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April 29, 2025 

 

Chemical Peels: Refresh Your Skin with Professional Treatments


At Mountain Pine Dermatology in Meridian, ID, we offer a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments tailored to your unique needs. Among our most popular options are chemical peels —a versatile solution for common skin concerns. Let's explore what chemical peels are, who can benefit from them, and what you should know before scheduling your treatment.
 

What Exactly Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a controlled exfoliation treatment that uses specialized acids to remove damaged outer layers of skin. The process encourages cell turnover, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath. Unlike physical exfoliants that scrub away dead skin cells mechanically, chemical peels work by dissolving the bonds between cells, allowing damaged or older skin cells to shed naturally.

At Mountain Pine Dermatology, our chemical peels are performed by experienced dermatologists who customize each treatment to address your specific skin concerns and skin type. We use medical-grade formulations that provide more dramatic and long-lasting results than over-the-counter products.

The Chemical Peel Process: What to Expect
Before Your Appointment

The journey to rejuvenated skin begins before you even arrive at our Meridian clinic. During your initial consultation, our dermatologists will:

  • Evaluate your skin condition and discuss your goals
  • Review your medical history and current medications
  • Recommend the most appropriate type of peel for your needs
  • Provide pre-treatment instructions to prepare your skin

You may be advised to discontinue certain skincare products containing retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide for 3-7 days before your treatment. We might also recommend special preparatory products to optimize your results and minimize potential side effects.


During Your Chemical Peel Treatment

When you arrive for your appointment, we'll start by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove all traces of makeup, oil, and debris. Then, the chemical solution is carefully applied to your skin.

What you'll experience during the procedure depends on the type of peel you're receiving. These types include:
  • Light peels typically cause a mild warming or tingling sensation that subsides quickly
  • Medium peels may produce a more intense stinging or burning feeling for 5-10 minutes
  • Deep peels require local anesthesia or sedation for comfort during the procedure

The solution remains on your skin for a predetermined amount of time—from just a few minutes for lighter peels to longer periods for deeper treatments. Your provider will monitor your skin's response throughout the process. Once the optimal reaction is achieved, the solution is neutralized and removed.


Recovery and Aftercare

After your chemical peel at Mountain Pine Dermatology, we'll apply soothing products and provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific treatment. Generally, you can expect:
  • Light peels: Minimal downtime with slight redness and flaking for 2-3 days
  • Medium peels: Noticeable redness, swelling, and peeling for 5-7 days
  • Deep peels: More intensive recovery with redness, swelling, and peeling that may last 7-14 days


Proper sun protection is absolutely essential after any chemical peel treatment. We'll recommend medical-grade sunscreens and skincare products to enhance your healing process and maintain your results.

Types of Chemical Peel Treatments We Offer
At Mountain Pine Dermatology in Meridian, we provide a comprehensive range of chemical peel options.

Light (Superficial) Peels
These gentle peels target the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and are excellent for addressing minor imperfections and maintaining overall skin health.

Common ingredients include:

  • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid
  • Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid
  • Mandelic acid
  • Lactic acid

Light peels can be performed every 4-6 weeks as part of your regular skin care maintenance.

Medium Peels
Medium-depth peels penetrate to the upper part of the dermis (middle skin layer) to address more significant concerns.

Common ingredients include:
  • Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in concentrations of 15-35%
  • Higher-strength glycolic acid
  • Jessner's solution (a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol)

These peels typically require 5-7 days of downtime and can be repeated every 3-6 months for optimal results.

Deep Peels
For the most dramatic transformation, deep peels reach the mid-dermis layer. These treatments address severe damage and significant signs of aging but require longer recovery time.

Common ingredients include:
  • High-concentration TCA (over 35%)
  • Phenol

Deep peels are typically a once-in-a-lifetime treatment for most patients due to their intensity and long-lasting results.
 

Why People Choose to Get Chemical Peels 

Chemical peels have remained popular for decades because they effectively address numerous skin concerns. Our Meridian patients choose chemical peels to:

Minimize Signs of Aging
  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Diminish creases around the mouth and eyes
  • Improve skin texture and firmness
  • Address age spots and pigmentation issues

Treat Acne and Related Concerns
  • Clear active breakouts
  • Reduce excessive oil production
  • Minimize the appearance of acne scars
  • Prevent future breakouts with regular treatments

Address Pigmentation Issues
  • Fade sun damage and photodamage
  • Reduce melasma (hormone-related pigmentation)
  • Even out skin tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Brighten dull, lackluster complexion

Enhance Overall Skin Health
  • Stimulate collagen production for firmer skin
  • Improve product absorption for better skincare results
  • Create a smoother, more refined skin texture
  • Provide a "reset" for skin struggling with multiple issues


Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Chemical Peel Treatment?

While chemical peels can benefit many skin types, they aren't universally appropriate for everyone. The best candidates for chemical peels at our

Meridian clinic typically:
  • Have realistic expectations about potential results
  • Are in good general health
  • Don't have a history of abnormal scarring
  • Can commit to proper sun protection before and after treatment
  • Have specific skin concerns that respond well to chemical exfoliation

During your consultation at Mountain Pine Dermatology, we'll determine if you're an ideal candidate for chemical peels or if another treatment would better address your concerns.


Potential Issues and Side Effects 

While chemical peels are generally safe when performed by qualified professionals, they do carry some risks and potential side effects that patients should be aware of.

Common Side Effects
Most patients experience some degree of:
  • Redness (similar to a sunburn)
  • Stinging or tingling sensation
  • Tightness and dryness
  • Flaking and peeling
  • Temporary darkening before peeling occurs
  • Light sensitivity

These effects are typically part of the normal healing process and resolve as your skin recovers.

Less Common Complications
More serious issues that occur less frequently include:
  • Persistent redness lasting weeks or months
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
  • Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin)
  • Infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
  • Scarring (rare with proper technique and aftercare)
  • Allergic reactions to ingredients
  • Activation of cold sores in susceptible individuals

The risk of complications increases with deeper peels and certain skin types.

People with darker skin tones need specially formulated peels to minimize pigmentation risks, which is why working with experienced providers like our team at Mountain Pine Dermatology is crucial.


Getting the Best Results from Your Chemical Peel Treatment

To get the most from your chemical peel treatment at our Meridian clinic, we recommend:

Before Your Peel
  • Follow all pre-treatment instructions carefully
  • Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before treatment
  • Stay hydrated and maintain healthy skin care habits
  • Discontinue use of retinoids and exfoliating products as directed
  • Let us know about any changes in your health or medications

After Your Peel
  • Adhere strictly to post-care instructions
  • Keep your skin moisturized with recommended products
  • Apply sunscreen diligently (minimum SPF 30) every day
  • Avoid picking or peeling the skin manually
  • Postpone strenuous exercise until approved by your provider
  • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
At Mountain Pine Dermatology, we believe in a personalized approach to skin care. Chemical peels are just one of many effective treatments we offer at our clinics in Meridian, Caldwell, and outside of the Treasure Valley. To determine if a chemical peel is right for your specific skin concerns, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists.

During your visit, we'll assess your skin condition, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan—whether that's a chemical peel or another approach better suited to your needs.

Ready to reveal fresher, more radiant skin? Contact Mountain Pine Dermatology today to learn more about our chemical peel options and take the first step toward transforming your complexion.


This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary. Schedule a consultation at Mountain Pine Dermatology in Meridian, ID to determine the best treatment options for your unique skin concerns.