Chemical Peels & Dermaplaning

Stoker Aesthetics Med Spa offers chemical peels and dermaplaning for skin renewal, brightening, and resurfacing. Chemical peels use controlled application of exfoliating acids — selected by depth and formulation to match each client's skin type and concern — to accelerate cell turnover, fade discolouration, smooth texture, and reveal fresher underlying skin. Dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade blade to remove the surface layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair, leaving an immediately smoother, brighter complexion. Treatments are delivered under the supervision of Dr. David Stoker's plastic surgery practice in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles.

Chemical peels and dermaplaning at Stoker Aesthetics Med Spa provide effective superficial-to-medium depth skin resurfacing options for Los Angeles clients seeking texture improvement, brightening, and early anti-aging benefits with minimal downtime. Chemical peels work by applying an acidic solution to the skin surface, causing controlled disruption of the intercellular bonds holding dead and dysfunctional keratinocytes in place, accelerating their shedding and triggering epidermal regeneration. The depth of peel achieved depends on the acid type, concentration, number of passes, and time of contact: superficial peels using glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid), salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acid, particularly effective for acne-prone skin due to its lipophilic penetration of sebaceous follicles), lactic acid, or low-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA) target only the stratum corneum and upper epidermis. Superficial peels produce minimal visible peeling, little downtime, and are well-tolerated by a wide range of skin tones including darker Fitzpatrick types. They are appropriate for early fine lines, mild hyperpigmentation, dullness, and acne congestion, and can be performed on a maintenance schedule every four to six weeks. Medium-depth peels using higher-concentration TCA penetrate to the papillary dermis, producing visible peeling over four to seven days and delivering more substantial results for photodamage, melasma, deeper pigmentation, and acne scarring. The treating provider at Stoker Aesthetics selects the appropriate peel depth and formulation at consultation based on the client's Fitzpatrick skin type, concern severity, and downtime tolerance. Dermaplaning complements chemical peels or can be performed as a standalone treatment: a sterile 10-gauge surgical-grade blade is held at a 45-degree angle and drawn across the skin in short feathering strokes, physically exfoliating the accumulated stratum corneum and simultaneously removing the layer of fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. The result is immediately visible improvement in skin smoothness and light reflectance — active skincare products and makeup also apply more evenly and penetrate more effectively on the freshly planed surface. Dermaplaning is safe for all Fitzpatrick types, does not cause the hair to grow back thicker or darker (vellus hair has no growth cycle alteration from shaving), and has no downtime. The combination of dermaplaning followed by a superficial chemical peel is a frequently requested protocol for clients seeking an 'express resurfacing' session with same-day visible glow and no peeling downtime.