Why an Esthetician Chemical Peel Could Be the Remedy Your Skin Needs

14 Nov 2025

Note: Chemical peels are currently available exclusively at our Henderson, Nevada location.

In the realm of aesthetic skincare, few treatments offer the kind of refresh and reset that a professional chemical peel provides, especially when performed by a trained esthetician. If you have various skin conditions that make your complexion look dull, a well-executed chemical peel can help you hit the refresh button and finally reveal the smoother, clearer skin you’ve been waiting for.

At Simplicity Laser, we’re passionate about helping you understand your skin’s story. In this post, we’ll dive into what a professional chemical peel is, why it matters, how it works, how to select the right depth, how key ingredients like Salicylic Acid fit in, and how to care for your skin afterward.

What is an Esthetician Chemical Peel?

When we talk about an esthetician chemical peel, we’re referring to a professional peel treatment administered by a licensed, esthetician that uses a chemical solution to remove or exfoliate parts of the skin surface, in a controlled way. At Simplicity Laser, our estheticians are PCA-certified as well. The goal is to exfoliate the outer layers of dead skin cells and prompt your skin to regenerate healthier, smoother layers underneath.

Here’s how it looks in practice:

Your esthetician will assess your skin type, texture, acne scarring, pigmentation issues, and general goals.
They will select a peel formulation and depth suited to your skin’s condition and recovery tolerance.
The solution is applied, left to act for a specified time depending on the solution and depth of treatment, then neutralized or removed. With PCA peels, they will self-neutralize.
Over the following days, the treated outer skin layers may shed, you may experience dryness and flakiness, or there may be no visible peeling. Peels don’t need to flake to leave the skin more even-textured, because the cells are stimulated under the skin by the active ingredients.

Why trust a licensed esthetician?

An experienced esthetician brings real value to the chemical peel process. They’re skilled in assessing your skin’s texture and pigmentation, as well as understanding how your skin responds to exfoliation. Their expertise allows them to monitor and adjust the treatment for sensitivity, choose the appropriate peel for your skin type, and guide you through proper post-peel care. By creating a safe, supportive environment and offering personalized aftercare, they are professionally trained to help you achieve optimal results while minimizing risks.

Why Consider a Chemical Peel for Your Skin?

Improved Skin Texture & Exfoliation of Dead Skin Cells

Over time, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin, causing rough patches and uneven texture. A chemical peel helps accelerate the turnover of these cells, revealing smoother skin underneath.

Addressing Acne Scars

Acne scars, particularly atrophic (indented) scars or uneven texture, are notoriously stubborn. While a peel isn’t a complete fix, it can help by exfoliating damaged surface layers and stimulating collagen remodeling.

Smoother Tone, Fewer Discolorations

Sun spots and dull patches respond well to chemical peel skin treatments because you’re removing outer damaged layers and allowing more uniform, even skin tone to surface.

Younger-Looking Skin & Reduced Fine Lines

One of the most sought-after benefits of chemical peels is their ability to promote younger-looking skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, a peel helps improve skin firmness and elasticity, resulting in a smoother, plumper texture. Light and medium peels can gently soften early signs of aging, while deeper peels target more pronounced lines, offering visible rejuvenation without surgery. Over time, this cellular renewal process supports a brighter, more youthful complexion that looks refreshed and revitalized.

Improved Efficacy of Skincare

By clearing away the dead skin cell barrier, a chemical peel makes your serums and creams penetrate the skin more efficiently.

Non-Surgical, Customizable Resurfacing

Unlike lasers or invasive procedures, chemical peels are non-surgical and can be tailored to your needs and time constraints: from light resurfacing to more intensive treatments.

Understanding Depth: Types of Chemical Peels

One of the most important pieces in planning a successful treatment is selecting the appropriate depth and type of chemical peel. We'll break down what these terms mean so you understand what your esthetician is recommending.

Light Chemical Peels

Also called resurfacing or superficial peels. These remove the outermost layer of skin and are the gentlest option, resulting in minimal downtime. They’re great for:

Dull skin
Mild texture issues
Slight uneven skin tone
Buildup of dead skin cells on the surface

At Simplicity Laser, our resurfacing peels are designed to be gentle yet effective, offering noticeable resurfacing results and brighter, smoother, more radiant skin.

