Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels in Bellevue, WA | Medical-Grade Skin Resurfacing
Reveal brighter, smoother skin with medical-grade chemical peels in Bellevue, WA. Our board-certified medical oversight and Licensed Master Estheticians tailor peels for acne, sun damage, melasma, and fine lines—safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types. With 500+ 5-star reviews and physician-led protocols, see why Seattle Eastside patients trust us for evidence-based resurfacing. Book your consultation today.
Ready to Transform Your Skin? Schedule your personalized consultation today and discover which chemical peel is right for you. Book a Consultation
What Is a Chemical Peel? How Medical-Grade Exfoliation Works
A chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment that uses medical-grade acids to remove damaged outer layers of skin. This controlled exfoliation process reveals fresh, healthy skin underneath while stimulating collagen production for long-term improvements.
Think of it as a reset button for your skin. By encouraging cell turnover, chemical peels help your skin work better and look brighter. Our Licensed Master Estheticians use FDA-recognized acids and evidence-based protocols to ensure safe, effective results for all Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI.
Chemical Peel Benefits for Acne, Melasma, and Texture
Brightens dull, uneven tone
Fades sun damage, dark spots, and melasma
Clears acne, blackheads, and congestion
Smooths fine lines and rough texture
Minimizes appearance of superficial acne scars
Stimulates collagen and elastin for firmer skin
Brighten Dull, Uneven Tone
Say goodbye to tired-looking skin. Chemical peels remove dead cells that make your complexion look dull, revealing the radiant skin hiding underneath.
Fade Sun Damage, Dark Spots, and Melasma
Hyperpigmentation doesn't stand a chance. Whether it's sun spots or stubborn melasma, our peels target excess pigment to even out your skin tone.
Clear Acne, Blackheads, and Congestion
Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid dive deep into pores to clear out oil and debris, making them perfect for acne-prone skin.
Smooth Fine Lines and Rough Texture
By promoting collagen and elastin remodeling, chemical peels soften fine lines and create a smoother skin surface.
Minimize Appearance of Acne Scars (Superficial)
Light acne scarring can improve significantly with a series of peels, though deeper scars may need RF microneedling or laser resurfacing.
Stimulate Collagen and Elastin for Firmer Skin
The controlled injury from a peel triggers your skin's natural healing response, boosting collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin over time.
Chemical Peel Types & Ingredients (AHA, BHA, TCA, Phenol)
Light vs. Medium vs. Deep Peels and Downtime
Not all peels are created equal. Light peels refresh with minimal downtime, medium peels tackle stubborn concerns, and deep peels (like phenol peels) provide dramatic results for severe damage. Per WA regulations, medium-to-deep peels are performed under physician direction in a medical setting.
Glycolic Peel, Lactic, Mandelic, Salicylic
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid work on the surface. We offer glycolic peels for gentle brightening and texture, ideal for first-time peel patients. Salicylic acid penetrates pores for acne-prone skin.
VI Peel, Jessner's/Modified Jessner (Resorcinol), TCA
Popular options include the VI Peel, Jessner's peel, and Modified Jessner (combining resorcinol, lactic, and salicylic acids). TCA (trichloroacetic acid) goes deeper for more significant results. Some formulas add retinoic acid or kojic acid for enhanced results.
Key Factors: pH, Concentration, Contact Time
The strength of your peel depends on the acid's pH level, concentration, and how long it stays on your skin. Our providers carefully control these factors for optimal results.
Chemical peels accelerate your skin's natural renewal process, encouraging fresh cells to surface while stimulating deeper collagen and elastin production.
Consultation & Personalized Skin Assessment (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
Skin-of-Color Protocols and PIH Prevention
Your skin type matters. We assess your Fitzpatrick classification to choose the safest, most effective peel for you, with special protocols for skin of color to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Patients across Bellevue, WA and the Seattle Eastside choose us for our expertise in treating all skin types safely.
Medications Review (Isotretinoin, Retinoids, Antibiotics, HSV-1)
We'll review your current medications, including isotretinoin (Accutane), retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene), antibiotics, and history of cold sores. This ensures your safety and optimal results.
Patch Test for Sensitive or Melasma-Prone Skin
For sensitive or melasma-prone skin, we may perform a patch test to ensure your skin responds well to the chosen peel.
