Medical-Grade Chemical Peels

Glow Dermspa Lakewood Ranch administers medical-grade chemical peels using physician-selected acid formulations to exfoliate damaged superficial skin layers, accelerate cellular turnover, and stimulate dermal repair. Peel formulations range from superficial glycolic and lactic acid blends to medium-depth trichloroacetic acid (TCA) protocols, chosen based on the client's Fitzpatrick skin type, target concern, and tolerance. Indicated for acne and congested skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and dullness. No significant downtime for superficial peels; medium-depth peels involve several days of peeling.

Medical-grade chemical peels at Glow Dermspa — Arsenault Aesthetics, Lakewood Ranch — are administered under the oversight of the clinic's board-certified dermatology team and differ meaningfully from retail-strength exfoliant products in both formulation concentration and depth of action. The clinic's peel menu spans three depths of penetration, each appropriate to a different severity of skin concern and recovery tolerance. Superficial peels use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) — primarily glycolic acid derived from sugarcane, and lactic acid from fermented sources — at concentrations in the 20–70% range, or salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) which is lipid-soluble and penetrates the follicular canal to address comedonal acne and sebaceous congestion. These peels act on the stratum corneum and granular layer of the epidermis, dissolving corneocyte adhesion and accelerating desquamation to reveal a fresher skin surface. They require little to no downtime — light flaking over two to three days — and are suitable for maintenance on all skin types, including Florida's Fitzpatrick III–V tones, which are common in the Sarasota–Bradenton area. Medium-depth peels at Glow Dermspa use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations of 15–35%, which penetrate through the full epidermis into the papillary dermis. The controlled protein coagulation that TCA induces in the superficial dermis triggers a vigorous wound-healing and collagen-remodelling response, making medium-depth peels highly effective for moderate sun damage, solar lentigines, epidermal melasma, and superficial acne scars. Recovery involves three to seven days of visible peeling and transient erythema. The clinic also carries specialty peels combining multiple acids and additives — such as resorcinol, kojic acid, or retinoid boosters — for specific indication targeting including melasma management, acne clearance, and skin brightening. All peels at Glow Dermspa include a pre-peel consultation to assess skin preparation needs, Fitzpatrick typing, and any history of cold sores (which may require antiviral prophylaxis before medium-depth peels). Post-peel care kits including gentle cleansers, barrier-repair emollients, and SPF 50+ sunscreen are provided or recommended to maximise results and minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the post-peel period.