5 Common Myths About Chemical Peels — Debunked

If you’ve ever been curious about chemical peels but felt hesitant, you’re not alone.

Chemical peels have been around for decades, but thanks to outdated information (and some scary TikToks), there are still a lot of misconceptions about how they work, who they’re for, and what to expect.

Let’s clear things up:

Myth #1: Chemical peels will leave my skin raw or damaged.

This is one of the biggest myths—and it’s largely thanks to the extreme “shedding”

videos that tend to go viral online. The truth? Professional peels, when performed by a trained provider, are carefully formulated to stimulate exfoliation in a controlled way without compromising your skin barrier. Peels can improve texture, pigmentation, and acne without causing trauma to the skin. No raw, red, horror movie face necessary.

Myth #2: Peels can’t be used on sensitive skin.

Many people assume that if their skin is sensitive, a chemical peel is completely off-

limits. That’s not true! There are certain peels specifically designed for sensitive,

reactive, or compromised skin. These mild formulations work to strengthen the skin

barrier, smooth texture, and calm inflammation—sometimes with zero visible peeling.

It’s all about choosing the right peel for the right skin. This is why an in-person skin

consultation is so important before we start.

Myth #3: If I get a peel, I’ll have to hide my face for a week.

Not all peels cause dramatic shedding. In fact, we can tailor your peel based on your

lifestyle and preferences. If you have a big event coming up, we can choose a

“lunchtime peel” that offers brightening with little to no downtime. On the other hand, if

you’re ready to tackle stubborn pigmentation, scars, or wrinkles, a stronger peel might

be recommended—and that may come with 5-7 days of visible peeling. But you’ll

always know what to expect before we begin.

Myth #4: Peels are only for acne or anti-aging.

While peels are amazing for acne, pigmentation, and fine lines, they’re also one of the

best treatments for:

• Evening out skin tone

• Boosting overall radiance

• Smoothing texture

• Reducing pore congestion

• Supporting long-term skin health

Think of peels as a regular skin maintenance tool—not just a treatment for problem skin.

Myth #5: One chemical peel is all I need to see results.

Peels work best as part of a consistent skin regimen. Just like you wouldn’t expect a

single workout to transform your body, one peel might give you a glow, but a series of

treatments will deliver more lasting changes in texture, tone, and skin clarity.

Curious to Try a Peel?

If you’ve been holding back because of these myths, we’re here to guide you with a

custom approach. Every treatment at Luminous You is tailored to you—your skin type,

your concerns, and your lifestyle.

Let us help you get your glow back—no hiding necessary.

Before and after peel pictures. Pictures almost identical, that is a great proof this

summer peel is a lunch treatment with no Red face, may or may not peel and literally

no downtime

Find out more from our previous blog on chemical peels here.