what are chemical peel treatments?
Chemical peels are a cornerstone of medical-grade skin rejuvenation, designed to improve texture, tone, clarity, and overall skin health. A chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment that uses carefully formulated exfoliating solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin. This process stimulates cellular turnover, improves collagen production, and reveals smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin beneath.
Our peels are medical-grade and administered by trained professionals to ensure safety, precision, and optimal outcomes. At ION, chemical peels are carefully selected and customized to address individual skin concerns—delivering visible results while preserving skin integrity and natural
What concerns do chemical peels treat?
Chemical peels are commonly used to improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne and acne congestion
- Acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage and uneven skin tone
- General hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Dull or rough skin texture
- Enlarged pores
What types of chemical peels do you offer?
We offer a variety of chemical peels from various brands. Your provider will discuss with you and decide which peel is best for your aesthetic goals.
PCA Skin® Peel
- Acne Peel
- Pigment Correct Peel
- Sensi Peel (for sensitive skin)
- Ultra Peel (for aging skin)
- No Peel Peel (for no downtime treatment)
VI Peel®
- Precision + Peptides (hyperpigmentation)
- Purify with Precision + Peptides (acne and hyperpigmentation)
Cosmelan® PeeL
- for melasma and moderate to severe pigment disorders
Benefits of chemical peels
- Accelerates skin cell turnover
- Improves tone, clarity, and texture
- Reduces acne and congestion
- Stimulates collagen production
- Suitable for a wide range of skin types
Our approach balances correction with skin health for refined, natural-looking results.
cost of chemical peels
PCA Skin® Peels: $300/session or $775 for 3 sessions
VI Peels®: $400/session or $1050 for 3 sessions
Cosmelan® Peel: $950/session
Each session comes with a take-home kit. Many patient see optimal results after 3 sessions.
what to expect AFTER Treatment
Discomfort: no discomfort
Downtime: slight dryness or full peeling (depending on peel type) for no more than 1 week, slightly longer for cosmelan peel
Results: Improved brightness: 3–7 days, texture and tone improvement: 1–3 weeks, continued improvement with a treatment series
UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE
PCA Skin® Peel
PCA Skin® peels are professional, medical-grade chemical peels formulated to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity while supporting overall skin health. These peels are highly customizable and suitable for a wide range of skin types and concerns.PCA Skin® peels are commonly used to address:
- Acne and congestion
- Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
- Fine lines and uneven texture
- Sensitive or compromised skin
VI Peel®
The VI Peel® is a medium-depth, medical-grade chemical peel designed to target more advanced skin concerns. It combines multiple active ingredients to improve pigmentation, acne, texture, and signs of aging while remaining safe for all skin types when performed correctly.The VI Peel® is commonly used to treat:
- Melasma and stubborn hyperpigmentation
- Acne and acne scarring
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone and texture
Cosmelan® PeeL
The Cosmelan® Peel is a professional, depigmenting treatment specifically designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and melasma at the source. Unlike traditional chemical peels that focus primarily on exfoliation, Cosmelan® works by regulating pigment production to achieve more comprehensive and long-lasting correction.
Cosmelan® is commonly used to treat:
- Melasma
- Hormonal pigmentation
- Sun-induced hyperpigmentation
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Patients typically experience visible peeling over several days, followed by brighter, more even skin. This treatment involves an in-office peel followed by a structured at-home maintenance program to support sustained results and prevent recurrence.
HOW TO PREPARE…
PRE-APPOINTMENT
Avoid booking an appointment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and active skincare products for several days prior to treatment.
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Use SPF 30 or above daily.
DURING APPOINTMENT
Your provider will evaluate your skin type, concerns, and goals to select the appropriate peel formulation and depth.
The skin is thoroughly prepped and cleansed. The chemical peel solution is applied in controlled layers and monitored closely.
Downtime varies depending on peel depth. You may experience redness, dryness, or peeling over several days.
POST-APPOINTMENT
Each treatment includes a take home kit that your provider will explain to you. Follow the instructions for each take home kit clearly.
- Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning, excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs).
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid active skincare products (retinoids, acids) until cleared.
- Avoid picking or peeling flaking skin.
Ready to Schedule?
If you’re still not sure, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified providers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment that uses a customized chemical solution to exfoliate the skin, remove damaged outer layers, and stimulate cell turnover. Chemical peels improve skin tone, texture, clarity, and overall skin health.
Chemical peels work by accelerating the natural exfoliation process. The solution breaks down dead skin cells and promotes new skin cell growth, helping reduce fine lines, acne, pigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin texture.
All 3 peel brands are great at improving overall skin quality; however, they differ, and one may be chosen over the others depending on your skin concerns.
- PCA Peels are great if you want gentle renewal and broad skin health benefits with minimal downtime.
- VI Peels go deeper, treating deeper texture concerns, pigmentation, aging signs, and acne in one go.
- Cosmelan Peels are specialized for pigmentation — especially stubborn melasma — with an extended home treatment component that targets pigment production itself.
Good candidates are adults looking to improve acne, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, dullness, or uneven skin tone. Chemical peels can be customized for different skin types and concerns. Schedule a consultation to determine the most appropriate peel for your skin.
Results vary depending on the type and depth of the peel. Light peels may require a series of treatments, while deeper peels provide longer-lasting results. With proper skincare and sun protection, results can last several months or longer.
Downtime depends on the strength of the peel. Light peels have little to no downtime, while medium-depth peels may cause redness, flaking, or peeling for 3–7 days. Deeper peels require more recovery time, which will be discussed during your consultation.
After treatment, you should avoid:
- Direct sun exposure and tanning
- Strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
- Excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs)
- Active skincare products (retinoids, acids) until cleared
- Picking or peeling flaking skin
Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and active skincare products for several days prior to treatment. Use sunscreen daily and follow all provided pre-treatment instructions. Certain peels may require specific skin prep beforehand.
Most patients experience mild to moderate tingling, warmth, or stinging during the peel, which typically subsides quickly. Comfort measures are used during treatment, and sensations vary depending on peel depth.
Yes, chemical peels are safe when performed by a trained and experienced professional using medical-grade products. Peels are customized to your skin type and concerns. Potential risks and aftercare will be reviewed during your consultation.
Your treatment begins with a consultation and skin assessment. The skin is cleansed, and the peel solution is applied for a controlled duration before being neutralized or removed. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes, with visible improvement as the skin heals and regenerates.
