Chemical Peels

A chemical peel uses controlled acid exposure to remove damaged outer layers of skin and trigger renewal underneath. Peels range from light (glycolic, lactic—surface refresh) to medical-grade (TCA, ZO 3-step, herbal green—visible peeling and deeper resurfacing). The right peel depends on what you're treating and your downtime tolerance.

Light peels: glycolic, lactic, salicylic, AHA blends—monthly maintenance, minimal downtime. Medium peels: ZO 3-Step Stimulation Peel—visible flaking for 3–5 days, dramatic results for tone and texture. Deep peels: TCA at various strengths, Herbal Green Peel—visible peeling for 5–7 days, strong results for sun damage, melasma, scarring.

There's a tingling or burning sensation during application that fades within minutes. Light peels feel like mild warmth. Medical-grade peels feel like a strong sunburn for hours, then resolve. We use cool air and ice as needed. Most patients tolerate it well; we'll never push a peel stronger than you can handle.

Light peels: minimal visible peeling, just slight flaking for 2–3 days. Medium peels (ZO): visible peeling for 3–5 days. Deep peels (TCA, herbal green): visible peeling/flaking for 5–7 days, possibly up to 10. Plan around your social calendar—don't get a deep peel the week before a major event.

It depends on the peel. Light peels (AHA): every 4 weeks. Medium peels (TCA, ZO 3-Step): every 4–6 weeks. Herbal Green Peel: 4 weeks apart for a series. Always allow full healing between treatments.

Sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma (with the right peel and technique), uneven tone, fine lines, acne, post-acne marks, mild scarring, dull complexion, and overall maintenance. Different peels target different concerns—we'll choose the right one at consultation.

Chemical peels range from $90 to $375 depending on which peel you choose. AHA Peel: $90. TCA Peel: $215. Herbal Green Peel: $275. ZO 3-Step Peel: $375. Series pricing and membership discounts available.

Yes—we'd choose a gentler peel (lactic acid, mild AHA) and patch test first. Patients with rosacea, eczema, or known sensitivities can benefit from peels but require careful product selection. We avoid peels on actively inflamed skin and during flares.

We avoid most chemical peels during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lactic acid is generally considered safe in small amounts; salicylic acid, glycolic at higher strengths, and TCA are not recommended. We can do mechanical exfoliation (dermaplaning, microdermabrasion) and gentle facials throughout pregnancy.

Strict sun avoidance for 7–14 days (sun on healing skin causes pigmentation issues). SPF 30+ daily, reapplied. Heavy moisturizer. Don't pick or peel manually—let skin shed naturally. Skip retinoids, scrubs, and active acids for 7–10 days. We give you a written aftercare plan.

Yes—but with the right peel and approach. Aggressive peels can worsen melasma. We use specific peels (often the Herbal Green Peel) at gentler intensity, layered with a topical home regimen and strict sun protection. Melasma is ongoing management, not a one-time fix.

Book a skin consultation first—we need to see your skin to recommend the right peel. We'll examine your skin, discuss your goals, recommend the appropriate peel strength, and design a treatment series if needed. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.