Chemical Peels - the Do's, Don'ts, Advantages & Benefits
Shelly Williamson Esnard, PA-C • December 23, 2025
The Chemical Peel
By Shelly Williamson Esnard, PA-C
Welcome to the very first edition of SKIN-fluence for 2026! As we step into a new year, there is no better time to talk about renewal. If 2025 was about “glass skin” and viral TikTok trends, 2026 is the year of the clinical comeback. We are returning to the tried-and-true medical treatments that deliver real, transformative results.
To kick things off, I want to dive deep into one of my absolute favorite treatments here at Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery: The Chemical Peel.
With over 25+ years of experience in aesthetic medicine, I’ve seen skincare trends come and go, but the chemical peel remains a gold standard for a reason. Whether you are looking to erase the sun damage from last summer or simply want that "lit-from-within" glow to start the year, peels are your secret weapon.
Why We Love the Peel (The Benefits)
Chemical peels aren't just about "peeling." They are about controlled regeneration. By applying a specialized acid solution, we remove the damaged outer layers of the skin, prompting your body to produce fresh collagen and healthy new cells. The benefits include:
- Diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fading hyperpigmentation and "age spots."
- Clearing acne and reducing the appearance of pores.
- Smoothing out rough skin texture.
The Do’s and Don’ts: To get the best results, you have to be a partner in your skincare.
DO:
- Wear SPF 30+ every single day. This is non-negotiable, especially post-peel.
- Hydrate. Drink water and use the post-care moisturizers we recommend.
- Be patient. Transformation takes time.
DON’T:
- PICK. If you see skin flaking, leave it alone! Picking can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
- Use Retinol/Tretinoin. Stop these 3–5 days before your peel and wait until your skin is fully healed to restart.
- Sweat excessively. Avoid the sauna or intense HIIT workouts for the first 48–72 hours to prevent irritation.
The Post-Op Journey: What to Expect
Many patients ask, "Will I look like that famous Sex and the City episode?" The answer is no! Modern formulations allow us to customize the depth of the peel.
- Days 1-2: Your skin may feel tight or look slightly pink, similar to a mild sunburn.
- Days 3-5: This is when the "magic" happens. You’ll notice light flaking or peeling, usually starting around the mouth and nose.
- Day 7: Most patients are fully "revealed" with glowing, smoother skin.
Your Top 10 Chemical Peel Questions, Answered.
- Does it hurt? Most patients feel a warm, tingling, or "spicy" sensation for about 5–10 minutes. We use cooling fans to ensure you stay comfortable.
- How many treatments do I need? While one peel gives a great glow, a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced a month apart is best for corrective work like acne scarring or deep pigment.
- Can I do this if I have a dark complexion? Absolutely. We have specific peels (like the VI Peel or customized peels for all skin types) that are safe and effective for all skin tones.
- Will my skin actually peel off in sheets? Not necessarily. Some of our most effective peels cause "micro-peeling" that you can barely see, but the cellular results are still happening!
- How long is the downtime? For a medium-depth peel, expect about 3–5 days of "social downtime" where you might be flaking, but you can usually go about your day-to-day life.
- Can I wear makeup? We prefer you wait at least 24–48 hours. Once the peeling starts, makeup can often highlight the flakes, so heavy hydration is better!
- Is it okay to get a peel in the winter? January is actually the perfect time. With less intense sun exposure, it’s the safest season to perform deeper resurfacing.
- Can a peel help with my acne? Yes. Certain peels use Salicylic acid to penetrate the pore and decrease oil production, helping to calm active breakouts.
- How do I maintain the results? A medical-grade skincare regimen is key. I always tell my patients: "We do the heavy lifting in the clinic, but you maintain the results at home."
- Why should I come to Williamson Cosmetic Center for this? Experience matters. Because we are a medical facility led by myself and Dr. Perenack, we have access to higher-strength, medical-grade acids that you simply cannot get at a standard day spa. We prioritize safety and customized results.
At Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery, we aren't just following trends; we are setting the standard for clinical excellence in Louisiana. If you’re ready to shed the old and embrace the new, come see any of our wonderful medical aestheticians this month. Let’s make 2026 your most radiant year yet.
Ready to glow? Book your consultation here or call us at (225) 927-7546.