Medium Chemical Peels

These penetrate beyond the outermost layer of skin, into the second layer and address more noticeable concerns:

Mild - moderate acne scars
Uneven skin tone + sun damage
More pronounced textural issues

Deep Chemical Peels

These are the most intensive. They reach deep into the skin. They’re best suited to significant damage:

Deep wrinkles
Severe acne scars
Advanced sun damage

Which depth is right for you?

Your esthetician will help choose based on:

Your skin’s current condition: texture, scars, pigmentation, etc
Your downtime tolerance
Your skin tone and risk of hyperpigmentation. Darker skin tones may require extra caution with deeper peels.
Your goals: refresh vs major resurfacing

Key Ingredients in Chemical Peels

Understanding the active ingredients in your chemical peel gives you confidence in what your esthetician is using.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Salicylic Acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid. It is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate into the pores and help clear out clogged follicles. It is especially helpful for acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory and acne-fighting properties. Salicylic Acid is most commonly used in light chemical peels.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids such as Glycolic acid, Lactic Acid, and Citric acid are all water-soluble acids that work on the skin's surface, dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together to reveal fresher, healthier skin underneath. These AHAs are most commonly used in light peels.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

Trichloroacetic Acid penetrates into the upper layers of the dermis, where it stimulates collagen remodeling and promotes the growth of new, healthier skin cells. This makes it particularly effective for improving skin texture, reducing the appearance of acne scars, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, and addressing hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or aging. TCA is most commonly used in medium-depth peels.

PCA Chemical Peels: Advanced Formulas for Every Skin Type

At Simplicity Laser, we use PCA Chemical Peel Solutions. When it comes to professional-grade peels, PCA Skin® has become one of the most trusted and widely used brands in the aesthetics industry, and for good reason. PCA chemical peels are known for their scientifically formulated blends that deliver visible results with minimal irritation or downtime. Designed for a wide range of skin types and concerns, PCA peels combine multiple exfoliating acids such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) with soothing, hydrating ingredients that support skin barrier health during and after treatment.

Unlike traditional single-acid formulas, PCA’s multi-acid approach allows your esthetician to precisely target multiple concerns at once, whether it’s uneven skin tone, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, or sun damage. Each peel is customizable, meaning your esthetician can adjust strength and layering techniques based on your skin’s sensitivity and desired outcome.

PCA Skin also offers specialized solutions for diverse skin tones and conditions, including retinoid-based peels for advanced rejuvenation and non-resorcinol options that minimize irritation for sensitive or darker skin types. Because these peels are formulated with built-in calming agents and antioxidants, they provide the benefits of deeper exfoliation without excessive redness or prolonged peeling.

The result? Smoother texture, brighter tone, and healthier, more resilient skin without sacrificing comfort. PCA chemical peels are an excellent choice for anyone looking for consistent, professional results with a focus on long-term skin health.

What to Expect During a Chemical Peel Treatment?

Here’s a typical flow when you sit down with your esthetician for a chemical peel:

1. Consultation & Skin Assessment

Your esthetician will ask you about your skin history: skin conditions, acne scars, texture, pigmentation, and sensitivity.
Your esthetician will recommend a treatment based on your goals and skin history.

2. Pre-Treatment Prep

Your esthetician will prep and properly clean the treatment area.
Some peels require priming the skin with retinoids or acids ahead of time, so your skin may be pre-treated with additional products.

3. Application of the Chemical Peel Solution

Your esthetician applies the chosen chemical solution across your skin.
You may feel tingling, warmth, or mild stinging.
Your esthetician will set a timer for your skin to absorb the chemical solution, depending on the depth and the products being used.

4. Neutralization & Removal

After the appropriate time, your esthetician will neutralize or remove the chemical peel. PCA peels self-neutralize, and don’t need to be removed.
Your esthetician may apply a soothing mask or post-treatment products.

5. Post-Peel Instructions

Avoiding sun exposure is critical; fresh skin is more vulnerable. Mayo Clinic
You must use gentle skincare and avoid harsh products or picking/peeling prematurely.
Expect some flaking or shedding of treated skin layers, particularly for medium/deep peels.

6. Follow-Up & Care

You may have a series of treatments to accumulate results.
Your esthetician will recommend products and a routine to maintain your results.

How a Chemical Peel Helps with Acne Scars & Skin Texture

Let’s zoom in on various skin concerns that many clients bring in:

Acne Scars

Acne often leaves behind uneven, indented skin. While a chemical peel doesn’t fill these scars the way a dermal filler might, it helps by removing damaged surface layers and stimulating new collagen production beneath the skin. This renewal process gradually smooths the texture and softens the appearance of scars over time. Medium-depth peels tend to be the most effective for visible acne scarring, as they penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels. For optimal results, your esthetician may recommend a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart, often combined with other modalities such as microneedling or resurfacing procedures to enhance collagen remodeling and overall skin improvement.

