A professional Dermalogica peel is a customizable exfoliation treatment that can help improve the appearance of dullness, uneven texture, congestion, discoloration, fine lines, and other skin concerns. As summer ends, it may be an appropriate next step for skin that needs more focused attention after months of sun, heat, sweat, sunscreen, and outdoor activity.

Welcome to the final week of my August Ask Deana: Glow Without Looking Overdone series.

Throughout August, we have talked about monthly facial maintenance, Hydrafacial, dermaplaning, and ways to help your skin look refreshed while still looking naturally like you.

Now, as summer begins to wind down, I want to introduce another option: professional Dermalogica peels.

The word peel can sound intimidating.

You may immediately picture extremely red skin, dramatic peeling, or a treatment that feels much more aggressive than anything you would normally choose.

But that is not necessarily what a professional peel experience needs to be.

At Body and Soul Wellness in Manchester, New Hampshire, the goal is not to choose the strongest treatment possible. The goal is to choose the appropriate treatment for your skin.

Why Might Your Skin Need Extra Attention After Summer?

Summer brings some wonderful things—sunshine, vacations, outdoor activities, swimming, cookouts, and long days outside.

Your skin experiences all of it too.

Throughout the summer, your skin may be exposed to:

• Sunshine

• Heat and humidity

• Sweat

• Sunscreen

• Swimming

• Travel

• Changes in your regular routine

• Increased oil and surface buildup

Even when you have been diligent about sunscreen and home care, you may notice changes by the end of summer.

Your skin might appear duller.

You may notice more congestion.

Texture may feel rougher or less smooth.

Areas of uneven-looking pigmentation may seem more noticeable.

Or your skin may simply feel like it needs a fresh start.

That is when it can be helpful to have your skin professionally evaluated instead of simply adding another exfoliating product at home.

What Is a Professional Chemical Peel?

A professional chemical peel is a controlled exfoliation treatment designed to remove outer surface layers of skin and encourage renewal.

Dermalogica describes professional peels as treatments that can improve skin texture and appearance and address concerns ranging from breakouts and hyperpigmentation to visible signs of aging.

The important word here is professional.

A peel should be selected according to your skin, your current products, sensitivities, recent sun exposure, and the concerns you want to address.

That is why a consultation and skin assessment are so important.

Do Dermalogica Peels Have to Be Aggressive?

No.

A professional peel does not have to be about seeing how much peeling we can create.

Different acids, strengths, application methods, and treatment combinations can produce different results.

You may experience some dryness or flaking afterward, or you may experience very little visible peeling.

Visible peeling is not the only indication that your treatment worked.

The goal is appropriate exfoliation—not unnecessarily aggressive exfoliation.

Which Dermalogica Peels Are Available?

One of the reasons I like Dermalogica's professional peel system is its ability to be customized.

Dermalogica currently offers several professional peel options that allow the treatment to be selected around different skin concerns.

UltraBright Peel

UltraBright Peel is designed with brightening in mind.

Dermalogica describes UltraBright as using 30% lactic acid and rice-derived phytic acid to help address dark spots and discoloration.

This may be an option when the goal is improving the appearance of:

• Dull-looking skin

• Uneven-looking tone

• Discoloration

• Post-inflammatory dark marks

• Skin that has lost some of its brightness

For someone coming out of summer noticing an uneven-looking complexion, a brightening-focused peel may be worth discussing.

PowerClear Peel

PowerClear Peel is designed with breakout-prone and congested skin in mind.

Dermalogica identifies salicylic and mandelic acids as key parts of its breakout-focused peel and recommends PowerClear for blemish-related concerns.

It may be considered for concerns including:

• Breakouts

• Congestion

• Blemish-prone skin

• Post-breakout marks

• Uneven-looking texture

Summer heat, sweat, and layers of sunscreen can sometimes leave skin feeling more congested, making this an important concern to discuss during your consultation.

AdvancedRenewal Peel

AdvancedRenewal Peel is a professional glycolic-acid peel.

Dermalogica positions AdvancedRenewal toward concerns that include fine lines, uneven pigmentation, texture, and visible signs of aging.

This may be appropriate when your goals include improving the appearance of:

• Uneven texture

• Dullness

• Fine lines

• Uneven-looking tone

• Visible signs of aging

AGEreversal Peel

AGEreversal Peel is Dermalogica's professional-strength TCA peel and is geared toward more advanced visible signs of aging and pigmentation concerns.

Because this is a more advanced professional option, choosing it should always be based on the condition and tolerance of your skin—not simply because you want the “strongest” peel.

Stronger is not automatically better.

The best peel is the one that fits your skin.

Pro Power Eye Peel

The delicate eye area deserves its own approach.

Pro Power Eye Peel is a professional add-on specifically designed for the eye area.

Dermalogica says it may help improve the appearance of under-eye hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and texture, and fine lines.

This can be a nice option for someone who wants focused attention around the eyes without treating that delicate area exactly the same way as the rest of the face.

Which Dermalogica Peel Is Best for Me?

You do not need to know that before you arrive.

