34 questions patients ask us about Chemical Peels, answered by the clinical team at Balanced Aesthetics + Wellness in Brookhaven, Atlanta. Ready to talk about treatment? See Chemical Peels →
What maintenance peels does Balanced recommend?
After completing a corrective peel series, maintenance peels every 6–8 weeks sustain the improvement and prevent pigmentation, texture, and dullness from returning. The specific maintenance peel depends on your skin type and the original concern: glycolic acid (general texture and glow maintenance), mandelic acid (darker skin types, ongoing mild pigmentation management), salicylic acid (acne-prone skin, pore maintenance), and lactic acid (sensitive skin, hydration-focused maintenance). At Balanced, maintenance peels are often alternated with HydraFacials — peel one month, HydraFacial the next — for a comprehensive maintenance cadence that addresses both exfoliation and hydration.
Can peels be combined with medical-grade skincare for better results?
Yes — and this combination is one of the most cost-effective anti-aging strategies available. Medical-grade skincare maintains and extends peel results between sessions. The key combination: retinoid at home (maintains accelerated cell turnover between peels), vitamin C serum (antioxidant protection and brightening between sessions), SPF 30+ daily (prevents new damage from undoing peel correction), and medical-grade moisturizer (supports barrier recovery between sessions). Your esthetician at Balanced coordinates your homecare products with your peel schedule — pausing retinoid 5–7 days before each peel and resuming after recovery. The combination produces results that exceed either approach alone.
What peel is best for combination skin?
Combination skin (oily in the T-zone, dry/normal on cheeks) benefits from peels that balance exfoliation across different skin zones. Mandelic acid is an excellent choice — its larger molecular size penetrates evenly across varying skin types without over-stripping drier areas. Jessner's solution (salicylic + lactic + resorcinol) can be applied at different intensities per zone — more layers on the oily T-zone, fewer on the dry cheeks. At Balanced, your esthetician customizes peel application by face zone rather than treating the entire face identically. This zone-specific approach addresses the oiliness where it exists without over-drying areas that don't need it.
What peel is best for aging skin specifically?
For aging skin, medium-depth peels produce the most visible anti-aging improvement per session. TCA at 15–25% addresses fine wrinkles, textural roughness, and age-related pigmentation. For patients who want a branded, multi-acid approach, the VI Peel combines TCA with retinoic acid and vitamin C for comprehensive anti-aging exfoliation. For ongoing maintenance, glycolic acid peels at moderate concentrations accelerate cell turnover and support collagen over time. At Balanced, anti-aging peel series are often integrated with Laser Genesis (collagen stimulation), medical-grade retinoid (daily cell turnover), and HRT evaluation (estrogen directly supports collagen production). The combination addresses aging at every level — surface, structure, and biology.
What does a chemical peel smell like?
Most chemical peels have a mild chemical or slightly acidic smell during application — not strong or unpleasant. Glycolic and lactic acid peels have a faint sweet-acidic scent. Salicylic acid has a mild medicinal smell. TCA has a slightly sharper chemical scent. Jessner's solution has a distinct but mild odor from the resorcinol component. The smell dissipates quickly once the peel is neutralized. None are overwhelming, and most patients barely notice once the tingling sensation begins.
Can chemical peels be done on the neck and chest?
Yes — and the neck and chest (décolletage) are among the most requested peel areas after the face. These areas show aging prominently because the skin is thinner, has fewer sebaceous glands (less natural moisture), and receives cumulative sun exposure that causes crepey texture, brown spots, and visible freckling.
The approach differs from facial peels: the neck and chest skin is more sensitive, heals more slowly, and has higher risk of complications (particularly scarring) with aggressive treatments. Light peels (glycolic, lactic) and carefully applied medium peels (lower TCA concentrations) are the standard approach.
A typical protocol at Balanced: series of 4–6 light peels at 2–4 week intervals for progressive improvement in sun damage, texture, and tone. For more significant correction, a carefully applied TCA peel at conservative concentration produces meaningful improvement with manageable healing.
