Chemical Peels

Reveal brighter, smoother, more radiant skin with our professional chemical peels. At Skin Bar & Studio, Chicago’s top med spa, we use advanced medical-grade formulas, like the renowned VI Peel, to gently resurface the skin, fade imperfections, and restore youthful clarity for a visibly refreshed glow. If you’re searching for chemical peel near or want the best chemical peel experience in Chicago, Skin Bar and Studio is your go-to destination for clinical results, elevated service, and personalized care.
Chemical Peels in Chicago, Old Town

CHEMICAL PEELS CHICAGO – PROFESSIONAL SKIN RESURFACING FOR GLOWING, CLEAR, RADIANT SKIN

Reveal brighter, smoother, and noticeably refreshed skin with professional chemical peels in Chicago at Skin Bar and Studio, the leading med spa in Old Town Chicago for advanced skin rejuvenation. Our customized chemical peel treatments are designed to target acne, hyperpigmentation, dullness, uneven texture, fine lines, and sun damage—delivering visible, high-impact results that elevate your complexion.

At Skin Bar and Studio, our licensed skincare experts use medical-grade chemical peels tailored to your skin type and concerns. By combining advanced exfoliation techniques with clinical-strength ingredients, we provide some of the best chemical peel treatments in Chicago for clients seeking clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin with minimal downtime.

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?

A chemical peel is a professional exfoliating treatment that uses a customized solution to dissolve dead skin cells, remove damaged outer layers, and stimulate healthy, renewed skin. As your skin regenerates, you’ll noticesmoother texture, fewer blemishes, improved clarity, and a brighter, more even complexion.

Chemical peels are one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for overall skin renewal—and remain one of the most in-demand treatments in Chicago med spas for improving tone, texture, and pigmentation.

Why Choose Us for Chemical Peels in Chicago

Choosing the right provider is key to safe, effective results. At Skin Bar and Studio, our chemical peels are performed by licensed skincare specialists using medical-grade formulations designed for real results.

  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Safe, clincally proven formulas for all skin types
  • A gentle, guided experience from start to finish
  • Visible, confidence-boosting results
  • A holistic, skin-health approach, not a one-size-fits-all peel

If you’re looking for the best chemical peel in Chicago, our customized approach ensures smoother, clearer, and beautifully renewed skin—every time.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can effectively improve:

  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Active acne and congestion
  • Dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
  • Sun damage and photo-aging
  • Fine lines and surface wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Dull or dehydrated skin
  • Rough patches and clogged pores

For clients seeking brighter, clearer, more luminous skin in Chicago, chemical peels remain one of the fastest and most effective treatments available.

VI Peel 

The VI Peel is one of the most popular medium-depth chemical peels in Chicago, known for delivering dramatic results with minimal downtime. Safe for all skin tones, it targets multiple concerns simultaneously—making it a favorite for clients who want transformative skin improvement without invasive procedures.

Best for:

  • Hyperpigmentation and melasma
  • Acne and acne scarring
  • Fine lines and early aging
  • Uneven texture or dullness
  • Sun damage and discoloration

How to Prepare for Your CHICAGO CHEMICAL Peel

  • Avoid tanning, waxing, and exfoliating products for 3-5 days prior
  • Pause retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs 3–5 days before treatment (per your provider’s guidance)
  • Maintain a consistent pre-treatment skincare routine
  • Arrive with clean skin and disclose all active products or medications

Proper preparation supports deeper penetration and smoother healing—especially for stronger peels like the VI Peel.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your provider will cleanse the skin, apply the peel solution in layers, and allow it to work for a set time before you leave with aftercare guidance. You may feel a warm or tingling sensation that quickly subsides.

Treatment Time: 20–30 minutes
Downtime: Light to moderate peeling typically begins on days 2–3 and lasts 3–7 days, depending on peel depth. This makes chemical peels one of the most efficient skin treatments for busy Chicago lifestyles.

Results & Aftercare

As the skin sheds dull, damaged layers, you’ll see results such as:

  • Brighter, more even skin tone
  • Smoother, refined texture
  • Reduced breakouts
  • Fewer dark spots
  • A more youthful, radiant complexion

AFTERCARE TIPS:

  • Do not pick or peel shedding skin
  • Avoid sweating, swimming, saunas, or heat exposure for 48 hours
  • Avoid exfoliation for 48 hours
  • Use only approved post-care products
  • Apply SPF daily to protect new, fresh skin

Results continue to improve over several weeks as healthy new skin forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a leading med spa in Chicago, we receive many questions from new and returning clients regarding chemical peel treatments.
What is a chemical peel and how does it work?

