Is a Chemical Peel Painful?

Patients often feel a slight tingling or warming sensation for light peels, typically lasting only a few minutes. Medium-depth peels can cause a stronger burning or stinging sensation, but this usually subsides once the solution is neutralized or removed. Patients may experience more intense discomfort during the procedure for deep peels, though numbing agents are often used to minimize pain. After the peel, it’s normal for your skin to feel tight or sensitive for a few days, but the discomfort is easily manageable and temporary.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of chemical peel treatments you’ll need depends on your skin concerns and the type of peel chosen. Many patients benefit from regular treatments for light peels every 4-6 weeks to maintain clear skin. If you’re targeting deeper concerns like sun damage or wrinkles, medium peels may require a series of 3-4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. For optimal results, Deep peels, being more intensive, typically require just one treatment to achieve dramatic results, even though recovery time is longer.

How Long Until I See the Results?

The results of a chemical peel are not immediate but gradually emerge as your skin heals. After a light peel, many patients notice a brighter, refreshed complexion within a few days as dead skin sheds. With a medium peel, you may see visible skin texture and tone improvements in 1-2 weeks, though full results can take up to a month as your skin continues to renew. The transformation is often more dramatic for deep peels, with results becoming more evident several weeks after recovery as your skin regenerates.

Can I Combine a Chemical Peel with Other Procedures?

It’s common to combine chemical peels with other aesthetic treatments. Popular pairings include BOTOX for wrinkle reduction or microneedling to enhance skin texture and promote collagen production. Laser treatments may also be used in conjunction with peels to target pigmentation issues or deep skin rejuvenation. However, it’s important to space treatments appropriately and consult with Dr. Ridge to ensure your skin responds well to multiple procedures.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Chemical Peel?

The most common side effects of chemical peels include redness, peeling, and dryness, which are usually temporary and resolve within a few days to weeks. In rare cases, patients may experience hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots), particularly if the peel is too strong for their skin type or if proper aftercare isn’t followed. There’s also a slight risk of scarring or infection, especially with deeper peels. To minimize these risks, Dr. Ridge will carefully assess your skin and recommend the appropriate peel for your skin type and concerns while also providing you with aftercare instructions that should be properly followed for the best results and safety.

Chemical Peels In Cincinnati | Elite Medicine Ohio

Introduction to Chemical Peels

Dull, uneven skin, fine lines, acne scars, and stubborn discoloration are common concerns that can leave your complexion tired and aged. This can be especially frustrating when you think you’ve tried every solution, such as skincare products, face masks, and more. If you feel like this reflects the state of your skin, a chemical peel at Elite Medicine could be the solution. This medical-grade exfoliation treatment removes damaged outer layers of skin to reveal a brighter, smoother, and softer complexion beneath.

Shelli Ridge, DO, brings her expertise and a science-backed approach to Elite Medicine in Cincinnati. Our chemical peels improve the skin’s appearance, stimulate collagen production, and enhance skin renewal for a healthy, radiant glow.

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What Is AChemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professional exfoliation treatment that removes dead skin cells and stimulates cell turnover to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity. Using a carefully formulated solution, chemical peels work by dissolving the outer layers of skin, revealing the smoother, brighter, and healthier skin beneath. Peels come in different strengths (light, medium, and deep), which allow for customizable treatments based on your skin type and concerns.

Light Peel: A light or superficial peel gently exfoliates the skin’s outermost layer, making it ideal for mild discoloration, dryness, and acne. With little to no downtime, this type of peel provides a fresh, radiant glow and can be done regularly to maintain a healthy complexion. Perfect for first-time peel patients, a light peel offers a subtle yet noticeable difference.
Medium Peel: A medium-depth peel penetrates beyond the top layer of skin, making it effective for treating moderate wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. These peels promote deeper skin renewal, revealing smoother, more evenly-toned skin after healing. Expect a few days of peeling and mild downtime as your skin heals.
Deep Peel: A deep chemical peel is the most intensive option, targeting severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and significant discoloration. This treatment reaches the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating dramatic skin renewal and collagen production. Due to its strength, a deep peel requires a longer recovery time but delivers the most transformative and long-lasting results.

What Are the Benefits of a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for achieving smoother, brighter, and softer skin. By exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, chemical peels help fade discoloration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture. They are particularly beneficial for treating acne and acne scars by clearing clogged pores and stimulating collagen production for skin healing. Regular treatments can also help manage sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and melasma, leading to a more even complexion. Additionally, chemical peels enhance the effectiveness of skincare products by allowing deeper absorption into fresh, newly revealed skin.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Chemical Peel?

The best candidates for a chemical peel in Cincinnati are individuals looking to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance without invasive procedures. Those dealing with fine lines, acne scars, sun spots, or uneven pigmentation often see significant improvement from chemical peels. While most skin types can benefit, those with lighter skin tones tend to respond best to stronger peels, while individuals with darker skin may need customized formulations to prevent pigmentation changes. Ideal candidates should also have healthy skin without active infections or severe sensitivity, as peels require a brief healing period. If you’re unsure whether a chemical peel is right for you, Dr. Ridge can assess your skin and recommend the best treatment for your skin.

What’s the First Step?

