All about Estima Chemical Peels
“Peels are one of the most underrated skin treatments. They are quick, effective, and your results are both cumulative and lasting. One of my favorite tricks is adding a peel to our Estima DiamondGlow® or Estima microneedling to give your treatment that extra boost!”
Victoria Rosales, LPC
-
Chemical Peel Benefits
Estima Peels reduce visible signs of aging, enhancing skin texture, and minimizing the appearance of skin imperfections with minimal to no down time. Age/dark spots, acne prone skin, scarring, and premature aging caused by sun exposure can also be corrected with our peels. Many patients see steady improvement by adding peels to their skincare regimen every 6-8 weeks.
-
What a peel is, really
Chemical peeling is an accelerated form of exfoliation created by acids that produce a controlled injury to the skin. Superficial chemical peels induce a faster sloughing of the cells in the epidermis, whereas deeper chemical peels create inflammation in the dermis. Following a peel, the body responds to the “wound” by initiating the wound healing process to re-orient the connective tissue of the new skin.
-
How peels work
Collagen remodeling is the primary reason chemical peels improve sun-damage and reduce wrinkles. The body works to heal the controlled injury, and in the process, sloughs off dead skin revealing beautiful, healthy skin underneath. The epidermis heals in a few days resulting in an improved clinical appearance of the skin, smoother texture and decreased pigmentation irregularities.
-
What you need to do
The beauty of the peels are not only the initial treatment, but the improvement of your skin over the following weeks on a cellular level. For this reason, proper after-care is critical to the success of your treatment and continued results. Please take a look at the frequently asked questions below and make note of aftercare instructions so you get the most out of your treatment.
Illuminize Peel
-
SkinMedica’s most gentle peel provides the brightening, tightening and glow that you desire. This non-invasive peel utilizes a novel approach to chemical peeling with a newer generation of alpha-hydroxy acids in combination with Phytic acid and commonly used peeling agents to maximize skin rejuvenating effects with low irritation. Ingredients include: Salicylic acid, mandelic acid, resorcinol, malic acid, phytic acid, panthenol, quillaja saponaria bark extract.
-
Illuminize peels are non-invasive so you will have no down time or peeling. A great time to get an illuminize peel done is a week before an event/special occasion to give your skin an added glow.
All the benefits take place underneath the skin. Because of this, it is an incredible way to boost your other treatments but adding it on top of your next Diamond Glow, Microneedling or even right before your next Botox appointment for an extra boost to your glow.
-
Maximum benefits are seen with a series of 3 or more peels. Remember, results are cumulative and will vary based on your individual skin type and condition.
For best results repeat every 2 weeks until desired results are achieved. Continue skin treatments at minimum every 6-8 weeks to improve and maintain results.
-
Immediately after the peel: Your skin may be tight and more red than usual. Wait until Bedtime to wash your face.
Next day through 4 days after procedure: Skin should look normal the next day. Because of the superficial nature of this peel, do not expect to see visible peeling. Occasionally, some patients may have very minor flaking 3 to 4 days after the procedure. Apply moisturizer recommended by a medical professional as often as needed to relieve any dryness.
4 to 5 days after procedure: You may resume the regular use of retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) products, or bleaching creams.
-
Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of the procedure and until your skin has stopped peeling. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 1 week - use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (and make sure it’s broad spectrum SPF with a PA rating of ++++)
Avoid the following products / procedures until your skin has completely stopped peeling: Facials, facial hair removal, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments (including laser hair removal).
-
You should not receive an Illuminize Peel if you are pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant. Mild redness, peeling and irritation are expected following these treatments. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure immediately after treatment and for up to 1 week following your treatment.
Most SkinMedica products are intended to meet the FDA’s definition of a cosmetic product, an article applied to the human body to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, and alter appearances. These SkinMedica products are not intended to be drug products that diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. These products have not been approved by the FDA, and the statements here have not been evaluated by the FDA.
