Chemical peels are one of the oldest and most reliable cosmetic dermatology treatments — and one of the most underrated. A well-chosen, professionally administered peel can do what no over-the-counter exfoliant can: resurface the upper layers of the skin, accelerate cell turnover, treat sun damage and pigmentation, and reveal smoother, more radiant skin underneath. At Prime Dermatology in St. Petersburg, we offer a graduated menu of medical-grade peels tailored to your skin type, concerns, and downtime tolerance.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is the controlled application of a specially formulated acid solution to the skin to remove the outermost, sun-damaged layers and encourage healthy new skin to grow in their place. Peels are graded by their depth — superficial, medium, or deep — and we choose the right strength based on your goals, skin type, and ability to tolerate downtime.
Modern peels are far more sophisticated than the harsh acid treatments of the past. They are formulated to be effective and safe across skin tones when chosen and performed by an experienced dermatologic team.
What Chemical Peels Can Treat
- Sun damage, brown spots, and uneven pigmentation
- Melasma (with carefully chosen, lower-concentration peels in skin of color)
- Fine lines and early surface aging
- Dull, rough, or congested skin texture
- Mild to moderate acne and oiliness
- Post-acne dark spots and pigmentary scarring
- Keratosis pilaris and back/chest acne
- Pre-treatment of pre-cancerous sun damage in combination with field therapy
Types of Peels We Offer
We carry a range of medical-grade peels and select the appropriate solution and strength for your skin:
- Glycolic acid peels — gentle, alpha-hydroxy acid peels are excellent for radiance, fine lines, and dull texture
- Salicylic acid peels — beta-hydroxy acid peels that penetrate oil and are ideal for acne-prone skin
- Mandelic acid peels — slow-penetrating and well-tolerated in skin of color
- Lactic acid peels — hydrating, gentle peels for sensitive skin
- Jessner's solution — a combination peel for sun damage, melasma, and acne
- TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels — medium-depth peels for more substantial resurfacing
- VI Peel — a medical-grade combination peel designed for all skin tones that addresses melasma, sun damage, fine lines, and acne with minimal downtime
What to Expect During Your Peel
Your visit begins with a focused consultation and skin analysis. We then thoroughly cleanse and prep the skin, apply the chosen peel solution in carefully timed coats, and neutralize the peel when the desired endpoint is reached. You may feel a brief, tolerable warmth or stinging during application.
Superficial peels typically have no downtime — you can return to work the same day with mild flaking over the next 3 to 5 days. Medium-depth peels produce visible peeling for 5 to 10 days and 1 to 2 weeks of pink, sensitive skin underneath. We will give you a detailed aftercare plan, including sun protection (essential), gentle skincare, and product timing instructions.
Series Treatment for Best Results
Many concerns — particularly sun damage, pigmentation, and acne — respond best to a series of 3 to 6 peels spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart, followed by quarterly maintenance. We pair peels with at-home medical-grade skincare to extend and amplify your results.
Are Peels Safe for Darker Skin Tones?
Yes — when chosen carefully. We are deliberate about peel selection and concentration in Fitzpatrick types IV to VI to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Lower-concentration glycolic, mandelic, salicylic, and lactic acid peels can be safe and effective; aggressive TCA or higher-strength formulas are usually avoided. Our team has specific expertise in skin-of-color cosmetic dermatology.
Am I a Candidate?
Most healthy adults are candidates for some level of chemical peel. We screen for active infection, recent isotretinoin use, pregnancy and nursing, and a history of keloids or aggressive hyperpigmentation. Patients on certain medications may need to pause them before deeper peels.
Why Choose Prime Dermatology
Our medical-first approach to cosmetic dermatology means every peel is chosen, performed, and monitored by clinicians who understand your skin as a medical organ — not just a surface to be exfoliated. We deliver safe, predictable results designed to compound over time.
