18 Jun 2026 | by Melissa Michelon, MD, FAAD
There are enormous benefits to social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Not only can they be extremely entertaining, but they’ve also become primary drivers for educating patients on aesthetic options. Depending on your age, the internet may be your only source of information. The downside to social media when it comes to your skin, however, is that just because a trend goes “viral” does not mean that it is right for you. Everyone’s skin is unique. My job as a Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist is to figure out which treatment or treatments will improve the health and appearance of your skin without causing harm.
Dermfluencers and the recent “glass skin” trend is a good example of the latter, propelling viewers to get an unnecessary chemical peel or worse, making one themselves. An appropriate chemical peel is something I recommend quite often, but the key to a safe, exemplary result is choosing the right chemical peel for your skin type.
In-Person Skin Consultation is Critical
DIY can be great for certain things, but I am not a fan of anyone self-assessing their skin. You want to see someone, like myself, who has years of education, training and experience in all aspects of the skin. This is why I cannot stress enough the importance of scheduling an in-person consultation with a dermatologist. Typically, a patient comes in due to a skin condition, but even if you’re not having an acne breakout, for example, establishing a baseline of your skin’s health with a professional is always a smart idea. During our meeting, I will listen to what is bothering you about the appearance of your skin. We will talk about your:
- Skincare routine, if any
- Time spent outdoors
- Diet & hydration
- Exercise habits
Many of my Boston area patients start seeing me in their teens and then stay with me through the years as their skin’s needs change with age. Being able to provide my patients with continued care is one of the things that I like most about my job.
Best Chemical Peel for Acne
As mentioned, acne is typically what brings a younger patient into my office. Often driven by changes in hormone levels, it can affect teenage boys and girls although it may also manifest in older women due perimenopause and menopause. Diet can greatly affect your propensity for acne although there may also be a genetic component. My favorite chemical peel for improving acne prone skin is the VI Peel Purify. This salicylic acid-based peel can help:
- Unclog pores
- Reduce active acne & acne scarring
- Help control oil production
The latter is key is we want something that will provide both immediate and long-term benefits.
Chemical Peel for Sun Damage, Pigmentation & Fine Lines
Other skin conditions that bring patients into my office include skin texture issues such as:
- Sun damage
- Pigmentation
- Fine lines
Hopefully, you wear sunscreen everyday, rain or shine. But even the most diligent sun avoider will develop some sun spots and/or pigmentation with time. The sun also breaks down your collagen and elastin with the end result being fine lines. If you spend a lot of time outdoors hiking, golfing or playing tennis then your skin has the potential added stress of wind, rain and environmental toxins. All of these factors are exacerbated by Father Time. My favorite chemical peel for sun spots and pigmentation is the IV Peel Precision Plus which can:
- Target melasma, sun spots & discoloration
- Brighten overall skin texture
For aging skin and fine lines, I generally recommend the IV Peel Advanced in order to:
- Stimulate collagen production
- Soften fine lines & wrinkles
- Improve skin texture & tone
Patients are always surprised by the rejuvenating effect of smoother-looking skin. It is one of the simplest ways to make you look and feel more vital.
Chemical Peels by Skin Type in Boston
Everyone’s skin falls into a certain type such as:
- Oily skin
- Dry or mature skin
- Combination skin
A big component of choosing the right chemical peel is knowing which ones are best for each skin type. Salicylic acid-containing peels, such as the IV Peel Purify, are ideal for those with oily skin as they’re better for clearing congestion, addressing enlarged pores and managing breakouts. Those with dry and/or mature skin, however, do better with a milder TCA-based or hydrating peel such as the IV Peel Advanced. The focus of this chemical peel is on stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture without excessively irritating your skin. For those with combination skin, the right peel is going to depend on which one can best treat your primary concern. A customized approach is important for everyone, but it’s especially critical for those with combination skin.
To find out more about a chemical peel, or any other aesthetic treatment with Dr. Melissa Michelon at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
