Chemical Peels in New York City

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Years of sun exposure, stress, and time leave their mark on your skin. A chemical peel addresses what's built up on the surface, revealing the clearer, smoother skin beneath.

Chemical Peels Overview

Exceptional Skin Care at Dr. White's Manhattan Practice

At his Manhattan practice, Dr. Matthew White has earned recognition as one of New York City's most trusted facial plastic surgeons for the precision and artistry he brings to every aspect of facial care. Double board-certified and trained at Harvard Medical School and NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. White and his clinical team understand that beautiful skin and a beautiful face are inseparable. Whether you're looking to address sun damage, an uneven complexion, or the early signs of aging, this practice offers tailored treatment plans with results designed to last. Schedule a consultation today to find out what's right for you.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses a carefully selected solution to exfoliate the outermost layers of skin. As they shed, the skin revealed beneath tends to be smoother, brighter, and more evenly toned. Peels can target a wide range of concerns, from acne scars and hyperpigmentation to fine lines, rough texture, and sun damage. The solutions used vary in strength and formulation depending on your treatment goals. Superficial peels work on the very surface of the skin, while deeper formulations penetrate further to treat more significant concerns. The right choice depends on your skin type, sensitivity, and goals.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Improved skin tone and texture
Softened fine lines and wrinkles
Fading of sun spots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation
Support for collagen renewal and long-term skin quality
Diminished acne scars and residual discoloration
A brighter, more refreshed complexion

Types of Chemical Peels

Superficial Peels

Superficial peels use mild acids, most commonly alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic or lactic acid, to exfoliate the top layer of skin with minimal disruption. They require little to no downtime and are well-suited for clients looking to address dullness, uneven texture, or mild discoloration. Many clients incorporate them as part of a regular skin maintenance routine.

Medium-Depth Peels

Medium-depth peels penetrate further into the skin, typically using trichloroacetic acid (TCA), to address more pronounced concerns such as deeper wrinkles, visible sun damage, and moderate pigmentation issues. Recovery is more involved, with several days of significant peeling, but the improvements run deeper as well.

Deep Peels

Deep chemical peels, which often use phenol, reach the deeper layers of the skin to address severe wrinkles, significant sun damage, and deep scarring. They are the most intensive option and require the longest recovery, but they can produce transformative improvements. Because of their depth and strength, deep peels are typically performed only once.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels work well for a broad range of clients, particularly those dealing with uneven skin tone, visible sun damage, dullness, mild to moderate fine lines, or acne-related discoloration. While lighter skin tones respond most predictably, formulations can be adjusted for a variety of skin types. Candidates should be in good overall health and not currently experiencing active breakouts or skin infections in the treatment area. During a consultation, the clinical team will evaluate your skin type, review your skincare history, and recommend the appropriate peel strength for your goals.

Why Choose Dr. White for Chemical Peels?

At Dr. White's practice, cosmetic care is delivered by specialists who understand the full anatomy and aesthetics of the face. His clinical team applies that same standard to every peel treatment, always considering results in the context of your face as a whole. Clients benefit from a level of attention that sets this practice apart in New York City, with every recommendation grounded in your specific skin, goals, and facial anatomy.

Your Consultation

Your consultation at Dr. White's practice is a focused, unhurried conversation about your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle. A member of the clinical team will evaluate your skin's condition, review your skincare history and any prior treatments, and identify the areas you'd most like to address. From there, the team will develop a customized plan specifying the appropriate peel type and strength, along with any complementary treatments that may enhance your results.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a chemical peel at Dr. White's practice depends on the type of peel selected, the depth of treatment, and the number of sessions your goals require. Superficial peels are generally more affordable and may be recommended in a series, while deeper treatments represent a higher investment appropriate to their intensity and results. Full pricing will be discussed during your consultation, and financing options may be available to help make your plan accessible.

What to Expect During Your Chemical Peel Treatment

Skin Preparation

Before the peel solution is applied, the skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove any oils, makeup, or surface debris. In some cases, a preparatory skincare regimen in the days before the appointment may be recommended to optimize results and minimize sensitivity.