Before getting a chemical peel, it’s best to speak to a professional to find out what level of peel you should be getting. By talking with Dr. Ridge at our office in Cincinnati, she will evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns, and determine which type of peel is best for your needs. She will review your medical history, current skincare routine, and any sensitivities to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for you. If a chemical peel is the right choice, you’ll receive pre-treatment instructions to help prepare your skin, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure and discontinuing certain skincare products that could cause irritation. Then, your appointment can be scheduled.

What to Expect on the Day of a Chemical Peel Treatment

Before your peel, your skin will be cleansed thoroughly to remove any oils, makeup, or debris. Dr. Ridge will then apply the chemical solution and carefully monitor your skin’s response to ensure the best results. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation as the solution works to exfoliate the skin. Depending on the depth of the peel, the solution is either neutralized after a few minutes or left to self-neutralize over time.

Afterward, moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied to protect your skin. Light peels require no downtime, while medium and deep peels may cause redness and peeling over the next several days. Dr. Ridge will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help your skin heal properly before you leave the office.

Chemical Peel Recovery

Recovery from a chemical peel depends on the depth of the treatment and how fast your skin naturally heals. Light peels typically have little to no downtime, with mild redness and flaking that resolves within a few days. Medium peels may cause more noticeable peeling, redness, and sensitivity that last up to a week, during which your skin will gradually shed to reveal a smoother, more evenly toned complexion. Deep peels require the most recovery time, often leading to redness, swelling, and peeling that can last one to two weeks, followed by continued skin renewal over the next few months. Regardless of the peel type, it’s essential to moisturize, avoid direct sun exposure, and follow Dr. Shelli Ridge’s aftercare instructions, such as avoiding picking at peeling skin and using gentle, hydrating skincare products.

How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost in Cincinnati?

The cost of a Chemical Peel in Cincinnati varies based on the type of peel, the expertise of your provider, and the level of customization needed for your skin concerns. On average:

Light peels typically range from $100 to $250 per session.
Medium peels can cost between $250 and $600, depending on the formulation.
Deep peels offer the most dramatic results, ranging from $600 to $1,500 or more.

Some patients may benefit from a series of peels for the best results, which can influence overall pricing. During your consultation with Dr. Shelli Ridge, she will evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment plan for your needs, including a more accurate cost breakdown.

Why Choose Elite Medicine?

At Elite Medicine in Cincinnati, we take a holistic, patient-first approach to aesthetics, ensuring that every treatment supports both skin health and overall well-being. Founded by Dr. Shelli Ridge, a Board-Certified Osteopathic and Family Medicine physician with the National Board of Osteopathic Medicine (NBOME), our practice is intentionally kept small to provide personalized, high-quality care. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Ridge combines medical expertise with advanced aesthetic techniques to ensure each patient gets unique care. Patient safety, education, and individualized attention are at the heart of everything we do, making Elite Medicine the top destination for achieving radiant, healthy skin.

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Schedule Your Consultation

Our team at Elite Medicine will help you schedule your consultation and connect you with our staff to discuss how we can help you achieve your skincare goals. Whether you prefer an in-person appointment at our Cincinnati office or a virtual appointment, we’re flexible to fit your needs. Call us today at 513-860-2888 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.

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Chemical Peel FAQs

Patients often feel a slight tingling or warming sensation for light peels, typically lasting only a few minutes. Medium-depth peels can cause a stronger burning or stinging sensation, but this usually subsides once the solution is neutralized or removed. Patients may experience more intense discomfort during the procedure for deep peels, though numbing agents are often used to minimize pain. After the peel, it’s normal for your skin to feel tight or sensitive for a few days, but the discomfort is easily manageable and temporary.
The number of chemical peel treatments you’ll need depends on your skin concerns and the type of peel chosen. Many patients benefit from regular treatments for light peels every 4-6 weeks to maintain clear skin. If you’re targeting deeper concerns like sun damage or wrinkles, medium peels may require a series of 3-4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. For optimal results, Deep peels, being more intensive, typically require just one treatment to achieve dramatic results, even though recovery time is longer.
The results of a chemical peel are not immediate but gradually emerge as your skin heals. After a light peel, many patients notice a brighter, refreshed complexion within a few days as dead skin sheds. With a medium peel, you may see visible skin texture and tone improvements in 1-2 weeks, though full results can take up to a month as your skin continues to renew. The transformation is often more dramatic for deep peels, with results becoming more evident several weeks after recovery as your skin regenerates.
It’s common to combine chemical peels with other aesthetic treatments. Popular pairings include BOTOX for wrinkle reduction or microneedling to enhance skin texture and promote collagen production. Laser treatments may also be used in conjunction with peels to target pigmentation issues or deep skin rejuvenation. However, it’s important to space treatments appropriately and consult with Dr. Ridge to ensure your skin responds well to multiple procedures.
The most common side effects of chemical peels include redness, peeling, and dryness, which are usually temporary and resolve within a few days to weeks. In rare cases, patients may experience hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots), particularly if the peel is too strong for their skin type or if proper aftercare isn’t followed. There’s also a slight risk of scarring or infection, especially with deeper peels. To minimize these risks, Dr. Ridge will carefully assess your skin and recommend the appropriate peel for your skin type and concerns while also providing you with aftercare instructions that should be properly followed for the best results and safety.

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Patient Resources

We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.

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