Chemical Peels in NYC

Smooth, Brighten, and Revitalize Your Skin

Chemical peels are a time-tested, highly effective treatment that exfoliates the skin’s surface to reveal a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion. Whether you’re struggling with fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, or dull skin, a custom-formulated peel can help refine texture, fade pigmentation, and promote healthy, radiant skin. It’s a non-invasive solution with proven results—ideal for those looking to enhance skin quality without the downtime of lasers or surgery.

At our Upper East Side office in Manhattan, all chemical peels are personally performed by Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in facial aesthetics. Consultations and follow-ups are also available in Rye, NY. If you’re seeking chemical peels in NYC, trust Dr. Schwarcz for a safe, customized treatment that refreshes and restores your skin.

What Is a Chemical Peel and How Does It Work?

A chemical peel uses a precisely formulated solution to exfoliate the outer layers of skin, removing dull or damaged cells and stimulating cell turnover and collagen production. The strength of the peel is selected based on your skin concerns, goals, and tolerance for downtime.

Chemical peels effectively treat:

• Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation

• Fine lines and early wrinkles

• Acne and post-inflammatory discoloration

• Sun damage and age spots

• Rough texture and large pores

• Dull, tired-looking skin

As old skin cells are gently sloughed away, newer, healthier skin is revealed—giving you a fresher, more youthful appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for Chemical Peels in NYC?

You may be a good candidate for a chemical peel with Dr. Schwarcz if you:

• Want to improve skin tone, texture, or clarity

• Have mild to moderate pigmentation, fine lines, or acne scars

• Prefer a non-laser option with customizable depth and strength

• Are in good general health and follow a skincare routine

• Have realistic expectations about results and recovery time

Chemical peels are safe for most skin types and are often used as part of an ongoing skin maintenance plan.

When Chemical Peels May Not Be Suitable

Dr. Schwarcz may recommend alternative treatments if you:

• Have very sensitive or compromised skin

• Have active skin infections, rashes, or outbreaks in the treatment area

• Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have a history of poor healing or keloid scarring

• Have used Accutane within the last six months

During your consultation, Dr. Schwarcz will carefully assess your skin to determine whether a chemical peel is the most appropriate treatment for your goals.

How to Prepare for Your Chemical Peel

Preparation is key to a successful peel and smooth recovery. Dr. Schwarcz will give you personalized instructions, which may include:

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your skin from UV rays for at least a week before treatment

• Stop Active Skincare Products: Discontinue retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and exfoliants 3–5 days before your peel

• Stay Hydrated: Keep your skin well-moisturized leading up to your appointment

• Arrive with Clean Skin: No makeup, sunscreen, or products on your face

• Disclose Medications: Inform Dr. Schwarcz about any medications or recent cosmetic treatments

These steps help reduce irritation and ensure optimal results.

What to Expect During a Chemical Peel with Dr. Schwarcz

Your treatment will take place in our private, JCAHO-certified surgical suite in Manhattan. The entire process typically takes about 30 minutes.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Before Treatment: Dr. Schwarcz will cleanse your skin, apply barrier protection to sensitive areas, and discuss your personalized plan

• During Treatment: A medical-grade chemical solution is applied to your skin and left on for a specific amount of time. You may feel a mild tingling, stinging, or warming sensation

• After Treatment: The solution is neutralized or left to self-neutralize depending on the peel type. A soothing serum or barrier cream is applied, and you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions

Dr. Schwarcz uses only trusted, medical-grade peels tailored to your skin’s needs, ensuring results that are safe, effective, and natural-looking.

Chemical Peel Recovery Timeline

Recovery depends on the strength and depth of your peel. Here’s a general timeline:

• Light Peels:

  • Minimal redness or dryness

  • Mild flaking for 1–3 days

  • No downtime—return to normal activities immediately

• Medium Peels:

  • Peeling and dryness for 4–7 days

  • Redness or sensitivity may persist for up to a week

  • Avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed

• Deeper Peels:

  • Intense peeling and downtime for up to 10 days

  • More dramatic results, especially for deeper pigmentation and texture issues

Throughout recovery, it’s essential to:

• Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer

• Apply sunscreen daily

• Avoid exfoliating or picking at the skin

• Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning beds

Results: What You Can Expect from a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels deliver noticeable improvements in your skin’s tone, texture, and overall radiance. After healing, you’ll see:

• Brighter, more even skin tone

• Smoother texture and reduced roughness

• Diminished fine lines, sun spots, and acne marks

• Healthier-looking skin with a fresh, renewed glow

For best results, Dr. Schwarcz may recommend a series of peels spaced several weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments once or twice a year.

Pair Chemical Peels with These Complementary Treatments

To maximize results, Dr. Schwarcz may suggest combining your peel with:

• BBL Laser: Improve redness and pigmentation for even tone

• Clear + Brilliant or Moxi: Enhance skin texture and radiance between peels

• Facial Fat Transfer: Restore volume while peels improve the skin surface

• Injectables (Dysport or Fillers): Smooth deeper lines and wrinkles for total facial rejuvenation

Alternatives to Chemical Peels

Not sure if a peel is right for you? Alternatives include:

• Moxi or Clear + Brilliant: Gentle laser options with minimal downtime

• Microneedling: Improve texture and collagen with mechanical stimulation

• CO2 Laser Resurfacing: For deeper wrinkles, scars, and advanced aging concerns

Why Choose Dr. Robert Schwarcz for Chemical Peels in NYC?

Unlike med spas or general dermatology offices, every chemical peel at our practice is performed by Dr. Robert Schwarcz himself—a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience in facial aesthetics. His expert eye, clinical precision, and personalized approach ensure your treatment is not only safe, but artfully done.

All peels are administered in our private, accredited surgical suite in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, with optional follow-up care in Rye, NY. Whether you’re new to peels or refining a long-term skincare plan, Dr. Schwarcz will guide you toward the healthiest, most radiant version of your skin.

Ready to refresh and reveal smoother, brighter skin?

Click the Request an Appointment button below to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwarcz and take the first step toward more radiant, rejuvenated skin.