Chemical Peels

Dr. Ostad offers medical-grade chemical peels across a range of depths to address fine lines, uneven pigmentation, dullness, and acne-prone skin. Light glycolic or salicylic formulations are used for maintenance and acne control with minimal downtime, while medium-depth TCA peels target sun damage and moderate wrinkling. Peel selection is matched to skin type, Fitzpatrick classification, and treatment goals during consultation to maximise efficacy and minimise risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peels remain a cornerstone of medical dermatology at Dr. Ariel Ostad's Upper East Side practice — proven tools for skin rejuvenation that deliver consistent results across a broad patient population, particularly for those seeking measurable improvements without the capital investment or downtime associated with energy-based devices. Light peels using glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane) or salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) exfoliate the stratum corneum and upper epidermal layers. These formulations are well-tolerated, require no downtime beyond mild redness and flaking over two to three days, and are appropriate for patients managing oily skin, enlarged pores, clogged pores, mild hyperpigmentation, or early photoaging. A series of four to six treatments spaced two to four weeks apart produces cumulative brightening and texture refinement. Salicylic acid peels are particularly valued for acne-prone skin given the acid's lipophilicity and ability to penetrate the sebaceous follicle. Medium-depth peels using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations of 20–35% penetrate into the papillary dermis, producing controlled coagulative necrosis that drives significant collagen remodelling on healing. They are effective for moderate sun damage, fine lines, actinic keratoses, and more stubborn pigmentation irregularities. Downtime is five to seven days of peeling and redness — comparable to a light fractional laser session — and the improvement achieved can be substantial. At Dr. Ostad's practice, all peel selections are guided by Fitzpatrick skin type classification to minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is more common in medium-to-darker complexions undergoing medium-depth procedures. Pre-treatment priming with hydroquinone and/or topical retinoids for four to six weeks is recommended before medium-depth peels in patients with higher Fitzpatrick phototypes. Chemical peels are frequently layered with other treatments: used following Morpheus8 sessions for enhanced surface refinement, or alternated with Clear + Brilliant laser passes as part of a seasonal skin maintenance programme. All peels are performed by Dr. Ostad or under his direct supervision in the clinic.