skincare-treatments

AHA Peel

A light glycolic acid (AHA) peel in Lubbock for monthly brightening and smoother texture, $90. The gentlest, entry-level peel with little to no downtime — a good first peel and steady upkeep for tone and texture.

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Under 30 minutes in the chair; little to no downtime, repeat about monthly

The active peel is usually under half an hour, with no needles or anesthesia. Downtime is minimal — perhaps mild pinkness for a few hours and light flaking over one to three days, and many people return to normal activity the same day. Because it is light, the AHA peel is meant to be repeated about once a month, and results build over a series rather than a single visit.

Light (superficial) glycolic acid chemical exfoliation

A light, superficial chemical exfoliation using glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). The solution is applied for a few timed minutes, then neutralized or rinsed off. It works on the outermost layer of skin only, which makes it the gentlest, entry-level peel we offer. Performed by our licensed estheticians under medical director Dr. Arledge, a plastic surgeon.

Face: dull tone, uneven texture, general surface brightening

Used on the face for dull or tired-looking skin, uneven or rough surface texture, and general brightening. As a surface peel it is maintenance for tone and texture, not a treatment for deep scars or deep wrinkles, which need something that reaches further than the outer layer.

Monthly brightening and smoother texture by shedding the surface layer

For monthly brightening and smoother texture by loosening and shedding the outermost layer of skin. The AHA (glycolic) peel is the light, entry-level option — a good first peel and steady upkeep between deeper treatments. Sun protection afterward is essential to hold the result.

The lightest, entry-level peel: glycolic acid for a brighter, smoother surface

What is a Glycolic AHA Peel?

The AHA peel is the lightest chemical peel we offer, and at $90 it is the entry point. AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid; ours is glycolic acid, the most studied member of that family. Glycolic acid loosens the bonds that hold dead cells on the surface, so the top layer lifts and sheds over the days that follow. What comes up underneath looks brighter and feels smoother. It works on the outermost layer of skin only, which is exactly what keeps it gentle. For the deeper peels and how the three compare, see the chemical peels overview.

This is where we usually start. If you have never had a peel, or you want steady upkeep rather than one dramatic change, the AHA peel fits. It is built to be repeated, roughly once a month, because a light peel does a little each time instead of a lot at once. Real downtime is minimal, so it works around a normal week.

What to expect from an AHA Peel

Afterward, expect mild. Your skin may look a little pink for a few hours and feel slightly tight. Over the next one to three days you might notice light flaking or dryness as the surface turns over, and some people barely peel at all. Most go straight back to normal activity the same day. A brighter, smoother surface usually shows within a few days.

Two aftercare rules carry the result. Sun protection comes first and it is not optional: freshly peeled skin marks easily, and sun afterward is the quickest way to undo the work or set off new pigment, so wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and stay out of direct sun while you heal. Second, let the skin flake on its own. Do not pick, pull, or scrub it. A regular facial between peels keeps the maintenance going.

Be honest with us about your skin and your history. A light peel is upkeep, not a fix for deep acne scars or deep wrinkles; those need something that reaches further, and a consultation is the honest way to sort out which. Tell us if you are pregnant, since some peel acids are avoided during pregnancy; if you have taken isotretinoin, also sold as Accutane, in roughly the last six months; or if you have an active cold sore, another infection, or broken skin in the area. If you have a deeper skin tone, we favor this lighter peel and can patch test first, because aggressive treatment raises the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a darkening that can follow treatment. We cannot promise a specific result, and we will tell you plainly what is realistic. Book online or call (806) 701-5840.

Patient removing a face mask, representing AHA peel results at The Spa by Sheena, a medical day spa in Lubbock, TX

Benefits of the Glycolic AHA Peel

BRIGHT COMPLEXION

Light glycolic acid peel produces immediate brightening and subtle exfoliation.

NO DOWNTIME

Minimal flaking—you can return to work or activity immediately after treatment.

PEEL INTRO

Perfect first peel for patients new to chemical exfoliation.

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE

Gentle enough for monthly use to maintain glow and clarity between stronger treatments.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY

At $90, the most accessible peel in our menu for ongoing maintenance.

Inside a 30-minute AHA Peel appointment

Inside an AHA Peel appointment

A visit is quick. We cleanse the skin, brush on the glycolic solution, and leave it on for a set, timed few minutes. Most people feel a mild tingling or light stinging while it sits. That is normal, and it is brief. When the time is up we neutralize or rinse the solution off, which stops the acid. The active part of the appointment is usually under half an hour, with no needles and no anesthesia.

Because the AHA peel is superficial, it slots into regular upkeep instead of replacing it. It pairs well with dermaplaning for surface smoothing on the weeks between peels. Your provider will space visits to your skin, but about once a month is the usual rhythm.

AHA vs TCA, Green Peel, or ZO 3-Step

How the AHA Peel compares to our other peels

The three peels we offer sit at three depths, and the AHA peel is the lightest. It brightens tone and smooths surface texture with little to no recovery. That is the trade: less done per visit, done more often, as maintenance rather than a single big result.

The Herbal Green Peel is a botanical treatment, a gentler choice for sensitive skin and one we reach for with uneven pigment. The ZO 3-Step Peel is medical-grade and goes deeper, doing more in one session but asking for several days of visible peeling. Both reach further than the AHA peel, and both need more downtime and more space between treatments. If your goal is keeping tone and texture even, the AHA peel is the right weight of tool. If a light peel keeps coming up short for what you want, that is the signal to talk about a deeper one.

PRICE RANGE

$90

PER SESSION

VIP members save 10% on every session

Book Now (806) 701-5840

POST CARE

View our post-care guide for important aftercare instructions to help support healing and maximize your results.

View Aftercare Guide

FAQ

Your questions, answered

We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help make your experience simple, transparent, and stress-free.

A light glycolic acid (AHA—alpha hydroxy acid) peel for gentle brightening, mild exfoliation, and routine maintenance. The gentlest peel option in our menu—appropriate for ongoing monthly use, patients new to peels, and sensitive skin.

What is the AHA Peel?

Dull tone, mild texture concerns, early sun damage, post-inflammatory marks (mild), maintenance for healthy skin. Not strong enough for significant pigmentation or deep wrinkles—those need stronger peels.

What does the AHA Peel treat?

Mild tingling during application that fades within minutes. The most comfortable peel we offer. Most patients describe it as very tolerable.

Does the AHA Peel hurt?

Minimal—mild redness for 1–2 hours, possible very mild flaking over 1–3 days. Often you can return to work or normal activity immediately after.

What's the downtime?

$90 per peel. The most affordable peel in our menu—designed for ongoing monthly maintenance. Members receive discounted pricing. Series and package options available.

How much does the AHA Peel cost in Lubbock?

Monthly—safe for ongoing regular use. Many patients alternate AHA peels with their facials for monthly skin maintenance.

How often can I get the AHA Peel?

Patients new to chemical peels (good introduction), patients wanting maintenance between stronger peels, sensitive skin types, patients with hesitancy about downtime, and anyone wanting brightening without significant flaking.

Who is the AHA Peel best for?

Yes—commonly added to facials for extra exfoliation. Can be done in the same appointment as dermaplaning. Pairs well with most other facial treatments.

Can the AHA Peel be combined with other treatments?

Subtle brightening visible immediately. Cumulative results from regular monthly use. Single peel produces gentle refresh; ongoing series builds visible long-term improvement.