-
Pre-Treatment Reminders for Illuminize Peel Discontinue active skincare Stop using retinoids (Retin-A), exfoliants, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C for 3–5 days before your appointment. Avoid recent facial treatments No waxing, laser treatments, or microneedling on the area to be treated for at least 5–7 days prior. Stay out of the sun Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least one week before your peel. Sunburned or irritated skin cannot be treated. Skip harsh products Hold off on any scrubs or deep exfoliating treatments prior to your appointment. Let us know if you're prone to cold sores An antiviral medication may be recommended before treatment if you have a history of cold sores. Come with clean skin No makeup, lotions, or products on the treatment area.
-
No active products for 3–5 days Avoid retinoids, acids, scrubs, or any exfoliating skincare while your skin is recovering. Use gentle products Stick to mild cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Hydrate and protect Moisturize regularly and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily—your skin will be more sun-sensitive. Avoid heat and sweating for 24 hours Skip intense workouts, saunas, or hot showers that may cause irritation. Do not pick or exfoliate If you notice mild flaking or dryness, let it shed naturally. Wait before your next treatment Avoid facials, waxing, or resurfacing treatments for at least one week after your peel.
Vitalize Peel
-
The Vitalize Peel is for mild to moderate skin imperfections. It is SkinMedica’s most popular peel that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, addresses skin tone unevenness that can be caused by acne scarring or other pigmentary changes. For all skin types, this peel is formulated with a combination of Salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, retinol, panthenol (provitamin B5) and Isoceteth-20.
-
Vitalize peels will give you cumulative results, so it is best to start your treatments in a series of 3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart. Peeling typically starts 48 to 72 hours after the procedure and can last 2 - 7 days. Vitalize Peels can be added to your other treatments like Diamond Glow, Microneedling or even right before your next Botox appointment to give your skin that extra boost.
-
For best results repeat every 4-6 weeks. Talk to your practitioner about combining your next Vitalize peel with a facial treatment like Estima Diamond Glow.
-
Immediately after the Vitalize peel your skin may be tight and more red than usual. Your skin may feel tacky and have a yellow or orange tinge due to the retinol; this is temporary and will fade in a few hours. Wait until bedtime to wash your face.
24 hours after the peel and until peeling is complete: Skin may be tight until it starts to peel. Peeling will generally start 48 to 72 hours after the procedure and can last 2-7 days.
DO NOT PICK AT OR PULL SKIN. Allow your skin to peel at its own pace (premature peeling of the skin will result in dry, cracked, raw skin that may develop into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Individual results may vary.
-
Strenuous exercise on the day of the procedure and until your skin has stopped peeling.
Direct sunlight for at least 1 week - use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, broad-spectrum and a PA rating of ++++.
The following products/procedures until your skin has completely stopped peeling: Tretinoin, retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) products, and bleaching creams. Avoid facials, facial hair removal, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments (including laser hair removal).
-
Do Not Pick or Peel: Let any flaking or peeling skin slough off naturally. Picking can lead to scarring or hyperpigmentation. Gentle Skincare Only: Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer. Avoid active ingredients (retinoids, acids, scrubs) until peeling has fully resolved—usually about 5–7 days. Use TNS Ceramide Cream to keep skin hydrated and allow it to heal quickly. Sun Protection is Key: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even if you’re indoors, and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 week post-peel. No Makeup for 24 Hours: Avoid applying makeup the day of your treatment, and resume only when skin is no longer sensitive. Skip Heat and Sweat: Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and heavy workouts for 24–48 hours after your peel. Hydrate Well: Continue to drink water and moisturize regularly to support the healing process.
-
When washing your face do not scrub or use a facecloth.
Use a gentle cleanser like SkinMedica’s facial cleanser (not an exfoliant). As you start to peel, use SkinMedica TNS Ceramide cream and ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout this entire peeling process. Always use a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30. When in direct sunlight reapply every 2 hours.
These products are available in office or click “shop now” at the top of this page.
-
Peeling is a side effect of a chemical peel but not an indication of how effective the treatment is. The real result is in 3-4 weeks when the new, healthier skin cells come to the surface. Keep in mind, generally, the more you use retin-a products, exfoliants and acids the less you will visibly peel; however, your products will maintain their effectiveness and continue to improve your skin.
