Chemical Peels

DowntimeNone to 7 days (by depth)

Sessions1–6 depending on peel

Treatment Time20–45 minutes

CustomizationTailored by skin type & concern

What Are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a physician-grade treatment that applies a carefully selected acid solution to the skin, inducing controlled exfoliation of damaged outer layers. As the skin heals, it reveals fresher, smoother, more evenly toned skin beneath — and the healing process stimulates collagen production, improving skin firmness and thickness over time.

Unlike over-the-counter exfoliating products, physician-administered peels use medical-grade concentrations that produce meaningful clinical results. Dr. Kieu customizes every peel formulation based on your skin type, tone, specific concerns, and desired recovery time.

What Chemical Peels Can Treat

Fine lines and superficial wrinkles
Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
Sun damage and age spots
Melasma and post-inflammatory discoloration
Acne and acne-prone skin (oily skin, enlarged pores)
Mild acne scarring and texture irregularities
Dull, fatigued-looking skin
Overall skin brightening and radiance enhancement

Peel Depths

Superficial

Light Peel

Targets the outermost skin layer (epidermis). Ideal for brightening, mild tone correction, and skin maintenance. No visible peeling in most cases.

Downtime: None to 1 day
Sessions: Series of 4–6

Medium

Mid-Depth Peel

Penetrates through the epidermis into the upper dermis. More significant results for sun damage, pigmentation, fine lines, and texture. Visible peeling over 4–7 days.

Downtime: 4–7 days
Sessions: 1–2

Deep

Deep Peel

Reaches deeper dermal layers. The most dramatic results for severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and skin laxity. Requires careful post-care. Typically a single treatment.

Downtime: 7–14 days
Sessions: 1

Common Peel Agents Dr. Kieu Uses

Glycolic acid — AHA; excellent for brightening, fine lines, and acne maintenance
Salicylic acid — BHA; ideal for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin
Lactic acid — gentle AHA; excellent for sensitive skin and hydration
Jessner's solution — a blend of salicylic, lactic, and resorcinol; versatile mid-depth option
TCA (trichloroacetic acid) — medium-to-deep peel for significant pigmentation and textural correction
VI Peel — a popular blended medium-depth peel well-tolerated across skin types including darker tones
AlumierMD peels — physician-formulated peels from Dr. Kieu's preferred medical-grade skincare line

Complementing other treatments: Chemical peels work particularly well as a maintenance strategy between laser treatments, as a first step in correcting significant pigmentation, or as part of a comprehensive skin rejuvenation program alongside injectables. Dr. Kieu will advise on the right sequencing if you are combining multiple treatments.

The Treatment Experience

Most peels involve a brief period of tingling, warmth, or mild stinging during application — which resolves within minutes. Deeper peels may involve more pronounced sensation and require more detailed post-care instructions. Dr. Kieu will walk you through exactly what to expect during your consultation and ensure your comfort throughout.

Ideal Candidates

Patients with sun damage, uneven tone, fine lines, or dullness
Those with acne-prone or congested skin
Patients seeking skin brightening without injections or lasers
Anyone looking to maintain or extend the results of other treatments
Most skin types — Dr. Kieu selects appropriate peel agents for your specific tone

Ready to reveal fresher, more radiant skin? Dr. Kieu will recommend the ideal peel for your skin type and goals.

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