Chemical Peels
A chemical peel applies a specialized acid solution that lifts away the outer layers of damaged skin, triggering controlled exfoliation and faster cell turnover. Depth and formula are customized to your skin, from a gentle lunchtime glow to a medium peel that works on pigment, fine lines, and acne scarring.
What is achemical peel?
Every peel starts with a choice of depth. Light peels use gentle alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic or lactic acid to brighten and refine texture with little to no downtime, which makes them ideal for maintenance. Medium peels reach further with TCA, salicylic acid, and resorcinol-based formulas like the Jessner's Peel or VI Peel to treat fine lines, pigmentation, and mild acne scars. Deep peels reach the deepest layers for dramatic, long-lasting change on wrinkles, sun damage, and deeper scars, with more recovery to match.
For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, stubborn acne, or aging skin, we also blend advanced multi-acid, medical-grade formulas customized to your skin. The visit itself is simple: the solution goes on for a set time, you feel mild tingling or warmth, and it is then neutralized or removed. Most treatments take 30 to 45 minutes.
One peel gives a fresh, brighter surface within days. For deeper correction, a series of three to six peels spaced four to six weeks apart delivers the best results, and improvement continues afterward as new collagen builds.
Who are chemical peels for?
Peels are the middle ground between a facial and a laser: real, visible change without an extended recovery.
The right peel depends on your skin type, your concern, and how much downtime you can take. Your provider examines your skin at consultation and selects the depth and formula, with extra care taken for darker tones, sensitive skin, and active acne.
Uneven tone or texture
Dullness, rough patches, and blotchy tone respond to even a light peel.
Acne and breakouts
Peels exfoliate, unclog pores, calm inflammation, and fade the discoloration breakouts leave behind.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Medium peels stimulate collagen to soften early lines, especially with a series.
Sun damage and pigmentation
Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma lift as the damaged surface layers shed.
You can tolerate some flaking
Light peels flake for a day or three; medium peels visibly peel for several days. Plan around it.
Where peelswork
The face is the classic canvas, but peels also treat the sun-exposed areas that give age away: the neck, chest, and hands.
Select an area to see what a peel does there.
Chemical peel, full face
Chemical peels,before and after.
Pigment and uneven tone lifted over a course of peels. Depth and cadence are chosen for your skin at the consultation, which is why the same treatment name covers very different plans. Drag the handle to compare.
See all chemical peel resultsIndividual results vary. This photograph is from the treatment gallery on the practice's previous website and is not a guarantee of your own outcome.
Peels at our office
Real treatments and real patients from our own practice, including how we pair peels with microneedling when hyperpigmentation needs a stronger push.
A consultation matches the right depth and formula to your skin.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationPricing depends on the peel depth and formula chosen for your skin, so we quote it at your consultation.
The solution is applied, works for a set time with mild tingling or warmth, and is then neutralized or removed.
Light peels: little to none, with flaking for one to three days. Medium peels: several days of visible peeling. Deep peels: a longer recovery, planned with you in advance.
Brightness shows within a few days of a light peel; medium-peel results appear once peeling subsides and keep improving as collagen builds. A series of three to six peels, four to six weeks apart, gives the best correction.
Frequently asked questions
Do chemical peels hurt?
Most peels involve minimal discomfort. You feel mild tingling, warmth, or a light sting while the solution works, and how much depends on the strength of the peel. It is temporary and well tolerated, and the peel is neutralized or removed after a set time.
What kinds of peels do you offer?
Light peels with gentle glycolic or lactic acid, medium peels using TCA, salicylic acid, and resorcinol-based formulas like the Jessner's Peel and VI Peel, deep peels for advanced damage, and custom multi-acid medical-grade blends for stubborn pigment, acne, and aging skin.
How do I know which depth I need?
You don't have to. Your provider examines your skin at consultation and selects the depth and formula based on your concern, your skin type, and how much downtime works for you.
How long does recovery take?
It varies by depth. Light peels have little to no downtime with a few days of light flaking, medium peels bring several days of visible peeling, and deep peels need a longer, planned recovery.
How often should I get a peel?
Light peels can be repeated every four to eight weeks as maintenance. Medium peels are spaced further apart, often seasonally or twice a year. For correction, a series of three to six peels spaced four to six weeks apart works best.
Can peels help acne and acne scars?
Yes. Peels exfoliate, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and fade the discoloration acne leaves behind. Mild acne scarring improves with medium-depth peels over a series.
Do peels work on melasma and dark spots?
Yes. Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma are among the concerns peels are used to treat, and peels fade discoloration as they even out skin tone. Custom blends are available for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and we combine peels with other treatments when pigment is stubborn.
Is there anyone who should wait?
A peel may need to wait if you are pregnant or nursing, have taken Accutane in the last six months, have a history of keloid scarring, or are prone to cold sores. Tell your provider at the consultation so the plan fits your history.
Are chemical peels safe for all skin types?
Peels are customizable for a wide range of skin types and tones, including darker skin, when performed by an experienced provider. Darker tones, sensitive skin, and active acne call for careful formula selection, which is exactly what the consultation is for.
When can I wear makeup again?
Typically 24 to 48 hours after a light peel. After a deeper peel, your provider gives you detailed aftercare instructions that cover when to resume makeup.
How soon will I see results?
A brighter, smoother surface shows within a few days of a light peel and within a week of most treatments. Improvement continues afterward as collagen production ramps up, and results last for months with sunscreen and good skincare.
Where to next
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Best Chemical Peels in Cincinnati: Where to Get Glowing, Renewed Skin
Looking for the best chemical peels in Cincinnati? Discover how our customized treatments deliver smoother, clearer, glowing skin.
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Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.