If your serum doesn't seem to absorb, your moisturizer sits on top of your skin instead of sinking in, and you've spent real money on actives that aren't doing anything visible — the problem almost certainly isn't the products. It's the 15–20 layers of dead skin cells sitting on top of your face blocking them.

A chemical peel removes that barrier in 30 minutes. Here's what's actually happening when it does.

What dead skin buildup actually looks like

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells every 28–40 days (slower as you age — it's 45–60 days by your 40s). When that process is sluggish, those cells accumulate on the surface. The visible result: skin looks flat, slightly grey, and dull. Products can't penetrate effectively. Fine lines look deeper because the light scatters unevenly off the textured surface. Pores look larger because they're clogged with debris.

This isn't a sign of bad skincare habits. It happens to everyone and speeds up with sun exposure, stress, and aging.

How a chemical peel clears it

Chemical peels use acids to dissolve the connections between dead skin cells (called desmosomes), causing the outer layer to shed faster than it would naturally. Different acids target different depths:

• Glycolic acid (AHA, from sugarcane): Small molecular weight, penetrates deeply into the epidermis. Best for pigmentation, fine lines, and general texture.
• Salicylic acid (BHA, oil-soluble): Penetrates into the pore lining. Best for oily, acne-prone skin and blackheads.
• Lactic acid (AHA, gentler): Larger molecule, stays closer to the surface. Better for sensitive skin or first-time clients.
• TCA (trichloroacetic acid): Reaches the upper dermis. More significant results for scarring and sun damage, with 5–7 days of visible peeling.

After the dead layer is removed, the fresh skin underneath absorbs your serums in the way the manufacturer intended. Clients frequently report their existing products "working better" in the weeks after a peel — because they finally are.

What to expect: the honest version

Superficial peels (glycolic, lactic, low-strength salicylic): You'll feel tingling or mild warmth during application, lasting 3–5 minutes. Skin may look slightly pink for a few hours. No visible peeling for most people. You can wear makeup the same day.

Medium-depth peels (stronger TCA, combination acids): Visible peeling — actual flaking skin — for 3–7 days. More redness immediately after. Results are significantly more dramatic. This is not a lunchtime treatment.

The most important aftercare rule, regardless of peel depth: SPF every day without exception. Freshly exfoliated skin has less melanin protection. Skipping sunscreen after a peel can create the exact pigmentation you were trying to fix.

When a peel isn't the right answer

Active cold sores, open acne lesions, rosacea flare-ups, or recent retinoid use (within 1 week) are all contraindications. Pregnancy rules out most acid peels. If you've had a laser treatment recently, timing matters — we'll ask about your history before recommending anything.

For clients with very sensitive skin or a compromised barrier, a hydrating facial first is a better starting point. We can assess this during consultation and sequence treatments appropriately.

Our current April combination

This month we're offering a custom facial followed by a chemical peel as a package, with an SPF cream included. The facial removes surface impurities and prepares the skin for more even peel penetration — the combination performs better than either treatment alone. The package is $99 for the facial, with the peel added. Book before the end of April. See our facials page for the full menu of facial and peel options.