Fall and winter are ideal seasons for chemical peels as these powerful treatments can help you hit your skin’s refresh button without worrying about photosensitivity from the sun. You may be thinking, “but how do I pick the right one for my skin?” Don’t worry—we’re here to take the guesswork out of it!
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a collagen stimulating skin treatment where we apply a solution to exfoliate the outer layers of skin and kickstart fresh, new skin production. Peels are amazing for addressing various concerns like acne, pigmentation, fine lines, and overall texture. While we know the idea of your skin ‘shedding’ may sound scary and intimidating, we’re here to help make the process as comfortable as possible.
Do chemical peels hurt? What is my downtime? I have sensitive skin, can I still get a chemical peel? These are some common concerns we hear about peels which are totally normal to have! The beauty about aesthetic medicine is that every year, chemical peel technologies and new advanced formulations are being discovered for various skin types and issues meaning there’s likely a peel that’s perfect for any skin concern.
Our Favorite Peels
At Thistle Medical Aesthetics, we have a carefully selected menu of chemical peel options including the BioRePeel, VI Peel, and Thistle Glow Peel. Each peel offers its own special benefits, and we’ll help you choose your perfect match!
BioRePeel
If you don’t have the schedule for downtime but still want to brighten and improve your skin’s appearance, BioRePeel may be a great option for you! BioRePeel is a 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) that has a unique dual-phase formula combining both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties carefully remove the outermost layer to reveal a fresh, smooth, and radiant layer of skin underneath without compromising your skin’s hydration. It is not photosensitive so it can be done year round and is ideal for anyone looking for a quick refresh or add-on to a microneedling treatment for an extra boost!
Lipophilic: Biostimulating & Revitalizing
- Activates fibroblast activity to stimulate skin renewal and biosynthesis
- Boosts cellular turnover for a rejuvenated and fresh appearance
- Enhances collagen and elastin production, promoting skin elasticity and firmness
- Neutralizes free radicals, helping to soften fine lines and reduce signs of photoaging
Hydrophilic: Stabilizing & Protective
- Reduces water loss through the skin, creating a protective barrier
- Delivers active ingredients deep into the skin for maximum product absorption
- Restores the hydro-lipidic layer for healthier, more balanced skin
- Enhances hydration, combating dryness and promoting a supple, radiant complexion
Downtime: Minimal to no downtime! You may experience slight flaking and dryness the following days. Flakiness may last up to 14 days post-treatment.
VI Peel
VI Peel is a medium-depth powerhouse peel that works to suppress melanogenesis (melanin production) at the source while promoting rapid cell turnover for a more even and brighter toned skin. It combines salicylic acid, lactic acid, and other key ingredients to lift and exfoliate those skin cells and allow the body to produce new and healthy skin cells. Typically, we recommend a series of a combination of peels for best results!
Types & Benefits:
- Classic: A first-time peel for all age groups and skin types! It is specifically formulated to improve the look of texture and stimulate healthy collagen production.
- For skin concerns:
- Sensitive skin
- Early signs of aging (ages 20+)
- Rough texture
- For skin concerns:
- Advanced: Ideal for more mature clients that want to prevent deeper-set wrinkles and combat loss of elasticity. It is formulated with a synergistic blend of ingredients that penetrate deep into the dermis to combat signs of aging, soften fine lines and wrinkles, enhance collagen stimulation to increase cell turnover, and help with firmness.
- For skin concerns:
- Aging skin (Ages 40+)
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of elasticity
- For skin concerns:
- Precision Plus: Our most popular treatment! This is a medium-depth powerhouse peel works to suppress melanogenesis—the production of melanin—at the source while promoting rapid cell turnover for more even and bright skin tone.
- For skin concerns:
- Sun damage
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- For skin concerns:
- Purify: A comprehensive peel that targets multiple causes and symptoms of acne, from dead skin cell buildup and excess oil to clogged pores and various types of blemishes. This peel eliminates p. acnes bacteria, improves overall texture, and balances your skin’s pH.
- For skin concerns:
- Active acne and breakout prone skin
- Break-out prone skin
- Clogged pores and excessive oiliness
- Teen acne
- For skin concerns:
- Purify with Precision Plus: Address active breakouts along with acne scars and pigmentation they can leave behind. This peel clears away dead skin cells and excess oil, speeding up the healing process while deeply purifying pores to prevent future breakouts. By targeting melanogenesis—melanin production—right at the source, this treatment helps reduce persistent post-acne scars and uneven tone, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.
- For skin concerns:
- Excessive oil production
- Acne scarring and hyperpigmentation
- Adult acne
- For skin concerns:
Downtime: You may expect redness, flakiness, and peeling for up to 14 days post-treatment. Peak peeling is typically days 3-5 post-treatment. A pro tip is to schedule your peel on a Wednesday so that peak peeling is done through the weekend!
Thistle Glow Peel
Meet our Thistle Glow Peel—Aubry’s favorite for tackling stubborn pigmentation and melasma! This melanage peel is packed with arbutin, azelaic acid, and kojic acid to brighten, even skin tone, improve texture, and boost healthy skin renewal. We call it our “low and slow” peel, as it’s hydroquinone-free and works gradually, using a medicated masque and an at-home regimen to maximize results. With gentle acids and retinoids, it smooths and brightens, and can be done solo or in a series every 3-4 weeks for added glow.
Plus, our best-selling Thistle Glow Cream (compounded right in our office) is a powerhouse night treatment with arbutin, 5% retinol, kojic acid, and Vitamins C and E. It’s designed to brighten, fade pigmentation, and promote cell turnover for healthier, more radiant skin.
Downtime: Very minimal with mild flaking for 2-3 days post-application. Flakiness may last up to 14 days post-treatment.
What to Expect Pre and Post Treatment
Before your treatment…
Avoid sun exposure and discontinue use of products containing retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) a week before treatment.
During your treatment…
After thoroughly reviewing your medical history and pre-treatment questionnaire, we’ll start by cleansing the face and begin applying the peel solution in layers. During the treatment, you may feel a slight stinging or burning sensation. A hand-held fan is provided for optimal comfort. Additional aftercare instructions will be provided depending on the chemical peel chosen.
After your treatment…
After your treatment, you might notice some redness, itching, or tightness for a few hours which is totally normal and usually lasts a few days! To stay comfortable, skip any strenuous activities for 2-3 days, and remember not to pick or pull at your skin. Follow our post-care instructions and avoid adding any new skincare products to your routine that may sensitize your skin. Wear SPF 30+ daily and avoid direct sunlight for at least a week. Some breakouts can happen during the following week, which is also normal. We also suggest waiting at least two weeks before scheduling any other skin treatments like facials, lasers, or waxing.
Keep in mind, healing post chemical peels varies person to person. Even if your skin doesn’t visibly peel, that doesn’t necessarily mean the peel isn’t working it’s magic! Your skin is still experiencing renewal deep within the skin’s surface!
We believe a series of chemical peels can totally transform your skin, and fall is the perfect time to do so! Not sure which one is right for you? Schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic providers so that we can help discuss your skin concerns and create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your goals. Trust us, your skin will thank you later!
Xo, The Thistle Team
