Let’s Talk Peels

Chemical Peels and Peel Alternatives

Let’s be real, chemical peels have a bit of a reputation. Between the viral videos of people shedding like a snake and the myth that peels are only for fall, it’s no wonder there’s confusion.

Here’s the truth: peels and advanced exfoliating treatments aren’t just a seasonal trend. They’re powerful tools for skin transformation when used correctly. Whether you’re dealing with acne, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, or just feel like your skin needs a fresh start, there’s a peel (or a gentle alternative) for that.

Photo by Maxine Taylor Photography

What We Offer at Skin by Cynthia

At Skin by Cynthia, we specialize in customized peels and peel alternatives that work with your skin, not against it. These are not the scary peels that leave you housebound for a week. Think of our treatments as results-driven, barrier-supportive skin resets. Want that post-facial glow without the visible flaking? I got you.

One of our most-loved treatments is the Green Sea Peel, aka “liquid microneedling.” It’s ideal for refining skin texture, improving acne, and boosting collagen all without needles. Want to know why it’s so loved? [Read our full Green Sea Peel blog here.]

Smart Skincare Starts at Home: Prep Like a Pro

Even if you’re not doing a full-on peel, there are ingredients and habits that help your skin stay calm, hydrated, and resilient before and after any exfoliating treatment.

Key Ingredients to Strengthen & Protect Your Skin

These hero ingredients help prep your skin, boost results, and minimize things like irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH):

1. Vitamins C, E, & Fulvic Acid
Antioxidants like this help protect your skin from environmental damage, brighten your complexion, and support collagen production.

• Pro tip: I love the GlyMed Plus Restoring Fulvic Elixir Serum. You can register & shop my GlyMed store [here]. It’s been hard to keep the KrX All Day Glow Vitamin Serum on my shelves and it’s for a good reason!

2. Lactic Acid
A gentle AHA that exfoliates without being aggressive. Great for building your skin’s tolerance to deeper treatments.

• Especially good for my higher Fitzpatrick (skin with a little more melanin) clients who are more prone to PIH.

3. Mandelic Acid
A sensitive skin favorite! Mandelic acid gently exfoliates, evens out skin tone, and minimizes fine lines without causing irritation.

• My favorites: Hale & Hush Rare Mandelic Serum (yes, I talk about this one a lot in treatment! and of course, the Face Reality Mandelic Serum 5 or 8%.

4. Niacinamide
This multi-tasking hero helps reduce redness, strengthen your barrier, regulate oil, and prep your skin for any kind of exfoliation.

• Fan favorites: KrX Mela Defense Whitening Serum which effectively decreases melanin production and brightens skin tone. An oldie, but goodie - PCA SKIN Vitamin b3 Brightening Serum reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone while improving skin barrier function with this powerful skin-brightening serum.

Avoiding Extrinsic Stressors: Protect That Barrier

Your peel or exfoliation routine is only half the story. Your daily habits make a huge difference. Here are some easy ways to keep your skin calm, resilient, and happy:

• Harsh Weather: Wind, prolonged sun exposure, and heat can irritate the skin causing unwanted pigmentation pre & post-peel.

• Sunscreen, Always: Yes, even when it’s cloudy or raining. SPF 30+ is non-negotiable.

• Dry Indoor Air: Run a humidifier to keep your skin from drying out in heated or cold spaces.

• Fragranced Products: Switch to fragrance-free options in both your skincare and laundry for less irritation.

Book the Glow

If you're curious about which peel (or gentle alternative) is right for you, the best place to start is with a skin consultation and treatment. I recommend an Advanced Signature Facial treatment. During this treatment we’ll assess your skin, goals, and tolerance, and put together a customized plan to get you glowing, whether it’s your first peel or your fifth.

Pro tip: Peels work best in a series and always need proper skin prep. A customized home routine and a few treatments leading up to your peel will ensure the best results.