— Facial & Skin —
Chemical Peel in Chicago
Medical-grade acid treatments customized to your skin — addressing texture, pigmentation, acne scarring, and sun damage.
Performed by Licensed Esthetician
$50 professional consultation — credited toward any treatment booked within 30 days.
— Treatment Overview —
What Chemical Peels Are
A chemical peel is a controlled exfoliation treatment that uses medical-grade acids to remove the outermost layers of skin and trigger a renewal response in the layers underneath. As damaged surface cells shed, fresh skin emerges with improved texture, more even tone, and a brighter overall appearance. Peels also stimulate accelerated cell turnover and, in deeper formulations, support new collagen production.
This is fundamentally different from at-home exfoliants. Retail acid products work at the very top layer of skin; medical-grade peel formulations reach deeper, in a controlled and time-limited way, under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
Peels are categorized by depth: light (very superficial, minimal downtime), medium-depth (more pronounced peeling and recovery), and deep (significant downtime and risk profile). Chicago Medspa offers light and medium-depth peels customized to each client's skin condition and goals; deep peels are not part of our in-house menu. For a head-to-head look at when peels make sense versus a different collagen-building approach, see our medical microneedling page and the light versus medium peel guide in The Journal.
— Candidacy —
Who Chemical Peels Are For
Chemical peels are appropriate for adults addressing hyperpigmentation and uneven tone, mild-to-moderate texture irregularities, fine lines, post-acne marks, mild melasma, dullness, congestion, and general skin maintenance between more intensive treatments.
Suitability also varies by Fitzpatrick skin type. Lighter skin tones generally tolerate a wider range of peel depths. For darker skin tones, peel selection, strength, and pre/post-protocols are adjusted carefully to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Where pigmentation is the primary concern and peels alone are not the right fit, your provider may recommend sun spot and pigmentation treatment as an alternative or complementary approach.
Peels are typically deferred for clients with active acne flares in the treatment area, recent isotretinoin use, pregnancy or breastfeeding, recent aggressive treatments, active skin infections, or use of certain photosensitizing medications. A consultation determines exact candidacy.
— The Visit —
What to Expect at Your Chemical Peel Appointment
A chemical peel appointment at Chicago Medspa typically runs 30–45 minutes. When you arrive at 30 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1220 in the Chicago Loop, your provider reviews your skin, history, and goals to confirm the peel selection and strength.
The skin is cleansed thoroughly. The peel is applied in carefully timed layers, monitored throughout for skin response. You'll typically feel a mild-to-moderate tingling, warming, or stinging sensation during application — this is expected. Sharp burning, sustained intense pain, or other unusual sensations should be flagged to your provider immediately so the protocol can be adjusted or neutralized.
For non-self-neutralizing peels, the peel is neutralized at the appropriate time. For self-neutralizing formulations, the timing is monitored and the peel is gently removed. A calming serum and broad-spectrum SPF are applied before you leave.
You walk out with a clear post-care plan tailored to the peel depth performed — including which products to pause, how long to avoid sun, and what to expect over the next several days.
— Results —
Results, Recovery, and Aftercare
Light peel recovery: 1–3 days of mild flaking. Most clients return to work and normal activities immediately, with social downtime negligible. Makeup can typically be applied within 24 hours.
Medium peel recovery: 5–7 days of more pronounced peeling and visible flaking. Many clients prefer to schedule medium peels around a quieter week or before a weekend. Skin may feel tight and look pink during the active recovery window.
Compounding results: A series of 3–6 peels spaced 4–6 weeks apart typically produces the most significant change. Each peel builds on the previous one, with cumulative improvement in tone, texture, pigmentation, and brightness across the series.
Aftercare priorities: strict daily SPF 30+ for at least 2 weeks; pause retinols, exfoliating acids, and physical scrubs for 7–10 days; gentle cleansers and bland moisturizers only; do not pick or peel flaking skin — let it shed on its own; avoid saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms during the active peeling window.
— Why Chicago Medspa —
Why Choose Chicago Medspa for Chemical Peels
Chemical peel outcomes depend on accurate skin assessment, the right peel selection for your specific skin, and disciplined aftercare. At Chicago Medspa, peels are performed by a Licensed Esthetician under physician supervision in a clinical environment, using medical-grade peel formulations rather than retail-grade products.
Peel depth and strength are individualized — there is no fixed peel for every client. Your provider tailors the formulation, layering, and contact time based on skin type, history, current concerns, and how your skin responds across the series.
Our Chicago Loop location at 30 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1220 is steps from Millennium Park, Block 37, and the Magnificent Mile. The location is convenient for downtown professionals across the Loop and South Loop managing a 4–6 week peel cadence on a busy schedule.
New clients begin with a Professional Skin Consultation that includes full skin analysis and a personalized peel-series recommendation. We do not pressure same-day bookings.
— Questions First? —
Ask About Your Peel
Not sure which peel fits your skin? Send your details and our team will reach out to help you plan the right starting point.
— Frequently Asked —
Questions, Answered
— Begin Here —
Start with a Professional Consultation
Begin with a $50 professional consultation — credited toward any treatment booked within 30 days.
Begin