Based on your assessment, we'll create a personalized treatment plan, often recommending a series of peels for best results.
Candidacy, Contraindications & Precautions
Skin Concerns Addressed
Chemical peels work wonders for acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, and fine lines. If you're bothered by any of these issues, you're likely a great candidate.
Skin of Color Considerations
Darker skin tones require special care to avoid PIH. We use specific protocols and may recommend pretreatment with hydroquinone for melasma cases.
Contraindications and Precautions
You may need to wait if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, used Accutane in the past 6-12 months, have active infections, open lesions, recent waxing or laser treatments, or a history of keloids. Don't worry—we'll discuss alternatives during your consultation.
What to Expect: Prep, Appointment, and Recovery Timeline
Pre-Peel Prep (Stop Retinoids/AHAs/BHAs/BPO)
Stop retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide 48-72 hours prior
Avoid sun, heat, waxing, and exfoliation for 3-7 days before
Start antiviral if history of HSV-1 (as prescribed)
Arrive with clean skin (no makeup/self-tanner)
During Your Appointment with an LME
Your Licensed Master Esthetician will cleanse your skin, apply the peel solution, and monitor your reaction. You might feel tingling or warmth—that's normal! The whole process takes 30-45 minutes. Our licensed medical aestheticians (Licensed Master Estheticians) follow evidence-based protocols for consistent, safe results.
Post-Treatment Care & Downtime by Depth
Expect some redness and tightness immediately after. Light peels may cause mild flaking for 3-5 days. Medium peels involve more significant peeling for 5-7 days. Deep peels require 7-14 days recovery period.
Light peels: minimal to no downtime. Medium peels: 5-7 days of visible peeling. Deep peels: 1-2 weeks recovery with significant peeling and redness.
What to Avoid: Heat, Workouts, Picking, Exfoliants
What to Avoid Post-Peel (Days 1-7):
No picking or peeling skin
Avoid workouts, saunas, and hot yoga
Skip retinoids, acids, scrubs, and devices
Use SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours outdoors
Start Your Skin Transformation Join hundreds of satisfied patients who've achieved their skin goals with our medical-grade chemical peels. Book a Consultation
Safety, Risks & PIH Prevention (Physician Oversight)
Common, Temporary Effects
Redness, frosting (white appearance), tightness, and flaking are normal and temporary. These show the peel is working!
PIH/PIE Risk and Prevention
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or erythema can occur, especially in darker skin tones. We use specific protocols to minimize this risk.
Cold Sore Prevention
If you have a history of cold sores, we'll prescribe antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak.
Rare Risks
Scarring, prolonged redness, or allergic reactions are rare when peels are performed by qualified providers following proper protocols.
Results Timeline & How Long They Last
When You'll See Results
You'll notice an immediate glow, but full results develop over 1-2 weeks as your skin completes its renewal cycle.
How Many Sessions Are Recommended
Most patients benefit from a series of 3-6 peels spaced 2-4 weeks apart for optimal results.
Maintenance Schedule
After your initial series, maintenance peels every 1-3 months keep your results fresh. Fall and winter are ideal times since sun exposure is limited.
Chemical Peel Cost in Bellevue, WA (Packages & Financing)
Average Price Range
Light peels: $100-$200
Medium peels: $200-$500
Deep/phenol peels: $500-$1,500
Series packages, memberships, and financing available
Series Packages and Financing
Save with our series packages and membership programs. We also offer financing options to make treatments accessible.
Chemical Peels vs. Microneedling, RF, Lasers & Facials
Microneedling and RF Microneedling
Better for deeper acne scars and skin tightening, but requires more downtime than light peels.
Laser Resurfacing (Fractional CO2/Er:YAG)
More aggressive treatment for deep wrinkles and scars, with longer recovery but dramatic results.
HydraFacial and Dermaplaning
Gentler options with no downtime, but less dramatic results than chemical peels.
IPL Photofacial
Excellent for red and brown discoloration but doesn't improve texture like peels do.
Which Is Best?
For acne scars: medium peels or microneedling. For melasma: specific chemical peels with proper protocols. For texture: any depth chemical peel depending on severity.
