten your skin and smooth texture. For sun damage, melasma, or acne marks, most people need a series. VI Peel suggests three to six peels, four to six weeks apart, followed by a peel about once a season to maintain results. The AAD says lighter peels are often repeated every two to five weeks, for three to five treatments.
We plan the number of peels and the spacing at your consult and adjust it as your skin responds.
What does a chemical peel cost?
The cost depends on which peel you choose and how many sessions are in your plan. We go over the total at your consult before you start, and our pricing page lists each peel.
If you want to spread out the cost of a series, we offer payment plans through Affirm and Cherry. You can read about both on the pricing page.
Common questions about chemical peels
Does a chemical peel hurt?
Most people feel warmth or tingling while the peel is on, and it eases within minutes. VI Peel describes its peel as virtually painless. Your skin may itch while it peels, especially at night.
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
After a lighter peel, you can usually wear makeup right away or the next day. After a VI Peel, wait four hours before you put anything on your skin, and then follow your aftercare kit.
When can I work out after a peel?
After a VI Peel, wait three to four days before exercising. If you have melasma or tend to get dark marks, VI Peel recommends waiting the full seven days, because heat can trigger new pigment.
How long do chemical peel results last?
Results fade over time, because skin keeps aging and sun exposure causes new spots. Daily sunscreen and maintenance peels help them last longer.
Can I combine a peel with Botox or other treatments?
Often, yes. VI Peel says you can add a peel to a tox appointment. For most other treatments, such as facials, waxing, or IPL, plan to wait about four weeks after a VI Peel. The AAD notes that combining treatments can give better, longer-lasting results, and we will tell you how to time them.
Can I get a chemical peel while pregnant or breastfeeding?
VI Peel lists pregnancy and breastfeeding as reasons to wait. Tell us if you are pregnant or nursing, and we will help you plan your skin care until then.
Book a chemical peel consult in New Braunfels or Spring Branch
If you live in New Braunfels, Spring Branch, Bulverde, or nearby and want to fade spots, calm breakouts, or smooth your skin, start with a consult. We will look at your skin, go over your health history, and recommend a peel, a laser, or a gentler facial. You can book online or call (830) 608-9989.
This article is for education only. Individual results vary. Your provider will review your health history before recommending any treatment.