The Peel Application

The chemical solution is applied evenly to the treatment area and left on the skin for a specific amount of time, determined by the peel strength and your individual response. You may feel a tingling or warming sensation as the solution works.

Immediately After Treatment

Following the peel, your skin may appear flushed or feel tight, similar to a mild sunburn. A gentle moisturizer and sun protection are applied before you leave, and you'll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery and protect your results.

Chemical Peel Recovery

Recovery varies depending on the depth of your peel. After a superficial treatment, most clients experience mild redness and some flaking for a few days and can return to normal activities almost immediately. Medium-depth peels involve more visible peeling and redness lasting a week or more, so some advance planning is advisable. Deeper peels require a longer recovery window, sometimes two weeks or more, with more pronounced shedding and temporary skin sensitivity.

Throughout recovery, sun protection is essential. New skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, and consistent daily sunscreen us

Chemical Peel Results

Results vary based on the formulation used and your individual skin response. After a superficial peel, you may notice a subtle brightening and improved texture within days. Deeper treatments produce more dramatic improvements that become fully visible once the skin has healed. For concerns like hyperpigmentation and sun damage, a series of treatments often produces the most satisfying outcome. Long-term maintenance typically involves a consistent skincare routine, daily sun protection, and periodic repeat treatments as your provider recommends.

Related Treatments

BOTOX: Targets muscle-based lines that a peel alone cannot address, making it a natural complement to any skin resurfacing treatment.
Ultherapy: Uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten lax skin from within, addressing structural concerns that surface treatments cannot reach.
JUVÉDERM: Restores lost facial volume and smooths deeper folds, complementing the textural improvements a peel can achieve.
Restylane: A versatile dermal filler that addresses volume loss and fine lines alongside the skin renewal benefits of a chemical peel.
Fat Grafting: Uses the patient's own fat to restore fullness in areas where volume depletion goes beyond what a surface treatment can correct.
Facelift: For clients whose concerns extend beyond skin quality to include sagging tissue and deeper structural changes, a surgical consultation may be the right next step.

Chemical Peels FAQs

Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments in the same appointment?

In some cases, peels can be performed alongside treatments such as BOTOX or other injectables during the same visit. Whether this is appropriate depends on the peel strength, your skin's current condition, and the treatments being considered.

How often can I get a chemical peel?

Frequency depends on the type of peel. Superficial peels can often be repeated every few weeks as part of an ongoing skincare routine. Medium-depth peels are typically spaced several months apart, and deep peels are generally a one-time treatment.

Are chemical peels safe for sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is not necessarily a barrier to chemical peels, but the formulation and strength must be chosen carefully. Lighter peels with soothing ingredients are often well-tolerated even by reactive skin types. A thorough skin assessment during your consultation will help determine the most appropriate option for you.

Can chemical peels be used on areas other than the face?

Yes. Chemical peels can be applied to the neck, chest, and hands to address sun damage, uneven texture, and discoloration in those areas. The skin on the body may respond differently from facial skin, so your provider will consider the appropriate formulation and approach for any non-facial treatment area.

What skincare products or ingredients should I avoid before my appointment?

In the days leading up to your treatment, your provider will typically advise you to stop using products that increase skin sensitivity, including retinoids, exfoliating acids, and certain prescription topicals. Waxing and depilatory treatments in the target area should also be avoided in the days before your appointment.

Will a chemical peel affect my freckles?

A chemical peel may lighten or reduce the appearance of freckles, particularly those caused by sun exposure. The outcome depends on the depth of the peel and your skin type. If preserving your freckles matters to you, bring it up at your consultation so your provider can choose the appropriate formulation and set accurate expectations.

Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?

After a superficial peel, makeup can typically be worn within a day or two once initial redness has calmed. Medium and deep peels require a longer wait, as the skin must heal sufficiently before any products that could irritate new skin are applied.

Are chemical peels safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Many chemical peel ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding, it is important to inform your provider before scheduling any treatment.

Take the Next Step Toward Radiant Skin

Dr. White's Manhattan practice delivers chemical peel treatments by a skilled clinical team with a shared commitment to precision and natural-looking results. Whether this is your first step toward skin renewal or part of an ongoing regimen, scheduling a consultation today is the right place to start.