Chemical Peels

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1. What is a Chemical Peel?
2. What Can Chemical Peels Treat?
3. The Chemical Peel Procedure 
4. Recovery After a Chemical Peel 
5. Schedule an Appointment

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment because they are an effective way to improve the appearance of the skin for several common concerns. A chemical peel can create a smoother and healthier look for those who are concerned with texture issues like scarring, pigmentation issues like melasma, or signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. At Reserve Dermatology, Dr. Liz Damstetter offers chemical peels to enhance your confidence in your appearance. 

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a treatment option intended to exfoliate the skin using a chemical solution that is applied directly to the skin’s surface. This chemical solution will break down dead skin cells as well as trigger new cell growth and collagen production. This results in healthier, younger-looking skin with a smoother and more even appearance. Chemical peels are available in a range of formulas and can be considered light peels with minimal side effects or deeper peels that treat more significant issues but require some downtime. During a consultation, Dr. Damstetter can explain your options and recommend the type of chemical peel that will be most beneficial for you. 

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“I had a recent visit to Dr Damstetter’s clinic and would like to share my experience. I am a Navy vet(corpsman) and usually get seen at the VA but since we don’t have a Derm provider right now, I was fortunately sent out to her clinic to be evaluated. It’s a nice clinic in a nice area and was relatively easy to find. A pleasant Ms. Nancy at the front desk was helpful in completing the check-in process. Easy day. I did not have to wait long and was soon met by Dr. Damstetter’s assistant, who for classified reasons I will refer to as “Agent 8”. I am sure if she gets tired of providing excellent medical care, her slick-ninja skillset could get her a job with the CIA or MI6 maybe. Short story long, Agent 8 brought me back to the patient area, where I was introduced to Dr Damstetter, who was all the things you would want in a doctor: a knowledgeable provider with a great bedside manner. She gave me a thorough exam which did end up showing that I needed a minor procedure. No worries. I felt well taken care of throughout my visit. No one likes to have to see the doctor, but if you have a dermatological concern, this is a good place with good people who did great by me, and I am thankful to have been sent here.”

“Dr. Liz is truly the best dermatologist I’ve ever been to. She is attentive, kind, and genuinely cares about her patients and their overall skin health. I can not recommend her enough!!!”

“Wonderful experience here! The doctor took the time to educate me on a variety of cosmetic options and gave her candid opinion resulting in just the right amount of cosmetic adjustments! Her staff was delightful and attentive! I would highly recommend for general derm needs and cosmetic adjustments.”

“Dr. Damstetter was the first dermatologist I trusted to do my Botox. She is both knowledgeable and professional and did a fantastic job. I will be using her for any and all of my future needs.”

What Can Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels can be used to treat a wide range of cosmetic concerns. This includes pigmentation or texture issues as well as signs of aging. Some conditions that chemical peels can be beneficial for include:

• Acne and acne scars
• Sunspots and other sun damage
• Irregular or uneven pigmentation 
• Melasma
• Enlarged pores
• Rough or uneven texture
• Scarring
• Wrinkles and fine lines

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Liz Damstetter, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Meet the Doctor

The Chemical Peel Procedure 

Before applying your chemical peel, your skin is first cleansed thoroughly to remove any makeup, dirt, or impurities. Dr. Damstetter will then apply the chemical peel solution to the skin, carefully timing the duration of the procedure. For some peels, a neutralizing solution will then be applied to the skin. During a chemical peel, a stinging or warm sensation is typical. However, the procedure should not be painful. Small fans are often directed at the skin to help you stay comfortable throughout your chemical peel. The procedure is usually completed within 5-15 minutes, depending on the specific peel you receive. 

Recovery After a Chemical Peel 

Recovery varies after a chemical peel. Light peels, sometimes referred to as “lunchtime peels,” will cause some redness but do not require downtime. Deeper chemical peels will cause swelling, redness, and tenderness which can last from 3-14 days. Regardless of the type of chemical peel you receive, your skin will be photosensitive following the treatment. This means that you must avoid sun exposure as much as possible and wear SPF as directed. During a consultation, Dr. Damstetter will explain what you can expect from your chemical peel recovery and when you will see results. Most patients see healthier, smoother, and younger-looking skin within about two weeks of their chemical peel treatment. 

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about your chemical peel options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter. Call Reserve Dermatology in Glenview, IL or contact us online to schedule your chemical peel consultation.