For comprehensive décolletage rejuvenation, peels are often combined with Laser Genesis (collagen stimulation without ablation) and medical-grade retinoid products used between treatments. The combination addresses texture, pigmentation, and collagen loss simultaneously.
What is a facial peel aftercare routine?
Post-peel care directly affects your results and healing quality. The specifics vary by peel depth, but the principles are consistent.
For light peels (glycolic, salicylic, lactic): minimal aftercare needed. Gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, SPF 30+ daily. Mild dryness and flaking for 1–3 days is normal. Avoid retinol and active ingredients for 3–5 days. Don't pick or scratch flaking skin.
For medium peels (TCA, deep Jessner's): more structured recovery. Gentle cleanser only — no scrubbing or exfoliating. Hydrating moisturizer or prescribed healing ointment applied frequently to keep the peeling skin moist. SPF 50+ mandatory — your new skin is extremely photosensitive. No active ingredients (retinol, AHAs, vitamin C) for 7–14 days. Visible peeling for 3–7 days — do not pull or peel sheets of skin prematurely. Avoid sweating, hot water, and steam for 48–72 hours.
For all peels: sun exposure is the biggest risk to your results. Post-peel skin is photosensitive, and UV exposure during healing can cause hyperpigmentation that's harder to treat than the original concern. SPF compliance is non-negotiable.
Your provider at Balanced sends you home with specific aftercare instructions tailored to your peel type and skin.
Can I do a chemical peel and microneedling in the same month?
Yes — but spacing and sequencing matter. Generally, allow at least 2 weeks between a chemical peel and microneedling session. The peel should be performed first (clearing the surface layer), followed by microneedling once the skin has fully healed (stimulating collagen in the now-cleared foundation).
The reverse order (microneedling first, then peel) is also acceptable but requires that microneedling recovery is complete before the peel's chemical exfoliation is applied. Peeling skin that's still healing from microneedling increases irritation risk.
At Balanced, layering peels and microneedling in the same month is a common strategy for patients pursuing aggressive skin improvement — particularly for acne scarring, textural concerns, and pigmentation. Your provider maps the timing so each treatment enhances the other without overtaxing the skin.
The Transformative Skin Membership allows monthly access to microneedling (RF or PDGF) or CO2 laser. Adding a peel between membership treatments — with appropriate spacing — accelerates the overall treatment timeline.
What chemical peel is best for acne?
Salicylic acid peels are the first-line choice for active acne — salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it penetrates into pores to dissolve the sebum and debris causing congestion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm active breakouts. Light salicylic peels can be repeated every 2–4 weeks.
For acne with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks left after breakouts): mandelic acid peels are excellent — effective against acne and pigmentation simultaneously, with a gentler penetration profile that's safer for darker skin tones.
For more resistant acne or patients who want faster results: Jessner's peel (a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol) provides a stronger exfoliation that addresses both active acne and textural damage.
At Balanced, acne treatment is rarely limited to peels alone. Our Advanced Corrective Skin Services program combines peels with appropriate homecare (medical-grade cleansers, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or prescription treatments), and may incorporate HydraFacials for extraction, microneedling for scarring, and hormonal evaluation — because many acne patients have an underlying hormonal driver.
What is a glycolic acid peel?
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which means it penetrates more effectively than larger AHAs like lactic or mandelic acid. Glycolic peels dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, exfoliating the outermost layer to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath.
Glycolic peels are versatile — available in concentrations ranging from 20% (gentle, minimal flaking) to 70% (stronger, more significant exfoliation). Lower concentrations are used for sensitive skin, first-time peel patients, and maintenance. Higher concentrations address more significant texture, pigmentation, and fine lines.
Glycolic peels are effective for dullness and rough texture, mild hyperpigmentation and uneven tone, fine lines, mild acne and congested pores, and overall skin quality improvement. They're a light peel category — downtime is minimal (1–3 days of mild dryness and flaking).
