Medical-Grade Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels using glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, TCA, and VI Peel formulations to address acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine lines, sun damage, and uneven skin texture. Superficial peels have minimal downtime of one to three days; medium-depth TCA peels require five to seven days of recovery. Treatment is customised to skin type, Fitzpatrick classification, and the primary concern being treated.

Complexions Medical Spa Boston offers medical-grade chemical peels across the full depth spectrum — from gentle superficial exfoliating peels with minimal downtime to medium-depth trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels requiring a week of recovery — all customised and supervised at the medical level to ensure appropriate formulation selection for each patient's skin type and concern. Chemical peels work by applying an acidic solution to the skin surface that disrupts the intercellular bonds in the epidermis (and, at deeper concentrations, the superficial dermis), inducing controlled exfoliation of damaged outer skin layers and stimulating new cell turnover and collagen production in the healing process. Superficial peels using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) — most commonly 20–70% glycolic acid or lactic acid — target the stratum corneum and superficial epidermis. They are well-suited to treating mild photodamage, early fine lines, dull skin, and mild acne, and have minimal downtime of one to two days of mild flaking or dryness. A series of four to six sessions spaced two to four weeks apart is the standard protocol for superficial AHA peels. Salicylic acid (BHA) peels at 20–30% are a preferred option for acne-prone and oily skin types, as salicylic acid is lipophilic and penetrates sebaceous follicles to exfoliate comedonal plugs and reduce sebum-driven acne. The VI Peel is a combination peel system blending TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C in a proprietary formulation, associated with versatility across Fitzpatrick skin types including darker skin tones where straight TCA carries a higher PIH risk. Medium-depth TCA peels at 20–35% penetrate to the papillary dermis and are indicated for moderate photodamage, melasma, acne scarring, and more significant wrinkle reduction. TCA medium-depth peels produce a visible white frosting at the time of application and are followed by five to seven days of peeling and skin renewal with a corresponding period of increased sensitivity and redness. A pre-peel preparation protocol using topical retinoids and bleaching agents may be recommended for patients with darker skin types or melasma to reduce PIH risk and maximise peel uniformity. All peel formulations are selected and supervised at the physician level to match the appropriate depth and chemistry to each patient's clinical picture.