Chemical peels
Salicylic acid, Jessner's and TCA peels
A chemical peel removes damaged surface layers in a controlled way so smoother, more even skin grows back. Depth is chosen for your skin and your goal, from a light refresh with no visible peeling to a medium-depth treatment for pigment and precancerous sun damage.
What it treats
Is this for you?
- Uneven tone and dullness
- Sun damage and brown spots
- Melasma, as part of a plan
- Acne and superficial acne scarring
- Actinic keratoses, with a medium-depth TCA peel
- Fine lines and rough texture
How it works
What is actually happening.
The acid loosens the bonds between old surface cells so they shed, and at medium depth it triggers repair in the upper dermis, which tightens texture and clears precancerous cells. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and clears pores, so it suits acne-prone skin. Jessner's blend combines three agents for pigment and texture. TCA at 20 to 35 percent reaches deepest and is the choice for sun damage and actinic keratoses.
Dr. Nawas monitors the peel throughout, and prepares deeper skin tones with a lightening cream beforehand to reduce the chance of post-peel darkening.
Your visit
What the appointment is like.
Assess
Skin type, goals and any history of cold sores or keloids decide the depth.
Apply
The skin is cleansed and degreased, and the solution is applied in even layers. You feel warmth or stinging for a few minutes; a fan helps.
Time
The depth is controlled to the minute, then the peel is neutralized.
Renew
Light peels barely flake. Medium peels darken and peel over four to seven days.
Before and after your appointment
Simple preparation, simple recovery.
Before
- No retinoids, exfoliants or waxing for a week before; no sun for two weeks.
- Tell Dr. Nawas about cold sores (an antiviral is prescribed), isotretinoin use or pregnancy.
- Arrive without makeup.
Afterward
- Keep the skin moist with a bland ointment; do not pick or scrub peeling skin.
- Mineral sunscreen daily and a hat for a month; no exercise or heat for 48 hours after a medium peel.
- Restart retinoids after a week, or once peeling is complete.
Pricing
Published in advance, like everything else here.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Chemical peel, per sessionSalicylic acid, Jessner's or TCA, depth chosen for you | $250 to $500 |
| Larger or combined areasFace with neck or chest, per session | Up to $1,000 |
Estimates for planning. Dr. Nawas confirms your exact plan and price at the consultation, and you pay only for what is used. Cosmetic care is not billed to insurance. How insurance, superbills and financing work here.
Good to know
Questions patients ask.
Peel or Fraxel?
A peel works the surface with acid; Fraxel treats columns into the dermis and builds collagen. Peels are excellent for tone and acne; Fraxel for texture, lines and scars. Many plans use both.
Will I peel visibly?
Light peels, almost never. Medium peels, yes, for about five days. Plan around it.
Is it safe for darker skin?
With preparation and the right depth, yes. Dr. Nawas uses gentler agents and preps with a lightening cream.
Related procedures
Often planned together.
Next step
Ready when you are.
A controlled reset for tone, texture and sun damage, at a depth chosen for you.
New to ZN Dermatology? Choose a consultation appointment: the depth is chosen for your skin, your goal and the downtime you can take. The peel can usually be done at the same visit.