At Balanced, glycolic peels are often used as an entry point for patients new to chemical peels, and as part of a sequential treatment plan that progresses to stronger peels or microneedling once the skin is conditioned.
What is a TCA peel?
TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is a medium-depth chemical peel that penetrates through the epidermis into the upper dermis, producing more significant correction than light peels. It's one of the most effective single-agent peels for moderate pigmentation, fine to moderate wrinkles, acne scarring, and overall skin rejuvenation.
TCA is available in concentrations from 10% to 35% — lower concentrations produce lighter peels while higher concentrations reach deeper. Your provider selects the concentration based on your skin type, concerns, and treatment history. TCA peels can also be combined with other acids (Jessner's solution as a primer) for enhanced penetration.
The recovery is more significant than light peels: expect 3–7 days of visible peeling where the skin turns brown, tightens, and sheds in sheets. The new skin revealed underneath is smoother, more even, and visibly improved. Social downtime is real — plan accordingly.
TCA peels are typically spaced 2–3 months apart. Most patients achieve significant improvement in 2–3 sessions. At Balanced, TCA peels are often positioned as the corrective phase before transitioning to maintenance with lighter peels and Laser Genesis.
What is a salicylic acid peel?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) — unlike AHAs (glycolic, lactic), it's oil-soluble, which means it penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris at the source of congestion. This makes it the gold-standard peel ingredient for acne-prone and oily skin.
Salicylic acid peels are light peels with minimal downtime (1–2 days of mild dryness). They're effective for active acne (reduces breakouts by clearing pore congestion), oily skin (reduces excess sebum), blackheads and whiteheads (dissolves comedonal plugs), mild texture irregularities, and post-acne marks (anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness).
Because salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, it calms active breakouts during the exfoliation process — you get clearer pores and reduced inflammation simultaneously.
Salicylic peels can be repeated every 2–4 weeks for a series of 4–6 treatments. They're safe for most skin types and are particularly well-suited for patients who can't tolerate glycolic acid due to sensitivity.
At Balanced, salicylic peels are part of our acne treatment programs and are often alternated with HydraFacials (for extraction) and eventually microneedling (for post-acne scarring).
Can chemical peels help with fine lines?
Yes — chemical peels address fine lines by removing the damaged surface layer and stimulating cell turnover and collagen production in the underlying tissue. The depth of improvement corresponds to the peel depth.
Light peels (glycolic, lactic) produce subtle smoothing of the finest lines through accelerated cell turnover. They're most effective when performed in a series (4–6 sessions) for cumulative improvement.
Medium peels (TCA) reach deeper and produce more noticeable wrinkle improvement — the exfoliation removes the creased surface layer while the wound-healing response stimulates collagen that plumps the skin from below. 2–3 medium peels can meaningfully soften fine to moderate lines.
For deep, established wrinkles visible at rest, peels alone are usually insufficient — these benefit from combination treatment (Botox to relax the underlying muscle, filler to volumize the crease, and resurfacing to smooth the surface).
At Balanced, peels for fine lines are often part of a layered anti-aging strategy: peels for surface renewal, Laser Genesis or microneedling for deeper collagen, and injectables for structural correction. The combination produces results that exceed what any single modality achieves.
How often should I get a chemical peel?
Frequency depends on the peel type. Light peels (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) can be performed every 2–4 weeks. They're gentle enough for monthly maintenance and produce cumulative improvement with consistent treatment. A series of 4–6 light peels is typical for an initial corrective phase.
Medium peels (TCA, Jessner's) should be spaced 6–12 weeks apart. The deeper exfoliation requires more healing time and the collagen remodeling response needs 6–8 weeks to develop before the next session. Most patients do 2–3 medium peels per year.
Deep peels (high-concentration TCA, phenol) are typically performed once — the dramatic resurfacing produces lasting results that are maintained with lighter peels and daily skincare.
