Chemical Peels.The depth that fits.

What it is.

A chemical peel is a controlled application of medical-grade acids that exfoliates the outermost layers of skin, prompting the dermis to lay down newer, smoother tissue. We carry two protocols: a Jessner’s blend for skin-tone correction and brightening, and TCA (trichloroacetic acid) for deeper resurfacing. Both are physician-supervised. Both are titrated to your skin — not delivered by formula.

Jessner’s vs. TCA.

The two peels do different work, and they are not interchangeable.

Jessner’s — a layered blend of resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid — sits superficially. It brightens tone, evens texture, and lifts post-inflammatory pigment without meaningful downtime. We use it as a series, not a single event.

TCA at 15–25% reaches deeper into the epidermis (and the upper dermis at higher strengths). It refines texture, softens fine lines, and addresses photodamage that Jessner’s can’t reach — at the cost of 5–7 days of visible peeling. We choose between them based on what your skin is asking for, what you can carry socially, and what we’ve already built with you.

What we treat.

• Photodamage and uneven pigmentation — sun spots, mottled tone.
• Fine lines — around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
• Acne and post-acne marks — both active inflammation and the brown shadows it leaves.
• Melasma — only with strict pre-conditioning. We do not peel un-conditioned melasma.
• Dull or thickened skin texture — the flat, "tired" look that doesn’t respond to home products.
• Mild scarring — atrophic acne scars, where TCA serves as part of a broader plan.

What to expect.

Your first appointment is about 45 minutes. For any TCA peel, we pre-condition your skin with a topical retinoid plus a tyrosinase inhibitor for 2–4 weeks before treatment — this is non-negotiable for melasma-prone skin and meaningfully improves outcomes for everyone. Application takes 10–15 minutes. You’ll feel mild warmth or a stinging sensation that resolves within minutes of the neutralizer.

Jessner’s: no real downtime, with possible 2–3 days of light flaking. TCA: 5–7 days of visible peeling, full social downtime around three days. Strict broad-spectrum SPF, no actives until skin re-epithelializes, no exfoliation, no picking.

Appointment

45 min

Downtime

0–7 days

Series

3+ Jessner’s · 1–3 TCA

Cadence

Quarterly

Cadence.

Jessner’s: a series of three at four-week intervals, then maintenance every six to eight weeks. TCA: one to three sessions per year, depending on goal and skin response. Both pair best with a home retinoid plus medical-grade sunscreen — we’ll calibrate the routine to the depth of the peel.

Considerations.

Peels are not used in pregnancy, on broken skin, in active dermatitis, in patients with a history of keloid scarring, or in patients on isotretinoin within the past six months. Pigmentation outcomes are deeply skin-tone dependent. We will turn down anyone for whom the wrong peel could trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — restraint is part of the standard of care here.

Who places it.

Every peel at Privé is performed by Devin Rogers, our Licensed Laser Technician and Laser Safety Officer. Strength selection, application time, and aftercare are individually titrated to your skin, your history, and your tolerance for downtime.