Ok, so I am putting myself out there with this post. I always recommend peels to patients and friends as a great way to refresh the skin for a reasonable cost. The biggest downside of a peel is that you peel. So here is what I look like Day 3 through Day 10 of a peel. I didn’t include Day 1 , 2 and 3 for two reasons:
1. You don’t look much different on Day 1 and Day 2, if anything your skin looks a little tighter and a bit bronzed. Peeling doesn’t start until late Day 3 or Day 4.
2. I didn’t think of this blog post until Day 3. My bad.
So what do I mean by Day 1, 2, 3 etc? Here is the breakdown:
Day 1: The day you apply the peel. I generally apply on Wednesday evening and leave it on all night. I use a peel that recommends leaving on for 6-8 hours, so overnight is perfect. Some peels require removal after just a few minutes. For this peel I used The Rejuvenize Peel by Skin Medica, this is currently my favorite peel.
Day 2: The day after the peel is applied. Your skin might look a bit red, bronzed or “glowing.”
Day 3: Peeling usually starts late in the evening on this day- about 48 hours after putting the peel on. I try to time this so peeling starts late Friday afternoon or evening, so as to minimize the number of patients who ask me (or just think to themselves) if I have a sunburn.
Day 4-5: Heavy peeling. This is when my kids ask “did you do a peel?”
Day 6-7: Light peeling. This is usually Monday and Tuesday, so I hope peeling is minimal now. Usually it works out this way.
Day 8-10: Skin is a bit pink but back to normal.
Here is the photo journal – all photos are without makeup.
Day 4: Saturday. Peeling has set in for real.
Day 5: Sunday. I look scary.
Day 6: Monday. I have to go to work today…
Day 7: Tuesday
Day 8: Wednesday. One full week after putting on the peel.
Seattle Skin MD 
What are the benefits of doing a peel? I get facials every month with microdermabrasion and my skin is in pretty good shape but I wonder if this is something I should add to my skincare routine?
Thanks for your question Hillary. It sounds like you have a great routine. Peels can sometimes provide more intense treatment for acne, dark spots and fine lines than what a facial or microdermabrasion can provide. We sometimes combine a type of microderm with a peel for better peel penetration. Often dermatology offices will provide complimentary peel (and other skin care) consultations.