For long-term skin health, the most effective approach at Balanced is a combination: an initial corrective phase (medium peels to address existing damage) followed by ongoing light peels every 4–6 weeks for maintenance. This keeps cell turnover active, prevents pigment accumulation, and maintains the smooth texture achieved during the corrective phase.
Your esthetician adjusts the schedule based on how your skin responds — some patients tolerate more frequent peels, while sensitive skin types benefit from longer intervals.
Can I get a chemical peel if I have sensitive skin?
Yes — with appropriate peel selection and technique. Sensitive skin doesn't disqualify you from chemical peels; it determines which peels and strengths are safe.
Lactic acid peels are the best starting point for sensitive skin. Lactic acid is a larger molecule than glycolic (penetrates more gently), has hydrating properties (it's a natural skin moisturizer), and produces effective exfoliation with less irritation. Low-concentration lactic peels (20–30%) with short application times allow your esthetician to gauge your skin's response conservatively.
Mandelic acid is another excellent sensitive-skin option — even larger molecules than lactic, making it the gentlest AHA with meaningful clinical benefit.
Enzyme peels (using papaya or pumpkin enzymes) offer biological exfoliation without acid — they dissolve dead skin cells through enzymatic action rather than chemical dissolution, producing virtually no irritation.
The approach for sensitive skin at Balanced: start with the gentlest effective peel, monitor your reaction, and gradually increase strength only as your skin demonstrates tolerance. Building up slowly produces the same results as aggressive peels — just on a longer timeline with much less risk of adverse reactions.
Can chemical peels help with acne?
Chemical peels are one of the most effective in-office treatments for acne — addressing both active breakouts and the post-acne marks they leave behind.
For active acne: salicylic acid peels dissolve oil and debris within pores (clearing the primary cause of comedonal acne). Glycolic acid peels accelerate cell turnover, preventing dead cells from accumulating and clogging pores. Both reduce the bacterial environment that drives inflammatory breakouts.
For post-acne hyperpigmentation: glycolic and lactic acid peels fade dark marks by accelerating the turnover of pigmented cells. TCA peels at appropriate concentrations can address deeper post-inflammatory pigmentation.
For acne scarring: medium-depth peels (TCA) stimulate collagen remodeling that can improve mild scarring. For significant scarring, peels work best in combination with microneedling or laser.
The typical acne peel protocol at Balanced: biweekly salicylic peels for 4–6 sessions to clear active breakouts, then transition to alternating glycolic and salicylic peels monthly for ongoing maintenance and post-acne mark fading. This is often combined with medical-grade skincare (retinoid, benzoyl peroxide) and HydraFacials for extraction.
What is the difference between a light, medium, and deep chemical peel?
The depth of a chemical peel determines what it can treat, how much downtime to expect, and how dramatic the results will be.
Light peels (superficial) penetrate only the epidermis (outermost skin layer). Acids used: glycolic 20–50%, lactic, salicylic, mandelic. Treats: mild pigmentation, dullness, texture, light acne. Downtime: 1–3 days of mild flaking. Frequency: every 2–4 weeks.
Medium peels penetrate through the epidermis into the upper dermis (papillary dermis). Acids: TCA 15–35%, Jessner's solution. Treats: moderate pigmentation, fine to moderate wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage. Downtime: 3–7 days of visible peeling. Frequency: every 6–12 weeks.
Deep peels penetrate into the mid-reticular dermis. Acids: phenol, high-concentration TCA. Treats: deep wrinkles, significant scarring, severe photodamage. Downtime: 10–14 days, with redness lasting weeks. Frequency: typically once or very rarely.
At Balanced, most patients achieve excellent results with light and medium peels in strategic combination. Deep peels are rarely necessary when patients maintain consistent light/medium peel schedules alongside other modalities like laser and microneedling.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel applies a controlled acid solution to the skin's surface, causing the outermost layers to exfoliate and eventually peel away. The new skin that emerges is smoother, clearer, and more even in tone. Peels stimulate cell turnover and can reach deeper than mechanical exfoliation methods like scrubs or microdermabrasion.
