Chemical Peels
Breathe. Relax. Let go. Chemical peels resurface skin. The right peel — at the right depth, with the right active — fixes problems topicals can’t reach: sun damage, melasma, acne scarring, fine lines, rough texture. We do them as a med spa procedure, not a spa upgrade.
Chemical peels are one of the oldest and most-studied resurfacing treatments in dermatology. They work by applying a controlled acid solution that dissolves the bonds between dead and damaged cells, forcing the skin to shed and rebuild. Depth determines result — and downtime. Light peels handle texture and tone. Medium peels reach into the dermis to address pigmentation, scarring, and lines. Deep peels are aggressive resurfacing reserved for specific cases. At Pristine, peels live in our med spa, run under medical oversight, and get matched to your skin honestly — not upsold.
What Makes Pristine Chemical Peels Different
Med spa, not retail spa.
Peels above superficial depth are performed by licensed medical professionals — not estheticians winging it.
Double board-certified cosmetic surgeon oversight.
Protocols, contraindications, and depth selection all run under real medical supervision — not a remote medical director who never sees your file.
Skin-typed before we touch you.
Fitzpatrick skin type drives ingredient choice. The same peel does not go on every face. Mandelic and lactic for higher Fitzpatrick types; glycolic and TCA with careful protocols.
Real consultations.
If your barrier is compromised, you’re on Accutane, you’ve got an active cold sore, or you’re pregnant — we tell you no and reschedule. Honest is faster than corrective.
Stacked when it makes sense.
Peels pair with microneedling, dermaplaning, or HydraFacial on rotating schedules — never as same-day upsells.
Peel Depths — What Each One Actually Does
Superficial (Light) Peels
- Active ingredients:
- Glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, low-strength Jessner.
- Penetrates:
- Epidermis only.
- Downtime:
- 0–3 days of mild flaking.
- Treats:
- Dullness, light texture, mild pigmentation, congestion, early acne.
- Series:
- 4–6 treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart for cumulative effect.
Medium Peels
- Active ingredients:
- TCA (15–35%), full-strength Jessner, glycolic 50–70%.
- Penetrates:
- Papillary dermis.
- Downtime:
- 5–7 days of visible peeling.
- Treats:
- Melasma, sun damage, fine lines, mild scarring, hyperpigmentation that didn’t respond to lighter work.
- Series:
- 1–3 treatments spaced 6–12 weeks apart.
Deep Peels
- Active ingredients:
- High-strength TCA, phenol.
- Penetrates:
- Reticular dermis.
- Downtime:
- 10–14+ days, significant peeling, residual redness for weeks.
- Treats:
- Deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, precancerous lesions.
- Series:
- Usually one. Heavy commitment, big result.
We perform light and medium peels routinely. Deep peels are case-by-case and require medical clearance.
Active Ingredient Quick Guide
Glycolic acid
Small-molecule alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Fast penetration. Texture, tone, fine lines.
Lactic acid
Gentler AHA. Hydrating. Sensitive and mature skin.
Mandelic acid
Large-molecule AHA. Slow penetration, safer on darker skin types.
Salicylic acid
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Oil-soluble, dives into pores. Acne and oily skin.
TCA (trichloroacetic acid)
Workhorse for medium-depth resurfacing. Sun damage, melasma, scarring.
Jessner's solution
Combo of salicylic, lactic, and resorcinol. Layered for adjustable depth.
Benefits
- Smoother texture and refined pores
- Fading of sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Reduction in fine lines and early wrinkles
- Improved acne and acne scarring
- Brighter, more even tone
- Better product penetration after the peel
Who Comes to Pristine for Chemical Peels
- 30s–50s with sun damage from years in Florida
- Melasma after pregnancy or hormonal shifts
- Acne and acne-scarring patients running a series
- Pre-event clients (wedding, photo, milestone) on a 3–6 month timeline
- Post-summer corrective work — September through November is our busy season
- Skincare-savvy clients stacking peels with microneedling or HydraFacial
What to Expect During Your Appointment
- Intake and skin analysis. Fitzpatrick typing, cold sore history, current actives (retinol, AHAs, BHAs), recent sun exposure, medications.
- Cleanse and prep. Skin is degreased so the acid penetrates evenly.
- Application. Peel is brushed on in layers. You’ll feel tingling, warmth, sometimes mild stinging — normal. Cool air on hand.
