A chemical peel is an in-office treatment in which a medical-grade solution exfoliates the outer layers of the skin to improve clarity, texture and tone. At MD Laser and Cosmetics, every peel is selected and performed personally by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D., at 448 N San Mateo Drive in San Mateo.
What a chemical peel is and what it addresses
“Chemical peel” is a broad term. Peels differ in ingredients and in how deeply they act, and the practice describes three general levels: superficial peels for brightening and mild texture or tone concerns, medium-depth peels for more pronounced pigmentation, fine lines and acne scarring, and stronger peels that are reserved for specific concerns under physician oversight.
Depending on the formulation and depth, peels are used here for:
- Active acne, clogged pores and the marks acne leaves behind
- Sun damage, brown spots and uneven tone
- Rough texture, dullness and fine lines
- Discoloration that lingers after inflammation
Peels are often one part of a wider plan. They can sit alongside physician-led acne treatment or an IPL photofacial for sun damage, and carefully chosen peels are one of the in-office options in the practice’s approach to melasma. A spot that is changing, bleeding, painful or uncertain should be examined by a physician before any peel is considered.
The peels we offer
Dr. Lin works with a range of peeling agents and chooses among them for your skin: alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic and mandelic acid, the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid, and retinoic acid peels. Glycolic and mandelic peels tend to be lighter; salicylic acid suits oily and acne-prone skin; retinoic acid peels act more deeply. The right agent and strength depend on your skin and your goal, which is why every peel starts with an assessment.
The Signature MD Peel
The practice’s own peel, the MD Peel, is a physician-designed treatment done in two steps.
- Surface renewal. A customized blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) is applied to loosen dead skin cells, smooth rough texture and unclog pores.
- Layered Retin-A. Several layers of Retin-A (tretinoin) are then applied and left on the skin for 8 hours, which lets the peel work more deeply to encourage cell turnover and address discoloration, acne marks and overall tone.
The MD Peel is intended for acne, texture irregularities, early signs of aging and post-inflammatory discoloration. Whether it or a different peel suits your skin is assessed at the consultation.
How a visit works
New patients begin with a consultation, in person or by video. The consultation is educational: Dr. Lin examines your skin, explains which options fit your concern and skin type, and reviews her recommendations and pricing so that you can make your own decision. A new-patient consultation fee applies and is credited toward a service performed the same day; it does not apply to products.
A peel may be done once or as a series, depending on the concern. Lighter peels are often repeated monthly, while deeper peels are typically done two or three times a year. If you are thinking about having a peel on the same day as your consultation, check first that your work and social calendar can accommodate several days of visible peeling. Patients under 18 are seen only with their responsible parent present.
You can book a consultation online or contact the office with questions.
Preparation and aftercare
In the days before a peel, avoid products and procedures that irritate the skin, such as scrubs, retinoids, waxing and other exfoliating treatments. Dr. Lin gives you specific pre-treatment instructions at the consultation, based on your skin and the peel chosen.
Chemical peels are not performed during pregnancy, for patients with poorly controlled diabetes, or when there is an active skin infection. Tell Dr. Lin about any of these at your consultation.
Afterward, some redness is expected, with flaking or peeling that depends on depth. With the MD Peel, the initial peeling lasts about one week, and a finer secondary micro-peel continues for several weeks. Freshly resurfaced skin is more sensitive to the sun, so diligent sun protection is essential, and the practice recommends bringing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for the trip home after a facial treatment. Dr. Lin reviews recovery and aftercare with you. If anything worries you afterward call the office right away at (650) 340-7546.
Why a physician selects and performs your peel
Matching the strength of a peel to the skin being treated matters, particularly for richer skin tones and for melasma, where a poorly matched peel can trigger or worsen pigmentation. At MD Laser and Cosmetics there are no other treating clinicians: Dr. Lin, who has practiced since 1991 and founded the practice in 2006, assesses your skin, chooses the peel and applies it herself. She speaks English and Mandarin.
Frequently asked questions about chemical peels
What is a chemical peel and how does it work?
A chemical peel uses a medical-grade solution to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin so that fresher skin can surface. Depending on the formulation and depth, a peel can improve clarity, texture and brightness and reduce the appearance of acne marks or sun damage. At MD Laser and Cosmetics in San Mateo, Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. chooses and performs the peel herself.
What is the MD Peel?
The MD Peel is the signature chemical peel at MD Laser and Cosmetics in San Mateo. It has two steps. First, a customized blend of AHA and BHA acids exfoliates the skin’s surface. Then several layers of Retin-A, also called tretinoin, are applied and left on for 8 hours so the peel can work more deeply. It is designed for acne, uneven texture, early signs of aging and discoloration left after inflammation.
How much downtime should I expect after a chemical peel?
It depends on the depth of the peel. Superficial peels involve little to no downtime, while medium-depth peels bring a few days of flaking. With the MD Peel, the initial peeling lasts about one week and a finer micro-peel continues for several weeks. Some redness, flaking or sensitivity can occur. Dr. Lin explains what to expect at your consultation. Lighter peels are often repeated monthly, while deeper peels are typically done two or three times a year.
How many chemical peels will I need, and how often?
That varies with the concern being treated. At MD Laser and Cosmetics, a chemical peel may be performed as a single treatment or as a series. Superficial peels can often be repeated every few weeks, while deeper peels are done less frequently. Dr. Susan Lin recommends a schedule for your skin at the consultation.
Who performs chemical peels at MD Laser and Cosmetics?
Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. personally performs every chemical peel at MD Laser and Cosmetics; there are no other treating clinicians. She is a physician who has practiced since 1991 and founded the San Mateo practice in 2006. She matches the strength of the peel to your skin type and concern.
Getting here
MD Laser and Cosmetics is at 448 N San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401, with free on-site parking and a ground-level, wheelchair-accessible entrance. Patients come from across the Peninsula, including Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood City. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, by appointment, and consultations are available in person or by video. Call (650) 340-7546 or schedule your consultation; the practice’s answers to common patient questions cover booking and payment.