Why Choose Us for Chemical Peels in Bellevue, WA
Board-Certified Medical Oversight
Our board-certified cosmetic surgeon provides medical director oversight, ensuring the highest standards of care.
Expertise in Skin of Color
We specialize in melasma-safe protocols and treatments for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
Medical-Grade Peels
We use only medical-grade products including VI Peel, TCA, and Jessner formulations for superior results.
Convenient Eastside Location
Located in the heart of Bellevue with easy parking, serving the entire Seattle Eastside area.
Proven Results
Check out our before-and-after gallery and patient reviews to see real transformations.
Flexible Scheduling
Same-day and lunch-break appointments available for light peels.
Pre-Peel & Aftercare Checklist (SPF 30+)
48-72 Hours Pre-Peel
Stop retinoids, acids, and benzoyl peroxide. Avoid waxing, sun exposure, and other treatments.
First 7 Days Post-Peel
Use gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ religiously. No picking!
Skincare to Use/Avoid
Avoid retinoids, acids, and benzoyl peroxide until fully healed. Stick to gentle, hydrating products.
Sun Safety
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily and seek shade. Your new skin is extra sensitive!
Chemical Peel Before & After: Day-by-Day
Day-by-Day Expectations
Day 1: Tight, red skin. Days 2-3: Darker, bronzed appearance. Days 3-5: Peeling begins. Days 5-7: Most peeling complete. Day 7+: Fresh, glowing skin emerges!
Realistic Outcomes
One peel provides noticeable improvement. A series delivers dramatic transformation. Maintenance keeps you glowing year-round.
FAQs
How much do chemical peels cost in Bellevue?
Prices range from $100-$1,500 depending on the type and depth of peel. We offer package deals for series treatments.
What skin concerns can chemical peels treat?
Chemical peels effectively treat acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine lines, rough texture, and mild scarring.
What is the typical downtime after a chemical peel?
Light peels have minimal downtime (0-3 days), medium peels require 5-7 days, and deep peels need 1-2 weeks recovery.
Are chemical peels safe for all skin types?
Yes, when performed by experienced providers using appropriate protocols for each Fitzpatrick skin type.
What qualifications should a provider have?
Look for Licensed Master Estheticians or medical professionals with specific chemical peel training and board-certified medical oversight.
How many sessions will I need for best results?
Most patients see optimal results with 3-6 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
What should I expect during my appointment?
Expect cleansing, peel application, neutralization if needed, and post-care instructions. The process takes 30-45 minutes.
Are there any risks or side effects from chemical peels?
Common temporary effects include redness, peeling, and tightness. Serious complications are rare with proper protocols.
How long will the results last?
Results can last 1-6 months depending on the peel depth and your skincare routine. Regular maintenance extends results.
What are alternatives to chemical peels?
Alternatives include microneedling, laser resurfacing, IPL photofacial, HydraFacial, and dermaplaning.
Are chemical peels safe for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)?
Absolutely! We use specialized protocols and gentler acids to ensure safe, effective results without PIH risk.
Chemical peel vs. microneedling or laser: which is better for acne scars or melasma?
For melasma, specific chemical peels are often best. For deeper acne scars, microneedling or laser may be more effective.
How far before an event should I schedule my peel?
Schedule light peels 1 week before, medium peels 2 weeks before, and deep peels at least 3-4 weeks before special events.
Can I get a chemical peel if I'm using tretinoin or recently took Accutane?
Stop tretinoin 3-5 days before your peel. Wait 6-12 months after finishing Accutane before getting a chemical peel.
Will a chemical peel worsen melasma or PIH?
How do you prevent it? We use melasma-safe formulas, pre-treat with hydroquinone/antioxidants when appropriate, and strict SPF protocols to reduce PIH risk.
How soon can I wear makeup or return to work after a peel?
Typically 24 hours for light peels (avoid occlusive/heavy makeup), and after active peeling subsides for medium/deep peels.
Who performs my peel—an aesthetician or a physician?
Licensed Master Estheticians perform light/medium peels under board-certified medical oversight; deeper peels are physician-directed per WA regulations.
Ready for Your Best Skin Ever? Don't wait to start your skin transformation. Our expert team in Bellevue is ready to create your personalized treatment plan. Book a Consultation
All treatments performed in compliance with Washington (WA) state regulations. Results may vary. Individual consultation required.
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