Peels are categorized by depth: light peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic acid) treat surface concerns with minimal downtime (1–3 days of mild flaking). Medium peels (TCA, Jessner's) reach deeper into the dermis for more significant improvement in pigmentation, texture, and fine lines (3–7 days of peeling). Deep peels (phenol-based) produce dramatic results for severe sun damage and wrinkles but require extended recovery.
At Balanced, chemical peels are often the first step in a treatment sequence — clearing the surface layer before progressing to microneedling or laser treatments that work deeper. Think of peels as resetting the surface so other treatments can do their best work on the foundation.
Your provider selects the appropriate peel type and strength based on your skin type, concerns, treatment history, and current skincare routine. Retinol and certain active ingredients must be paused before peels.
What type of chemical peel is best for hyperpigmentation?
Medium-depth peels (TCA or combination Jessner's + TCA) are generally the most effective single-treatment option for hyperpigmentation — they reach deep enough to address melanin deposits below the surface layer without the extended recovery of a deep peel.
Light peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) work well for mild, surface-level pigmentation and can be performed in a series for cumulative improvement. Mandelic acid peels are particularly useful for darker skin tones because they penetrate more gradually, reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
For stubborn or hormonally-driven hyperpigmentation (melasma), peels are typically one component of a multi-modal approach. At Balanced, we may combine a peel series with targeted skincare (tyrosinase inhibitors, retinoids), IPL Photofacial for scattered pigmented lesions, and internal factors like hormone optimization — because melasma has hormonal drivers that topical treatments alone can't fully address.
Skin type matters significantly in peel selection for pigmentation. Darker skin tones require careful acid selection, concentration, and technique to avoid triggering additional pigmentation. Your provider at Balanced assesses your Fitzpatrick type and customizes the peel accordingly.
Can I get a chemical peel if I have dark skin?
Yes — but the type, concentration, and technique must be carefully matched to your skin type. Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) have higher melanin content, which increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — meaning the peel could temporarily worsen the pigmentation it's meant to treat if performed incorrectly.
Safe options for darker skin include mandelic acid peels (gentler penetration, lower PIH risk), lower-concentration glycolic or lactic acid peels, and salicylic acid peels for acne. These lighter peels performed in a series can produce excellent results with minimal risk.
Medium and deep peels require extreme caution on darker skin and are typically reserved for experienced providers who understand the specific risks and pre/post-treatment protocols needed (tyrosinase inhibitors before and after, careful concentration selection).
At Balanced, your provider assesses your Fitzpatrick skin type and any history of PIH before recommending a peel type. Pre-treatment skincare preparation and post-peel care are especially important for darker skin tones — your protocol accounts for this from the start.
What is an enzyme peel?
An enzyme peel uses natural enzymes (typically from papaya, pumpkin, or pineapple) to dissolve dead skin cells without the chemical intensity of acid peels. They're the gentlest professional exfoliation option — producing mild surface renewal with virtually no downtime, redness, or irritation. Enzyme peels are ideal for sensitive skin that can't tolerate acid peels, patients new to professional exfoliation, and as a gentle maintenance treatment between more intensive procedures. Results are subtle per session but cumulative — regular enzyme peels maintain smooth, clear skin between more aggressive treatments. At Balanced, enzyme peels may be incorporated into medical-grade facials as part of the exfoliation step.
Can chemical peels treat dull skin?
Yes — dullness is one of the most responsive concerns to chemical peels. Dull skin results from accumulated dead cells, reduced cell turnover, dehydration, and environmental damage on the skin's surface. Even a single light peel (glycolic or lactic acid) can produce immediate brightening by removing the dull surface layer. A series of 4–6 light peels progressively accelerates cell turnover, revealing increasingly vibrant, luminous skin with each treatment. For patients who want the quickest path from dull to glowing, a peel series is one of the most efficient treatments available. Combined with medical-grade vitamin C serum and regular HydraFacials, dull skin can transform dramatically within 2–3 months.
