Chemical Peels
Vancouver, WA
Your skin goes through a lot, from sun exposure and pollution to aging and breakouts.
Over time, these stressors can cause buildup of dead skin cells, clogged pores, rough skin, and an overall dull skin appearance. Chemical peels are a trusted solution that exfoliate the outer layer of the skin and encourage regeneration from within.
At Camas Med Spa, we offer the ZO 3-Step Peel and the VI Peel, which can be tailored to your unique skin type and goals. Whether you're treating acne scars, age spots, or simply looking to refresh your glow, we’ll guide you to the best solution for your skin tone, goals, and comfort level.
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that applies a controlled chemical solution to the skin’s surface to exfoliate and stimulate cellular turnover. This process removes damaged skin cells from the outer layer or even the middle layer, depending on the strength of the peel. We offer:
Light peels: Often made with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, ideal for subtle refreshment and minimal downtime.
Medium depth peels: Use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or other ingredients that penetrate deeper to address moderate lines, discoloration, and acne.
This intensive resurfacing peel by ZO Skin Health combines trichloroacetic, salicylic, and lactic acids with a high-strength retinol crème to deeply exfoliate and encourage skin renewal. Safe for all skin tones, the ZO 3 Step Peel is designed to refine texture, even out discoloration, and reveal a clearer, more radiant complexion.
The VI Peel by The Vitality Institute is a medium-depth chemical peel designed to improve acne, discoloration, sun damage, and early signs of aging, delivering noticeable results in just one week with little to no discomfort. Your provider will select the most appropriate formula from the VI Peel collection based on your skin type and treatment goals.
Your provider will assess your skin and evaluate which chemical solution suits your needs. When you are ready, they will cleanse the skin and apply your chosen chemical peel formula.
After the solution is applied to the treatment area, you may feel a warm or tingling sensation. Depending on the formula used, the solution will be neutralized or left to self-neutralize before a calming treatment is applied.
Expect light redness and dryness post-procedure, especially with medium chemical peel options. We'll provide detailed aftercare, including instructions to avoid direct sun exposure and apply recommended moisturizers and sun protection.
Chemical peels are clinically proven to treat a wide variety of skin conditions by removing damaged skin cells and encouraging new skin growth. They can be used on the face, neck, chest, and hands to target:
What Are the Benefits of a Chemical Peel?
The results of a chemical peel are often both immediate and long-term. Light or superficial peels offer a visible refresh, while medium peels can improve skin tone, texture, and clarity for months.
Repeated treatments can also help smooth rough skin, reduce the appearance of deep scars, and stimulate collagen and elastin production for a more youthful appearance. Paired with proper skincare and sun protection, the benefits can continue to build over time.
Most people are candidates for light chemical peels, including those with sensitive or darker skin tones. However, medium depth peels may not be suitable for clients with certain skin colors, medical conditions, or a history of cold sores without appropriate antiviral medication.
During your consultation, we’ll ask about any medications (like birth control pills or retinoids), previous reactions to chemical peels, and your overall skin goals. We’ll recommend the safest and most effective approach for your skin type and concerns.
Light and superficial peels typically cause minimal flaking and dryness over a few days.
Medium depth facial peels may result in more peeling, redness, and sensitivity for up to five to seven days. As your skin heals, we recommend avoiding exfoliants, heat, and sun exposure, and using only gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and sunscreen.
We’ll guide you on when to wear makeup again and how to care for your treated skin for optimal healing and visible results.
A single light chemical peel can reveal a smoother, brighter skin appearance in just a few days. For deeper improvements, like treating deep scars, acne scars, or sun-damaged skin, a series of medium depth peels or a single deep peel may be recommended.
With consistency, clients notice improvements in fine wrinkles, clarity, tone, and overall skin health. Your provider can help you develop a custom schedule that maintains long-term benefits.
At Camas Med Spa, we understand that every face tells a different story.
Whether you're choosing a gentle glycolic acid light peel or a targeted TCA peel for acne scars, your plan will be personalized to your goals and comfort level. Our experienced team combines advanced cosmetic treatments, safe practices, and patient education to support you through every step, from consultation to post-peel care. We're here to help you feel confident in your skin.
Chemical peels are typically categorized as light (superficial), medium, or deep peels. Light chemical peels use alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid to gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin. Medium chemical peels, often using trichloroacetic acid (TCA), go deeper to target fine lines, sun damage, and mild acne scars. Deep chemical peels, such as those with phenol, address deeper wrinkles, rough skin, and more severe concerns but require longer recovery.
A chemical solution is applied to the skin to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, prompting the skin to exfoliate and peel. This process stimulates new skin growth, helping improve texture, tone, and visible imperfections. The depth and strength of the peel are customized based on your skin type and goals.
Yes, certain chemical peels, especially those with salicylic acid or glycolic acid, can help treat active acne and reduce post-acne discoloration. Medium-depth peels may also help improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars by promoting collagen production and resurfacing the skin.
Light to medium chemical peels can be safe for a variety of skin tones, but deeper peels may carry more risk for hyperpigmentation in those with darker skin. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin color, concerns, and history to ensure the peel chosen is both safe and effective for you.
You’ll want to avoid direct sun exposure, vigorous exercise, and exfoliating products for several days after your treatment. It's also important to use broad-spectrum sun protection and gentle, fragrance-free skincare. For medium and deep peels, we may prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the risk of cold sores in patients who are prone to them.
Recovery depends on the depth of the peel. Light chemical peels may have little to no downtime, while medium peels can cause redness and peeling for 5–7 days. Deep chemical peels typically require longer healing, sometimes up to two weeks, with noticeable flaking and tightness in the treated skin.
Peeling can vary depending on the type of peel used. Some clients experience light flaking, while others have more visible peeling similar to a sunburn. This is a normal part of the exfoliation process and is typically followed by smoother, more even-toned skin.
Light peels can be done monthly to maintain skin brightness and clarity. Medium chemical peels may be repeated every few months depending on your skin’s response. Deep peels are usually performed only once due to their intensity but can offer dramatic, lasting results.
Most clients feel a mild tingling, stinging, or warming sensation during the treatment, especially with medium or deep peels. We use soothing techniques and fans to keep you comfortable throughout. After the procedure, there may be some temporary tightness or sensitivity.
Chemical peels offer unique benefits for improving fine lines, rough skin, and discoloration. However, treatments like microneedling or laser therapy may be better for certain concerns like deeper acne scars or sagging skin. We’ll help you choose the most effective option, or combination, for your goals.
Medium-depth TCA chemical peels have been shown to significantly reduce actinic keratoses and lower the occurrence of new basal and squamous cell carcinomas in high-risk patients. While not a cure, chemical peels offer meaningful field‑therapy benefits and help prevent skin cancer progression when paired with sun protection and ongoing skincare. Add it to your strategy for photodamage management and cancer prevention.