In fact, I would rather you tell me what you are seeing and feeling than choose a peel solely because you saw the name online.

We will talk about:

• Your current skin care routine

• Products you are using

• Retinol or exfoliating products

• Recent sun exposure

• Sensitivities

• Breakouts

• Pigmentation concerns

• Previous professional treatments

• How your skin typically reacts

• What you would like to improve

From there, we can decide whether a professional peel is appropriate and which option makes the most sense.

Can Different Dermalogica Peels Be Customized?

Yes.

Customization is one of the defining features of Dermalogica's Pro Power Peel system.

Dermalogica's professional training materials include protocols for selecting, mixing, or layering different peel options according to concerns such as aging, pigmentation, breakouts, sensitivity, and the under-eye area.

This allows the treatment to be approached according to the individual rather than assuming everyone needs exactly the same peel.

Is Fall a Good Time for a Professional Peel?

The transition from summer into fall can be an excellent time to evaluate whether your skin is ready for more focused exfoliation.

That does not mean everyone should automatically receive a peel on September 1.

Recent sun exposure matters.

The condition of your skin matters.

Your home-care products matter.

Your sensitivity matters.

If your skin is irritated or has had substantial recent sun exposure, it may make more sense to wait or begin with a gentler treatment.

Your skin determines the timing—not the calendar.

What Should I Expect After a Dermalogica Peel?

Aftercare is an important part of professional peeling.

Dermalogica recommends following your professional skin therapist's post-care instructions, wearing at least SPF 30 every day, avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours, avoiding excessive heat and direct sun, and avoiding waxing or additional exfoliation for at least 72 hours or until sensitivity has resolved.

Your individual instructions may vary depending on the treatment performed and how your skin responds.

This is also not the time to go home and immediately use every exfoliating serum you own.

Give your skin the opportunity to recover.

Can a Peel Help Me Look Refreshed Without Looking Overdone?

That is exactly where this treatment fits into our August theme.

Professional skin care is not about changing the shape of your face or removing everything that makes you look like you.

A peel works with the surface and appearance of your skin.

The goal may be brighter-looking skin.

Smoother-looking texture.

A more even-looking complexion.

Less visible congestion.

Or simply skin that looks fresher after a busy summer.

You can still have expression.

You can still have natural texture.

You can still have lines.

You can still look like yourself.

The goal is healthier-looking, beautifully cared-for skin—not perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dermalogica Peels

What is a Dermalogica Pro Power Peel?

Dermalogica Pro Power Peel is a customizable professional chemical peel system. Different peel formulations can be selected based on concerns including breakouts, pigmentation, uneven texture, dullness, and visible signs of aging.

What is the best Dermalogica peel for dark spots?

UltraBright Peel is Dermalogica's brightening-focused option and is designed to help address dark spots and discoloration. The best choice still depends on your individual skin and should be determined during a professional consultation.

What Dermalogica peel is used for breakouts?

PowerClear Peel is Dermalogica's breakout-focused peel and may be selected for blemishes, congestion, and related post-breakout discoloration.

Will my skin visibly peel after a chemical peel?

Not necessarily. Some clients experience flaking or dryness, while others experience much less visible peeling. The amount of peeling you see does not determine whether the treatment was successful.

Can I get a peel after being in the sun?

Recent sun exposure should always be discussed before treatment. Your skin should be evaluated before deciding whether a peel is appropriate or whether it would be better to wait.

Do I need to stop retinol before a peel?

Tell your esthetician about retinol, exfoliating acids, acne products, prescriptions, and other active products you use. You will receive instructions based on the peel and your individual routine rather than assuming the same preparation is appropriate for everyone.

Is a Dermalogica peel the same as a facial?

No. A professional peel provides focused chemical exfoliation. A customized facial may incorporate cleansing, hydration, massage, masks, extractions when appropriate, and other techniques. Your esthetician can help determine which approach better matches your current needs.

How do I know which peel to book?

You do not need to choose by yourself. Describe your concerns and let your professional skin therapist evaluate your skin before determining the appropriate treatment.

Where can I get a Dermalogica peel in Manchester, NH?

Body and Soul Wellness offers personalized professional skin care in Manchester, New Hampshire, serving clients from Manchester, Bedford, Hooksett, Goffstown, and nearby Southern New Hampshire communities. Your skin can be evaluated before deciding whether a Dermalogica peel or another customized treatment is the right choice.

Ready to Refresh Your Skin After Summer?

After months of sunshine, sunscreen, heat, sweat, travel, and outdoor fun, your skin may simply need some extra attention.

Maybe that means hydration.

Maybe it means a customized facial.

And maybe professional exfoliation with a Dermalogica peel is your next step.

You do not need to figure it out before you arrive.

At Body and Soul Wellness in Manchester, New Hampshire, I will talk with you about your skin, what you have been using at home, your concerns, and the results you would like to see.

Together, we can choose an approach that helps your skin transition from summer into fall looking smoother, brighter, healthier, and naturally refreshed.

Because the goal is not to look like someone different. The goal is to feel good about the skin you are already in.