Are chemical peels painful?
Light peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic) typically produce mild tingling or warmth during application — tolerable for most patients without numbing. The sensation lasts 2–5 minutes and subsides after the neutralization step. Medium peels (TCA, Jessner's) produce more noticeable stinging during application. A fan may be used to reduce discomfort. The intensity builds during application and subsides within minutes of neutralization. Most patients describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable. Deep peels require numbing or sedation — though these are rarely performed at Balanced due to the availability of CO2 laser, which produces similar results with more control.
What is a pre-peel skincare routine?
Preparing your skin before a chemical peel improves results and reduces side effects. 2–4 weeks before: start medical-grade products that condition the skin — retinol (accelerates cell turnover so the peel penetrates more evenly), vitamin C (antioxidant protection), and sunscreen (prevents new pigmentation). For darker skin or melasma patients: add a tyrosinase inhibitor (azelaic acid, kojic acid) to suppress melanin production before the peel. 5–7 days before: stop retinol, AHAs, and any exfoliating products (to avoid over-sensitization). Day of: come with clean skin, no makeup. Your esthetician at Balanced provides specific pre-peel instructions based on the peel type and your skin.
Can I get a chemical peel in the summer?
Light peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic) can be performed year-round with proper sun protection — they don't significantly increase photosensitivity. Medium peels (TCA, Jessner's) increase photosensitivity during the healing phase and are best scheduled in fall/winter in sun-heavy climates like Atlanta. The key isn't avoiding peels in summer entirely — it's managing sun exposure. If you're committed to daily SPF 30+, hats, and sun avoidance during healing, light peels are safe in summer. If your lifestyle involves significant outdoor time, scheduling medium peels for cooler months is the safer approach.
What is the difference between a chemical peel and dermaplaning?
Chemical peels use acids to dissolve dead skin cells and stimulate cell turnover through chemical exfoliation. Dermaplaning uses a surgical blade to physically scrape dead cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the skin's surface through mechanical exfoliation. Peels penetrate deeper and produce more significant cell turnover, collagen stimulation, and treatment of pigmentation. Dermaplaning provides instant smoothness and an excellent base for makeup but doesn't stimulate deeper skin changes. They can be combined — dermaplaning before a peel removes the surface barrier so the acid penetrates more evenly and deeply. At Balanced, both are available and often sequenced together.
What concentration of chemical peel do I need?
Concentration is determined by your provider based on your skin type, concerns, treatment history, and tolerance. First-time peel patients start with lower concentrations (20–30% glycolic, 5–10% TCA) to assess skin response. Experienced patients may progress to higher concentrations (50–70% glycolic, 20–35% TCA) for more significant results. Higher isn't always better — the right concentration balances effectiveness with safety for your specific skin. Starting too aggressive increases complication risk (hyperpigmentation, prolonged redness, scarring). Starting conservative and progressing based on response is always the safer and more effective long-term strategy.
What is a VI Peel?
The VI Peel is a branded medium-depth chemical peel containing a blend of TCA, salicylic acid, phenol, retinoic acid, and vitamin C. It's designed to address pigmentation, acne, fine lines, and overall skin quality in a single treatment. The VI Peel has gained popularity because of its standardized formulation and predictable results across a range of skin types — including darker skin tones when applied correctly. Recovery is similar to other medium peels: 5–7 days of peeling. At Balanced, VI Peel is one of several medium-depth peel options available. Your provider recommends it when the multi-acid formulation best matches your skin concerns, or may recommend alternative peels (TCA alone, Jessner's) when those better serve your goals.
What is the recovery time for a chemical peel?
Recovery depends entirely on the peel depth. Light peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic): 1–3 days of mild dryness and light flaking. Many patients describe it as barely noticeable. You can wear makeup the next day. Medium peels (TCA, Jessner's): 3–7 days of visible peeling. The skin turns brown, tightens, and sheds in sheets over several days. Social downtime is real — plan accordingly. Deep peels (phenol): 10–14+ days of significant peeling, redness, and healing. Rarely performed due to availability of CO2 laser, which achieves similar results with more control.
