At Cynthia Salter-Lewis, MD in Englishtown, NJ, we use chemical peels that combine exfoliating acids with skin-nourishing ingredients to sweep away dull surface cells. These formulas can brighten, refresh, and renew your complexion in a single office visit. Because every skin type responds differently, we maintain a broad menu of chemical peels ranging from light blends to deeper options. Our experience with each solution’s ingredients and benefits lets us match the peel strength, pH, and active agents to the concerns you want to address.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are topical treatments that exfoliate the outer layers of your skin to improve texture and tone. We apply a carefully selected blend of acids that work on the surface and just beneath the skin to target dullness, discoloration, and unevenness. Chemical peels are non-surgical, anti-aging treatments that fit easily into most routines.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
Each peel works by applying a chemical solution that gently breaks down dead skin cells and stimulates natural skin turnover. Depending on the depth of the peel, it can also trigger collagen production deeper within the skin. Repeated treatments with lighter formulas can support gradual improvement in fine lines, acne scars, and pigment irregularities.
Skin Concerns Treated By Chemical Peels
Acne and Breakouts
When your skin is prone to frequent breakouts or leftover blemishes, exfoliating treatments can make a noticeable difference in both clarity and texture. We often use chemical peels for acne scars and active acne because they help clear clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and encourage healthy skin turnover. Some formulations include ingredients like salicylic or mandelic acid, which work especially well for oily or congested skin.
Hyperpigmentation and Melasma
Uneven pigment from sun exposure, hormones, or past inflammation can be stubborn, but a series of peels can gradually help lift dark patches and discoloration. One chemical peel benefit is how well it targets surface-level pigment irregularities without downtime. We choose solutions that take into account your skin’s sensitivity to avoid irritating the skin while still making progress.
Sun Damage
UV exposure leaves lasting effects on the skin, including roughness, blotchiness, and early signs of aging. Peels can gently resurface sun-damaged areas by sloughing off the damaged top layer and revealing a more even complexion underneath.
Fine Lines
Aging skin tends to look less vibrant due to slower cell turnover and the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Light to medium-depth peels encourage collagen remodeling, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles without injections or surgery.
Static Wrinkles
Unlike expression lines that come and go, static wrinkles stay visible even when your face is at rest. One example is the crease that develops between your eyebrows over time. A peel may be used as a treatment for frown lines between eyebrows, helping to resurface the skin and minimize their appearance.
Uneven Skin Tone and Dullness
When your complexion starts to lose its brightness or looks uneven in patches, exfoliation can restore a healthier-looking glow. Dullness often comes from a buildup of oil and dead skin cells. A peel can smooth that layer away and promote clearer, more radiant skin in just a few treatments.
Enlarged Pores and Rough Texture
Texture issues and visibly enlarged pores often go hand in hand, especially in areas like the cheeks and nose. Peels help refine these areas by tightening the appearance of pores and softening rough patches. We often recommend this to patients who want skin that feels smoother and looks more even in both natural light and makeup.
Common Ingredients Found in Chemical Peels
- Ascorbic Acid: Ascorbic acid is a powerful form of vitamin C known for its ability to brighten and firm the skin. It supports collagen production while helping to fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
- Retinol: Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. When used in a peel, it can help improve the appearance of fine lines, discoloration, and texture irregularities over time.
- Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract is a natural source of vitamin E and delivers hydrating benefits to the skin while supporting antioxidant protection. It helps maintain the skin barrier and soothes inflammation, especially after exfoliation.
- Kojic Acid: Kojic acid is known for its ability to lighten sun damage, dark spots, and scarring by slowing melanin production in the skin. It is frequently used in peels for pigmentation concerns such as melasma and post-inflammatory discoloration.
Our Chemical Peel Options
Salicylic Acid Peel
Our salicylic acid peel is ideal for patients with oily or acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into the pores to help loosen and remove sebum, dead skin, and buildup that can lead to breakouts. This peel also helps reduce surface oil, inflammation, and post-acne discoloration.
Glycolic Peel
The glycolic peel uses an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin to reveal a fresher, more even surface. It works well for addressing sun damage, fine lines, and rough texture. Patients with dry or aging skin often choose this peel to help improve tone and skin softness. Its smaller molecule size allows it to penetrate effectively without extended downtime.
Mandelic Acid Peel
Mandelic acid peels are a gentle but effective option for treating mild acne, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Because mandelic acid penetrates more slowly than other AHAs, it is often a better choice for sensitive skin. This peel helps refine pores, brighten the complexion, and smooth the skin’s surface without causing irritation. Patients also like its calming, antibacterial properties.
Lacti-Bright Peel
The Lacti-Bright peel combines lactic acid with hydroquinone to hydrate the skin while addressing areas of discoloration. Lactic acid helps smooth and brighten, while hydroquinone targets hyperpigmented patches for a more even complexion. This peel is well-suited for patients dealing with melasma, sun damage, or dull, uneven skin tone. It offers both exfoliating and lightening effects in one treatment.