- Neutralization or self-neutralizing wait. Depends on the acid.
- Soothing serum, SPF, and aftercare instructions. You leave with everything you need for the peeling phase.
- Follow-up scheduled. If you’re running a series, the next session is booked.
Total appointment: 30–60 minutes depending on depth.
Pre-Treatment Prep
- Stop retinol/tretinoin 5–7 days before (longer for medium peels — we’ll specify)
- No waxing, threading, or laser hair removal on the area for 1 week
- No active acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic) for 3–5 days
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks pre-peel
- Tell us about cold sore history — we may pre-treat with antivirals
- Hold off on facials, microneedling, or dermaplaning for 2 weeks before
Post-Treatment Care
First 24 Hours
- No washing the area until we say
- No sweating, workouts, sauna, or hot showers
- No makeup
Days 2–7 (Peeling Phase)
- Gentle cleanser only
- Bland moisturizer (we send you home with what to use)
- SPF 30+ every morning, reapply through the day
- Do not pick or peel the skin manually — let it shed
- No actives (retinol, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) until cleared
Weeks 2–4
- Reintroduce actives slowly under our guidance
- Continue daily SPF — non-negotiable
- Avoid extended direct sun
Who’s a Candidate — and Who Isn’t
Good Candidates
- Healthy skin barrier
- Realistic expectations
- Willing to commit to sun protection
- Off Accutane for at least 6 months
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Not a Candidate Right Now
- Active Accutane use or within 6 months of finishing
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (TCA and salicylic specifically)
- Active cold sore outbreak, or untreated cold sore history for medium peels
- Open wounds, eczema flare, or active dermatitis on the area
- Recent sunburn or tan
- History of keloid scarring (medium-depth and above)
- Certain darker skin types with specific peels — we re-route to safer options like mandelic or lactic
Different tools, different jobs. Many clients run both.
The Pristine Membership
Members receive one hour of massage therapy or a facial every month — your choice, every month — plus member-only pricing on additional services and priority booking across all three locations. One flat monthly rate. No contracts. The membership has been part of Pristine since day one because consistent clients deserve consistent value.
Learn More About MembershipsTreat Now, Pay Later
We offer flexible financing through Cherry, CareCredit, and Allē so cost doesn't stand between you and the treatment you want. Apply online before your appointment or ask at booking.
View Payment PlansBreak larger packages into monthly payments with Cherry, CareCredit, or Allē. Soft credit check, decisions in seconds, no hit to your score to apply.
Our licensed estheticians are trained at Pristine Beauty Academy, our own accredited school offering esthetics, laser, and nail licensing programs in the Central Florida area. Pristine Beauty Academy
Chemical peels above superficial depth are medical procedures performed exclusively by licensed medical professionals — physician assistants, registered nurses, or physicians holding active Florida medical credentials. Light cosmetic peels are part of the esthetics curriculum at Pristine Beauty Academy, our accredited esthetics, laser, and nail school — but medium and deep work is med spa territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Para Nuestros Lectores en Español
Los peelings químicos en Pristine Med Spa están hechos por profesionales médicos licenciados. Tratamos manchas solares, melasma, cicatrices de acné, y textura desigual con peelings ligeros, medianos, y profundos según tu tipo de piel. Te decimos honestamente qué peeling es correcto para ti — y cuándo no lo es. Respira, relájate, y déjate llevar.
Related Services
Pristine’s chemical peels pair beautifully with other resurfacing and skincare services.
Microneedling
Collagen induction therapy, often paired or alternated with peels.
HydraFacial
Gentler resurfacing for sensitive skin or in-between visits.
Dermaplaning
Physical exfoliation, removes peach fuzz, pairs with peels.
Microdermabrasion
Older but reliable mechanical resurfacing alternative.
Acne Facial
For active breakouts before introducing acid work.
See All Med Spa Services
Thirteen medical-grade aesthetic treatments. Three Florida locations.
Book Chemical Peels at Your Location
Chemical Peels is available at all three Pristine Spas locations. Choose yours to book.
Peels Work When They’re Matched to the Skin.
Wrong depth, wrong active, wrong timing — and you’re either wasting money or making it worse. We do the consult, we do the math, and we do the work. If you want it done right, you make the trip to Pristine.