Stay Radiant,
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Shed the Summer Away: Refresh Your Skin with Apeele Chemical Peels
The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means—family gatherings, Christmas parties, festive outfits, and LOTS of photos! Between Thanksgiving dinner, office holiday celebrations, and ringing in the New Year, we all want to look and feel our best. But while you're planning your outfits and checking off your holiday shopping list, don't forget one very important thing: your skin! Hi, I'm Jennifer Mergist, Medical Aesthetician at Williamson Cosmetic Center, and I'm here to help you get your holiday glow on! Whether you're dealing with leftover summer sun damage, dull skin, uneven texture, or simply want that fresh, radiant complexion, now is the perfect time to start prepping. The best part? We have several amazing treatments that can help you achieve beautiful, glowing skin just in time for the festivities! DiamondGlow® Facials: Your Holiday Party's Best Plus-One If you're looking for a quick refresh before a big holiday event, let me introduce you to one of my favorites: the DiamondGlow Facial! Think of DiamondGlow as the ultimate skin pick-me-up. This noninvasive treatment combines three powerful steps into one appointment: exfoliation, extraction, and serum infusion. It removes dull surface skin cells, clears debris from pores, and delivers customized serums to help your complexion look refreshed and hydrated. Why do I love recommending DiamondGlow before the holidays? Because it can give your skin an immediate boost in radiance with minimal downtime! It's a great option when you want your makeup to apply smoothly and your complexion to look fresh in those family Christmas photos. For many patients, scheduling DiamondGlow a few days before a special event works beautifully, although timing depends on skin sensitivity. It's the perfect way to give yourself a little holiday pampering without committing to a lengthy recovery. MOXI™ Laser: Say Goodbye to Summer Skin and Hello to Holiday Radiance Let's be honest—Louisiana summers can be tough on our skin! All that sunshine, heat, and time outdoors can leave behind uneven pigmentation, rough texture, and a complexion that looks a little less radiant than we'd like. That's where MOXI Laser treatments come in! MOXI is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser designed to improve skin tone, texture, and early signs of aging. It encourages your skin's natural renewal process, making it a wonderful option for patients who want to address visible sun damage and achieve a smoother, brighter complexion. One of the things I love about MOXI is that it can deliver meaningful skin rejuvenation without the extended recovery associated with more aggressive resurfacing procedures. However, you may experience redness and a sandpaper-like texture for several days as your skin renews itself. My holiday tip? Don't wait until the week of your Christmas party! Scheduling MOXI several weeks before your big event gives your skin time to recover and begin showing improvements. Some patients benefit from multiple sessions, so starting early gives us more flexibility to create a personalized treatment plan. And remember, even during the cooler months, daily sunscreen is essential to protecting your results! Glass Skin Microneedling: The Secret to That Smooth, Luminous Look You've probably heard of the glass skin trend. It's all about achieving a complexion that looks incredibly smooth, hydrated, healthy, and naturally radiant. At Williamson Cosmetic Center, our Glass Skin Microneedling treatment is designed to help you work toward that beautiful glow! This treatment combines traditional microneedling with a light chemical peel. Microneedling creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin's natural healing response and collagen production. The additional peel helps address surface dullness and uneven texture. Together, these treatments can help improve the appearance of fine lines, rough texture, and tired-looking skin. What I especially love about Glass Skin Microneedling is that it focuses on improving the quality of your skin rather than simply covering imperfections. And who doesn't want to feel confident wearing a little less foundation during the holidays? Because this treatment involves skin renewal, you'll want to plan ahead. Redness, sensitivity, and peeling can occur, and collagen improvements develop gradually. I recommend discussing your holiday schedule with your provider so we can allow plenty of healing time before your next big celebration. Don't Forget Your At-Home Holiday Skincare Routine! Professional treatments can make a wonderful difference, but maintaining your glow between appointments is just as important. One of my biggest recommendations during the holiday season is to keep your skincare routine consistent. Use a gentle cleanser, apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type, and never skip your broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher—even when it's cloudy or cold outside. And while holiday parties, late nights, and busy schedules can make skincare feel like an afterthought, resist the temptation to experiment with harsh exfoliants or brand-new products right before an important event. Your skin will thank you! If you've recently had a laser treatment, chemical peel, or micro-needling session, always follow your provider's specific aftercare instructions. Give Yourself the Gift of Glowing Skin This Holiday Season! The holidays should be about making memories, enjoying time with loved ones, and feeling confident in your own skin. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending a glamorous Christmas party, or celebrating the New Year, there's nothing quite like walking into a room feeling refreshed and radiant. At Williamson Cosmetic Center, we understand that everyone's skin is different. That's why we take the time to recommend treatments based on your unique concerns, goals, and schedule. Whether that means a DiamondGlow Facial for an upcoming event, MOXI for pigmentation concerns, or Glass Skin Microneedling for smoother texture, we're here to help you find the right fit. My advice? Start your holiday glow-up now, so when the celebrations begin, you can focus on enjoying every moment—not worrying about your skin! Ready to get glowing? Schedule your consultation with our team at Williamson Cosmetic Center and let's create a holiday skincare plan that's perfect for you. Here's to beautiful skin, happy holidays, and a little extra sparkle this season!
