Taylor Medical Group — Sandy Springs, Atlanta
Chemical peels are one of the most effective and time-tested treatments for improving skin quality from the surface down. By removing the damaged outer layers, they reveal fresher, younger-looking skin beneath — while stimulating collagen production in the process. At Taylor Medical Group, Dr. Ava Bell-Taylor selects the right peel strength and formulation for your skin type, concerns, and goals.
Chemical peels work well as part of a broader skin rejuvenation plan. Microdermabrasion done before a peel removes the surface dead cells so the peel penetrates more evenly and produces a more uniform result. Botox and fillers are typically scheduled after a peel once the skin has healed — fresh skin holds injectables better and the results look more natural.
For patients with both surface pigmentation and deeper texture concerns, alternating chemical peels with microneedling or RF microneedling addresses both the surface and the deeper collagen layer over time. Dr. Bell-Taylor builds a treatment sequence based on what your skin needs most first — and how much downtime you can work with between appointments.
On This Page
A chemical peel applies an acid solution to the skin surface. The acid loosens the outermost damaged skin cells. The skin sheds them and regenerates fresh cells from beneath. As the old skin peels away, the new skin beneath is smoother, more evenly toned, and clearer.
Deeper peels go further into the dermis, which triggers a more robust collagen response and produces more dramatic results — but also involves more healing time. The right peel depth depends on your skin concerns, skin type, and how much downtime you can accommodate. Dr. Bell-Taylor evaluates your skin before every peel and customizes the formulation to match your specific needs.
Alpha hydroxy acid peels use glycolic acid or lactic acid to exfoliate the surface layer of skin. These are lighter peels with minimal downtime — most patients experience mild redness and some flaking for a day or two before clearer skin emerges. AHA peels are well suited for improving skin texture, hydration, mild pigmentation, and dullness. They work through a series of regular treatments that progressively improve skin quality over time.
Lactic acid is the gentler of the two and is a good starting point for patients with sensitive skin or those new to chemical peels. Glycolic acid penetrates slightly more deeply and is more effective for fine lines and pigmentation. For patients looking for a glycolic peel, this is one of the most effective AHA options for regular skin maintenance.
TCA peels in Atlanta penetrate deeper than AHA peels, reaching the upper dermis. They produce more noticeable results for moderate to deeper wrinkles, acne scarring, and uneven pigmentation. The trade-off is more healing time — patients typically experience noticeable peeling and redness for seven to ten days, after which fresh, noticeably smoother and more even-toned skin is revealed.
TCA peels can be adjusted in strength to match the concern being treated. A lower-strength TCA peel is appropriate for early signs of aging and mild pigmentation. A stronger TCA peel addresses deeper lines, more pronounced scarring, and heavier sun damage. Because TCA is a physician-grade peel, the formulation is matched precisely to your skin at consultation.
Chemical peels address a wide range of skin concerns. Because they remove damaged skin cells and stimulate fresh cell turnover, they improve almost every surface-level concern at once — unlike targeted treatments that address one issue at a time.
Uneven Pigmentation
Melasma, sun spots, and post-inflammatory discoloration
Fine Lines
Surface lines and early wrinkles from sun damage and aging
Acne & Blemishes
Active breakouts and post-acne marks and scarring
Rough Texture
Dull, rough, or leathery skin from sun exposure
Enlarged Pores
Clogged and visibly enlarged pores
Sun Damage
Accumulated UV damage and early photoaging
Your skin is cleansed and prepared before the peel solution is applied. The acid sits on the skin for a controlled period of time, then is neutralized and removed. During the treatment, you may feel a stinging or tingling sensation that varies in intensity based on the peel strength — mild for AHA peels and more noticeable for TCA.
After an AHA peel, your skin will feel tight and look pink for a day or so. Light flaking typically begins within 48 hours and resolves within a few days. You can return to normal activities right away, though sunscreen is essential. After a TCA peel, redness and peeling are more pronounced and last seven to ten days. During the peeling process, skin may briefly appear darker before shedding to reveal the new skin beneath — this is normal.
Sun protection is non-negotiable after a chemical peel. Freshly treated skin is much more vulnerable to UV damage, and unprotected sun exposure after a peel can cause the very pigmentation problems you came in to address. Wear SPF 30 or higher daily for at least two weeks after treatment.
Avoid picking or pulling at peeling skin — let it shed naturally. Keep skin moisturized and avoid active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and vitamin C for one week after an AHA peel and for two weeks after a TCA peel. Skip makeup for at least a week while skin is healing. Mineral makeup can be used to cover redness once peeling has settled if needed.
AHA peels can be repeated every three to four weeks. TCA peels need six to eight weeks between sessions. A series of AHA peels spaced regularly produces cumulative improvement in texture and tone that builds over time. One well-timed TCA peel can produce results that last six to twelve months.
For AHA peels, a series of four to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart is the standard approach. Each session builds on the last — your skin gets progressively clearer, more even in tone, and smoother in texture over the course. After completing a series, maintenance every six to eight weeks keeps those results going.
TCA peels are more impactful per session and are typically spaced six to eight weeks apart. A single well-matched TCA peel often produces results visible for six to twelve months. Some patients do one TCA peel per year as an annual skin reset. Others alternate TCA and AHA peels to maintain results between the stronger treatments.
The right schedule depends on your skin type, the concern being treated, and how your skin responds after the first session. Dr. Bell-Taylor recommends starting conservatively and building from there rather than jumping to the strongest peel available — results are more consistent that way. For patients new to chemical peels, an AHA peel is often the right starting point. It shows how your skin responds to acid treatment and what concentration works best for you before moving to a stronger TCA formulation.
Are chemical peels safe for darker skin?
With the right peel selection and concentration, yes. AHA peels and lower-strength TCA peels are generally safe for darker skin tones when performed by an experienced physician. Higher-strength TCA peels require more caution as darker skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Dr. Bell-Taylor evaluates your skin type carefully before recommending peel strength. Starting with a patch test before a deeper peel is standard practice for patients with olive or darker skin tones.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
Yes — chemical peels pair well with microdermabrasion, Botox, and dermal fillers for a more complete skin rejuvenation approach. They are often scheduled before filler and Botox so the skin is freshest. Chemical peels should not be combined with microneedling or RF microneedling in the same session — space those treatments at least two weeks apart.
When will I see results from chemical peels Atlanta?
AHA peel results are often subtle after the first session but become more noticeable with repeated treatments. Most patients notice a healthier glow and improved texture after two to three sessions. TCA peel results are more visible after a single session once healing is complete — skin looks noticeably smoother and more even-toned at the seven to ten day mark.
How is a physician-administered peel different from a spa peel?
Physician-grade peels use higher concentrations of active ingredients than spa-grade peels are legally permitted to use. A physician like Dr. Bell-Taylor can also customize the formulation based on your skin type and concerns rather than applying a standard formula. For deeper concerns — pronounced pigmentation, scarring, heavy sun damage — a physician-grade peel produces results that spa treatments cannot match.
Ready to Refresh Your Skin?
Physician-grade chemical peels in Sandy Springs by Dr. Ava Bell-Taylor. Serving Dunwoody, Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Chamblee.
Visit www.taylormdformulations.com for supplements that support skin health and collagen production.