Published: April 8, 2025

What Are Chemical Peels?

By using a combination of acids, chemical peels stimulate the skin’s natural cellular turnover, leading to smoother, brighter skin. In addition to brightening and smoothing the complexion, chemical peels can be highly effective for a variety of skin issues, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Chemical peels are most popular on the face but have a wide range of uses on the body!

Common Body Chemical Peels and Why

Back Acne + Acne Scaring

Back acne (often referred to as “bacne“) can be a challenging condition to treat. Many patients start with over-the-counter products that contain AHAs and BHAs, which help to reduce acne and clear pores. However, chemical peels offer a much stronger concentration of these acids, which can deliver faster, more noticeable results to reduce back acne. Peels help by deeply exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, preventing the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that contribute to acne. Over time, chemical peels also reduce the appearance of acne scars, leaving the skin smoother and clearer.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin that become darker than the surrounding skin, often caused by excess melanin production. This can result from sun exposure, hormonal changes, or previous injuries to the skin (like acne). Body chemical peels are highly effective for treating hyperpigmentation because they work to exfoliate the uppermost layers of the skin. This exfoliation removes the layers that contain excess melanin, promoting a brighter, more even skin tone. Over time, the new skin that forms is often significantly lighter, providing a more radiant and uniform complexion.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is a condition where hair follicles become clogged with keratin, resulting in small, bumpy, and rough patches on the skin—often on the upper arms, thighs, or back. These bumps can sometimes resemble acne but are actually caused by a buildup of keratin in the pores. Body chemical peels work wonders for KP by exfoliating the outer layers of skin, which helps to unclog the follicles and smooth the skin’s texture. With regular treatment, the appearance of KP can be greatly improved, leaving the skin feeling smoother and more refined.

Stimulating Collagen

One of the best benefits of body chemical peels is their ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping skin firm, plump, and youthful. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. By exfoliating the skin and promoting cell turnover, chemical peels encourage the skin to produce more collagen. This can result in firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Collagen stimulation also helps in improving skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and enhancing the overall texture of the skin.

What Areas of the Body Can be Treated?

The back, chest, arms, underarms, buttocks, and legs are all common treatment areas for body chemical peels. Based on individual concerns, more body areas may be appropriate for treatment.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

To achieve optimal results, body chemical peels usually require a series of treatments. Most patients undergo 3 to 5 peels spaced about 6 weeks apart. This spacing allows the skin to fully heal and regenerate between treatments.

Once the initial series of treatments is complete, maintenance peels may be recommended every 3 to 4 months to maintain the results. The exact number of treatments and the frequency of maintenance will vary based on the individual’s skin concerns and goals.

Is There Downtime?

Immediately after the treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink or red, similar to a mild sunburn. This usually lasts for about 24 to 48 hours. The real peeling process generally begins 3 to 5 days after the treatment, and you may experience flaking or shedding of the outer layer of skin. Peeling can continue for up to 7 days depending on the depth of the peel.

During this time, it’s important to avoid picking or forcefully removing the peeling skin, as this can lead to irritation or scarring.

If you are interested in a chemical peel for the body in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, contact our office for more information on treatment.