During recovery: keep skin moisturized with provider-recommended products only, avoid picking or pulling peeling skin (let it shed naturally), strict sun protection, no active skincare ingredients (retinol, AHAs, vitamin C) until healing is complete, and avoid hot water on the treated area.
The peeling itself is the point — the controlled exfoliation removes damaged layers so new, healthier skin can surface. The temporary unsightliness is the treatment working.
What is a lactic acid peel?
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk. It's gentler than glycolic acid because its larger molecular size penetrates more slowly and evenly. Lactic acid peels are an excellent choice for sensitive skin, first-time peel patients, and darker skin tones where aggressive acids carry higher hyperpigmentation risk. Lactic acid peels provide mild exfoliation while also hydrating the skin — lactic acid is a natural humectant that draws moisture into the tissue. This dual action (exfoliate + hydrate) makes it unique among peel acids. It's effective for mild dullness, dry/dehydrated skin, uneven tone, and as a gentle introduction to chemical exfoliation before progressing to stronger peels. At Balanced, lactic acid peels are often the starting point for sensitive-skin patients, with progression to glycolic or mandelic peels as the skin acclimates.
What is a Jessner's peel?
A Jessner's peel is a combination medium-depth peel containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. The three-acid combination produces stronger exfoliation than any single acid alone, making it effective for moderate acne, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and textural concerns. Jessner's is particularly valued for acne because the salicylic acid component penetrates pores while the lactic acid exfoliates the surface. Multiple layers can be applied in the same session to increase depth — your provider controls the intensity based on your skin's needs. Recovery is 5–7 days of peeling (similar to a TCA peel). Jessner's is a good bridge between light peels and full TCA — patients who've completed a light peel series and need more aggressive correction can progress to Jessner's before considering TCA.
Can chemical peels help with acne scars?
Chemical peels can improve the surface appearance of acne scars — particularly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks) and mild textural irregularities. Light peels accelerate cell turnover to fade dark marks over a series. Medium peels (TCA) reach deeper to smooth mild rolling scars and textural roughness. However, for deeper acne scars (ice pick, boxcar, deep rolling), chemical peels alone aren't sufficient. These scar types require treatments that stimulate collagen at deeper levels — RF microneedling, CO2 laser resurfacing, or subcision. At Balanced, peels are often the first step in an acne scar treatment plan: clear the surface pigmentation and texture with peels, then progress to microneedling or laser for structural scar correction. This layered approach produces the most comprehensive improvement.
What is a mandelic acid peel?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds. Its larger molecular size means it penetrates more slowly and uniformly than glycolic acid — making it one of the safest peel options for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) and sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Mandelic acid has the unique advantage of being both an AHA (exfoliant) and having antibacterial properties — making it effective for acne alongside hyperpigmentation. It's the best choice for patients who need pigment correction on darker skin without the hyperpigmentation risk that more aggressive acids carry. At Balanced, mandelic acid peels are frequently recommended for patients with melasma, acne on darker skin, or any pigmentation concern where safety is the priority. They can be repeated every 2–4 weeks and produce cumulative improvement with minimal risk.
How much does a chemical peel cost?
Chemical peel pricing depends on the type and depth. Light peels (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic) are the most affordable — priced per session with series pricing available for 4–6 treatments. Medium peels (TCA, Jessner's) cost more per session reflecting the greater intensity and expertise required. At Balanced, peels are often part of a comprehensive skin treatment plan alongside facials, microneedling, and laser treatments. Package pricing and membership options (the Balanced Glow and Transformative Skin Memberships both complement peel series) can reduce overall treatment costs. Specific pricing is discussed during consultation after your provider assesses your skin and recommends the appropriate peel type. The investment in a peel series produces progressive improvement that skincare products alone can't match.