Retinol Peel
Our retinol peel promotes rapid skin renewal by boosting cell turnover and encouraging collagen growth. It can help reduce fine lines, texture irregularities, and pigment concerns. Patients often experience light peeling a few days after treatment, followed by a clearer, more refined look. This peel works well for those seeking long-term improvements in skin quality and firmness.
MelanaPro Peel by Dermalogica
The MelanaPro peel addresses persistent hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone. It uses a combination of brightening agents and exfoliants to gradually fade discoloration and promote a balanced complexion. This system can offer results in six weeks or less, and it involves an in-office peel followed by a resurfacing cream and a facial mist used at home.
Complexion Code Plus Peel
The Complexion Code Plus peel targets multiple concerns at once, including dark spots, melasma, lentigos, and more. The professional mask combines exfoliating acids with skin-brightening agents to refine the skin’s surface and reduce visible discoloration. At-home products can extend the benefits of the in-office treatment. This peel is well-suited for patients looking to improve clarity, radiance, and tone with minimal downtime.
SkinMedica Peels
Illuminize Peel
The Illuminize Peel is the most gentle option among the SkinMedica peels and is a good choice for first-time patients or those with sensitive skin. It provides a subtle refresh by brightening the skin and improving tone with little to no visible peeling. This treatment is often used before events or special occasions when patients want to look more radiant without downtime.
Vitalize Peel
The Vitalize Peel offers a deeper level of exfoliation and is designed to address mild to moderate concerns like rough texture, sun damage, and pigment irregularities. Patients often see noticeable improvement after a single treatment, with light peeling over several days. This peel is suitable for a range of skin tones.
Rejuvenize Peel
As the strongest of the SkinMedica peels, the Rejuvenize Peel targets more advanced signs of aging and discoloration. It penetrates deeper into the skin to address stubborn pigment, uneven tone, and fine lines. Patients typically experience several days of visible peeling, followed by fresher, more refined skin.
What to Expect During Your Chemical Peel Treatment
When you arrive for your treatment, we will begin by cleansing your skin to remove oil and debris so the peel can penetrate evenly. The selected solution is then applied and left on the skin for a set amount of time based on its strength and your skin’s condition. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation during the application. After the peel is neutralized or removed, we may apply calming products and sunscreen before you leave. Most treatments take about 30 minutes, and you can return to normal activities the same day, depending on the type of peel used.
How to Care for Your Skin After a Chemical Peel
Post-treatment care is an important part of getting the most from your peel. For the first few days, you’ll want to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected from sun exposure. Avoid picking, scrubbing, or using active skincare products until your skin has fully healed. You may experience light flaking or peeling, depending on the depth of the treatment. Following the right care routine can help support better chemical peel results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels
How Often Can I Get a Chemical Peel?
The frequency depends on the type of peel you receive and what you want to address. If we are using light chemical peels, you can often schedule them every four weeks to maintain results or gradually improve specific concerns. Medium-depth peels usually require more time between sessions, often 6 to 8 weeks, to allow your skin to fully recover. For deeper peels, we may recommend only one session.
Will My Skin Peel Excessively After a Chemical Peel?
Not every peel causes visible peeling, even though exfoliation happens on a cellular level. Lighter peels may result in no peeling or very mild flaking, while deeper peels can cause more noticeable shedding for several days. Peeling is a natural part of the skin renewal process, and it often starts a day or two after your session. We recommend you allow the skin to exfoliate naturally without pulling or rubbing at the skin.
Are Chemical Peels Suitable for Darker Skin Tones?
We customize treatments for all skin tones and take extra care when working with melanin-rich skin. Many of our patients benefit from chemical peels for dark skin that brighten the complexion, soften texture, and fade discoloration. During your visit, we will choose suitable and effective options based on your skin type and condition.
How Soon Will I See Results?
The timing depends on the type of chemical peel treatment you receive. With light peels, you may notice a brighter, smoother look in just a few days once any flaking stops. Deeper peels take longer to heal, but they often provide more dramatic improvement in tone and texture. Some concerns, like hyperpigmentation or acne scars, may require multiple treatments to see consistent changes.
Get to Know Cynthia Salter-Lewis, MD
Dr. Cynthia Salter-Lewis is known for delivering expert, individualized care in cosmetic and anti-aging medicine. She takes the time to understand your unique concerns and offers non-invasive treatments that help you maintain a refreshed, natural appearance. From physician-grade chemical peels to advanced injectables and laser treatments, each service is carefully selected to match your skin’s needs. Patients throughout Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Old Bridge, Morganville, Monroe, and Shrewsbury trust her for thoughtful guidance and long-term aesthetic care. In a welcoming and professional setting, you will receive personalized treatment designed to help you look and feel your best.
Clearer, Brighter Skin With Chemical Peels in Englishtown, NJ
Chemical peels can help smooth texture, brighten discoloration, and support long-term skin renewal with minimal downtime. At Cynthia Salter-Lewis, MD in Englishtown, NJ, we offer a range of peel options to address acne, sun damage, and early signs of aging. Treatments are performed using well-studied ingredients that encourage gradual, visible improvement. To schedule your appointment or ask questions, call (732) 724-1294 or contact us through our website.