-
You should not receive a Vitalize Peel if you are pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant. Mild redness, peeling and irritation are expected following these treatments. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure immediately after treatment and for up to 1 week following your treatment.
Most SkinMedica products are intended to meet the FDA’s definition of a cosmetic product, an article applied to the human body to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, and alter appearances. These SkinMedica products are not intended to be drug products that diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. These products have not been approved by the FDA, and the statements here have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Rejuvenize Peel
-
The Rejuvenize peel is the strongest SkinMedica peel. It penetrates into the deeper layers of the epidermis to produce controlled exfoliation of the skin. It helps to improve acne and acne scarring, and you’ll see a significant improvement in melasma and hyperpigmentation. It dramatically smooths the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and roughness. You will see noticeable results after 1 peel, and more compelling results after 3-6 peels.
This peel is formulated with a combination of Salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, retinol, panthenol (provitamin B5) and Isoceteth-20.
-
Rejuvenize peels will give you cumulative results, so it is best to start your treatments in a series of 3 treatments, 6-8 weeks apart. Peeling typically starts 48 to 72 hours after the procedure and can last 2 - 7 days.
Depending on your skin’s tolerability, Rejuvenize Peels can be added to your other treatments like Diamond Glow, Microneedling or even right before your next Botox appointment to give your skin that extra boost.
-
For best results repeat every 6-8 weeks. Talk to your practitioner about combining your next Rejuvenize peel with a facial treatment like Estima Diamond Glow to see if it is right for you.
-
Immediately after the Rejuvenize peel your skin may be tight and more red than usual. Your skin may feel tacky and have a yellow or orange tinge due to the retinol; this is temporary and will fade in a few hours. Wait until bedtime to wash your face.
24 hours after the peel and until peeling is complete: Skin may be tight until it starts to peel. Peeling will generally start 48 to 72 hours after the procedure and can last 2-7 days.
DO NOT PICK AT OR PULL SKIN. Allow your skin to peel at its own pace (premature peeling of the skin will result in dry, cracked, raw skin that may develop into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Individual results may vary.
-
Strenuous exercise on the day of the procedure and until your skin has stopped peeling.
Direct sunlight for at least 1 week - use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, broad-spectrum and a PA rating of ++++.
The following products/procedures until your skin has completely stopped peeling: Tretinoin, retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) products, and bleaching creams. Avoid facials, facial hair removal, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments (including laser hair removal).
-
When washing your face do not scrub or use a facecloth.
Use a gentle cleanser like SkinMedica’s facial cleanser (not an exfoliant). As you start to peel, use SkinMedica TNS Ceramide cream and ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout this entire peeling process. Always use a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30. When in direct sunlight reapply every 2 hours.
These products are available in office or click “shop now” at the top of this page.
-
Peeling is a side effect of a chemical peel but not an indication of how effective the treatment is. The real result is in 3-4 weeks when the new, healthier skin cells come to the surface. Keep in mind, generally, the more you use retin-a products, exfoliants and acids the less you will visibly peel; however, your products will maintain their effectiveness and continue to improve your skin.
-
You should not receive a Rejuvenize Peel if you are pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant. Mild redness, peeling and irritation are expected following these treatments. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure immediately after treatment and for up to 1 week following your treatment.
Most SkinMedica products are intended to meet the FDA’s definition of a cosmetic product, an article applied to the human body to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, and alter appearances. These SkinMedica products are not intended to be drug products that diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. These products have not been approved by the FDA, and the statements here have not been evaluated by the FDA.
-
Avoid active skincare products Discontinue retinoids, exfoliating products, and products containing AHAs/BHAs for 3–5 days before your peel. Avoid sun exposure Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for at least one week before your treatment. Sunburned or irritated skin cannot be treated. No waxing or depilatory treatments Avoid waxing, threading, or chemical hair removal treatments on the treatment area for 5–7 days before your peel. Discontinue certain medications If you're on medications that make your skin more sensitive (like isotretinoin), consult your provider to determine the appropriate timing for treatment. Come with clean skin Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin to avoid irritation during treatment. Avoid alcohol and blood thinners Refrain from alcohol, aspirin, and other blood thinners for 24 hours before treatment to minimize bruising and swelling.