Skin Texture

Skin texture issues such as roughness and enlarged pores often result from the buildup of dead skin cells and cumulative damage from sun exposure and environmental stressors. A chemical peel helps smooth and refine the surface by exfoliating dead cells and stimulating the growth of new skin, revealing a softer, more even complexion. After a peel, your skincare products can penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits and improving overall skin health. While even a single treatment can create visible improvement, consistent peels over time deliver the most transformative results.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles develop naturally as collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and supple, begin to break down over time. Environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution can accelerate this process, leading to visible creases and a loss of elasticity. A chemical peel helps combat these signs of aging by removing the outer layers of dull, damaged skin and stimulating new collagen production beneath the surface. This renewal process softens deeper fine lines and wrinkles and enhances overall firmness, giving the skin a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

What to Expect After the Treatment and How to Care for Your Skin

Immediate Aftercare

Your skin may feel sensitive or warm for a few hours post-treatment.
If you were treated with a light peel, you may go back to normal activities; for medium or deep, downtime could be 3-7 days or more, depending on the strength.
A high-SPF sunscreen is essential. Your skin is very vulnerable to sun exposure after a chemical peel.
No harsh scrubs, products with acids in their ingredient lists, or sun-bathing for at least one week or potentially longer, depending on the depth of treatment.

Recovery & Shedding

For some peels, you may see visible peeling or flaking as the treated layers shed. Flaking is not necessary for success.
It is very important not to pick or pull at peeling skin; let it come off naturally.
Hydrating, soothing serums can support comfort and healing.

Long-Term Care & Results

Improved skin texture, smoother tone, and reduced appearance of acne scarring may become apparent within weeks.
Maintenance/light peels or skincare should follow to keep the benefits going.
Skin continues to age and accumulate damage, so peels aren’t a one-time fix. They’re part of your skin-health toolkit.

Risks & Considerations of Chemical Peels

While chemical peels are generally safe in the hands of skilled professionals, you should be aware of a few risks:

Temporary redness, sensitivity, flaking.
Hyperpigmentation may occur if proper after-care is not followed.

A Fresh Start for Your Skin

If you’ve been frustrated by a complexion that just doesn’t reflect how vibrant you feel inside, a chemical peel might be the reset you’ve been looking for. It’s a powerful way to accelerate your skin’s renewal and bring smoother, more confident skin to the surface.

At Simplicity Laser, we believe in simplicity in strategy and sophistication in execution. A tailor-made peel, combined with smart after-care and consistent skincare, can help your skin reveal its best chapter yet.

Ready to explore whether a chemical peel is right for you? Call us in Henderson, Nevada, for a consultation, and let’s design your skin renewal plan together.

Here’s to skin that reflects the best version of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will a chemical peel erase my acne scars?

A: While a chemical peel can significantly improve texture and the appearance of acne scars by removing damaged layers and encouraging collagen production, it may not fully “erase” deep scars. It’s best used as part of a combined strategy.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: For texture concerns or dead skin cell buildup, 2-4 light peels spaced 2-4 weeks apart might suffice. For acne scarring/texture, you may undergo several medium peels over several months. Your esthetician will propose a plan. We offer singles, packages of three, and packages of six. A single is perfect for a single refresh, while a three-pack is better for deeper results and ongoing care. The six-peel pack is ideal for long-term rejuvenation and maximum glow.

Q: How Long Should I Expect to Recover?

A: That depends on the depth. Light peels like ours typically have minimal downtime. Depending on the peel type and your skin, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

Light flaking or dryness for 3–7 days
Temporary tightness or mild redness
A healthy glow and improved texture within days
Visible peeling is not required for results; your skin is still renewing underneath the surface.

Q: What kind of results can I expect for skin texture?

A: Many clients report a smoother feel, refined pores, more even tone, and a visible reduction in roughness within 1–2 weeks post-peel. These improvements continue over time with repeated skin treatments.

Q: What about using acids at home? Why not just buy a home kit?

A: At-home products are typically made of AHAs or BHAs, which are great for maintenance, but they’re typically gentler and less customizable. A professional peel offers stronger, but safely administered exfoliation and a broader treatment of texture and scars. And you get the guidance and care of a licensed professional.