The Truth About Chemical Peels: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Expect

Facials Near me Mitchell adn Huron South Dakota

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your skin looked smoother, brighter, and more youthful, you’re not alone. Many of us battle dull skin, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven tone, and a chemical peel might just be the skincare treatment you didn't know you needed.

At Tailored 2 You in Mitchell, SD, we recently helped a client who never thought much about her skin. She wasn’t big on makeup, didn’t have a skincare routine, and honestly, didn’t think her skin needed much attention—until after she had her first child. Suddenly, she noticed dark spots, uneven tone, and rough patches that made her feel like her skin wasn’t her own anymore.

After a personalized consultation, we recommended a chemical peel to help reset her skin, and the results were incredible. Her confidence skyrocketed, and she shared how “normal” and “herself” she felt again.

What Is a Chemical Peel and Why Might You Need One?

A chemical peel uses a special solution applied to the skin to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Depending on the strength of the peel, it can target surface-level concerns or penetrate deeper layers of skin for more dramatic results.

Chemical peels come in three main types:

Light Peel: A gentle peel to brighten and smooth your skin—great for a refresh before an event.
Medium Peel: Targets fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. Expect a few days of peeling as your skin renews.
Deep Peel: For more significant skin issues, like deeper wrinkles and scars. This type has longer recovery but offers dramatic results.

Whether you’ve never paid much attention to your skin or are a self-care enthusiast, a chemical peel offers a fresh start for your skin, making it brighter, smoother, and more even.

What Can a Chemical Peel Help With?

If you’ve tried all the serums, exfoliators, and facials, but your skin still looks dull or uneven, a chemical peel might be the boost you need. It’s perfect for addressing:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin tone and sun spots
Rough skin texture
Acne scars and dark marks
Dull, tired-looking skin

A chemical peel can give you that “I just got back from vacation” glow, even if the only trip you’re taking is to the grocery store.

What Is the Treatment Like?

The treatment itself is usually quick and straightforward:

Consultation: Your provider will discuss your skin concerns and decide which type of peel is best for you.
Preparation: Your skin will be cleansed, and a protective barrier may be applied around sensitive areas.
Application: The chemical solution is applied and left on for a few minutes. You might feel a tingling or warm sensation, but it’s typically comfortable.
Neutralizing and Soothing: The peel is neutralized, and your skin is treated with soothing products and sun protection.

The entire process can take as little as 30 minutes, making it perfect for a lunch-hour treatment.

What to Expect During the Healing Process: The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful

Okay, let’s talk about the aftermath. Healing after a chemical peel is different for everyone, but one thing is certain—there’s a phase where your skin might not look its best. This process can feel a little embarrassing, but let’s be real: It’s 2025—most people know exactly what a chemical peel is. And trust us, the results are worth it.

Many of our clients share that they feel self-conscious during the peeling phase. That’s why we always advise:

If someone asks, “What’s going on with your skin?”, a simple and confident response like, “I got a chemical peel, and I’m so excited for the final results! This is just part of the process,” can shift the conversation.

Instead of awkward stares, you might find people asking genuine questions—and you could even inspire someone else to take control of their skin health.

Light Peel:

Day 1-2: Your skin might look mildly red, almost like a fresh sunburn.
Day 2-5: Expect your skin to feel dry and tight, with light, flaky peeling.
Day 5-7: Your skin starts to reveal a brighter, more refreshed appearance, and you might notice a healthy glow.

Medium Peel:

Day 1-3: Redness and swelling are normal. Your skin may feel tight and warm, almost as if you’ve had a really intense workout.
Day 3-7: This is when the real peeling begins—you might see thin sheets of skin shedding, which is completely normal. It’s tempting, but don’t pick or pull! Let it happen naturally.
Day 7-10: Your skin’s transformation begins. The fresh skin underneath starts to shine through, and those fine lines, spots, and scars? They’ll start to look less noticeable.

Deep Peel:

Day 1-3: Expect significant redness and swelling. You might need to apply ointment to keep your skin moisturized and protected.
Day 3-7: This phase includes peeling and crusting. It’s not the prettiest phase, but remember, this is part of the process that leads to smoother, more radiant skin.
Week 2-3: Your skin should start to feel smoother and look brighter. Full results can take a few weeks to a few months, but the improvement in texture, tone, and glow is worth the wait.

Pro Tips for Healing and Aftercare

Stay Out of the Sun: Your skin will be extra sensitive, so wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight.
Keep It Moisturized: Use gentle, hydrating products to support healing.
Don’t Pick or Peel: It’s tempting, but let your skin shed naturally to avoid scarring or irritation.
Avoid Harsh Products: Hold off on retinoids, exfoliants, or acids until your skin fully recovers.

Why a Chemical Peel Was the Perfect Solution for Our Client

For our client, whose skin changed dramatically after childbirth, a chemical peel was a game-changer. She didn’t need an invasive procedure or a complicated skincare routine—just a simple treatment that delivered real results.

Her skin not only looked smoother and brighter, but she also felt a renewed sense of confidence. Now, when she looks in the mirror, she sees herself again—and that’s the true beauty of a chemical peel.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?

You might benefit from a chemical peel if you:

Want smoother, brighter skin without invasive procedures.
Struggle with fine lines, acne scars, or uneven skin tone.
Have tried other treatments but want something stronger and more effective.
Are prepared for a bit of downtime to get beautiful, long-lasting results.

Ready for a Fresh Face? Schedule Your Chemical Peel Today!

At Tailored 2 You in Mitchell, SD, we offer customized chemical peels to help you achieve your skin goals. Whether you want a quick refresh or a more dramatic transformation, we’ll create a treatment plan just for you.

Call today to book your consultation! Let’s get you on the path to glowing, gorgeous skin.

605-990-4700 or book online here: GLOW ME UP