A chemical peel in Chicago is a cosmetic procedure that applies a chemical solution, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or retinoic acid, to exfoliate the facial skin by removing the outer layer of skin cells. As the treated skin peels, new skin forms, improving skin texture, uneven skin tone, fine wrinkles, and blotchy skin for a smoother, brighter appearance.

What are the different types of chemical peels?

There are three main types of chemical peels offered in Chicago:

  • Light chemical peel (superficial peels): Uses mild acid like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to exfoliate only the outer layer of skin.
  • Medium peel (medium depth chemical peels): Often uses trichloroacetic acid to target the middle layer of skin for deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation.
  • Deep peel: Uses stronger peeling agents such as phenol peel or deep TCA peels to treat severe acne scars and deeper wrinkles.
What concerns can chemical peels improve?

Chemical peels in Chicago can improve skin appearance by treating acne scars, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, actinic keratosis, rough skin, and deeper wrinkles. A chemical peel can also smooth uneven skin and enhance overall skin tone for various skin types, including thicker skin and darker skin tones when selected and monitored carefully.

Are chemical peels safe for darker skin types or sensitive skin?

Yes, with the appropriate chemical peel and proper skin care, many clients with darker skin tones and sensitive skin clients can safely receive peels. However, darker skin tones may have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Your provider will review your medical history, skin conditions, and recommend the most appropriate chemical peel to reduce risk.

What happens during the peeling process?

After a chemical peel in Chicago, the peeling process begins as the chemical peel solution causes the outer layer (or deeper skin layers, depending on peel depth) to shed. Skin flaking or noticeable skin peeling may last up to four weeks for deeper peels, while light peels may flake for only a few days. As skin heals, new skin appears smoother and more even.

What is the difference between a light peel, medium peel, and deep peel?
  • Light peels: Exfoliate only the outer layer for mild texture and tone improvement with little downtime.
  • Medium peels: Treat deeper skin layers of the middle layer, targeting sun damage, uneven skin, and moderate lines.
  • Deep peels: Penetrate further to treat deep wrinkles, deep scars, and severe acne scars, but require more healing time and should be performed by an experienced dermatologic surgeon.
Are there risks or side effects with chemical peels?

While generally safe, chemical peels in Chicago can have temporary side effects such as redness, skin flaking, dryness, cold sores, allergic reaction, or temporary or permanent change in skin tone, especially on darker skin types with medium peels or deep peels. You may be given antiviral medication if you have a history of cold sores. Avoid sun exposure to help the treated area heal properly.

How should I prepare for a facial peel?

Before a facial peel in Chicago, avoid direct sun exposure, tanning, harsh exfoliants, hair removal treatments, and certain medications. Your provider will review your medical history and skin type to determine the right type of peel. Proper skin care before treatment helps the skin heal evenly and safely.

What aftercare is needed following a chemical peel?

After a chemical peel in Chicago, avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen daily. A cool compress may soothe the treated area, and proper skin care will support the healing process. Never pick or peel shedding skin. Light peels heal quickly, while deeper peels and medium peels require more downtime as the skin layers regenerate.

How do I know which type of peel is right for me?

Your provider will evaluate your skin type, tone, concerns, and goals to select the appropriate chemical peel, whether a light chemical peel, medium chemical peel, or deep chemical peel. A customized peel plan can target uneven skin tone, sun exposure damage, fine lines, acne scars, or deeper wrinkles for your best result.

Where are you located?

We’re located in the heart of Old Town, Chicago, and proudly serve clients throughout the city, including River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and nearby communities. Our studio is your destination for personalized skincare, such as facial treatments. Just search best chemical peels in Chicago near me to find our studio if you live nearby.

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"My experience at Skin Bar and Studio was amazing. From the moment I walked in, I felt so relaxed—the space is beautiful and calming, like a little escape from the world. The esthetician really listened to my skin concerns and customized my facial perfectly. My skin has never felt this good!"
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