The Science
As skin ages, cell turnover slows dramatically — dead cells accumulate on the surface, collagen production decreases, and skin loses its natural radiance. Chemical peels use carefully selected acids to accelerate this process — dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, triggering controlled exfoliation, and signaling the deeper dermis to produce new collagen and elastin in response. The result is fresher, brighter, more even-toned skin — progressively improved with each session.
Water-soluble acids including Lactic and Glycolic that work at the skin's surface — dissolving dead cell bonds, improving tone and texture, stimulating cell renewal, and increasing collagen production. Lactic acid is gentler and hydrating; glycolic is smaller-molecule and more penetrating. Ideal for anti-aging, brightening, and pigmentation.
Oil-soluble acids including Salicylic and Mandelic that penetrate into the pore lining — dissolving sebum and debris from within. Uniquely effective for acne-prone and congested skin, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and patients who cannot tolerate stronger AHAs. Mandelic acid is particularly well-suited to darker skin tones due to its gentle, slower-release action.
A professional-strength resurfacing acid that penetrates deeper into the dermis than AHAs or BHAs — producing more significant collagen remodeling and skin renewal. The AGEreversal Peel uses 15% TCA combined with a peptide complex for advanced anti-aging results. Reserved for more established skin concerns where superficial peels have reached their limit.
The Collection
Each formula targets specific skin concerns at different depths. Your provider selects and customizes your treatment at every visit — meaning your peel evolves alongside your skin.
The brightening and hydrating entry point of the collection. Lactic acid — the largest AHA molecule — works at the surface level, making it exceptionally well-tolerated by all skin types including sensitive and reactive skin. Phytic acid provides additional antioxidant brightening while the Mucor Fungal Extract supports pigmentation regulation. Ideal for first-time peel patients and those managing melasma or early hyperpigmentation.
The workhorse resurfacing formula of the collection. Glycolic acid's small molecular size allows it to penetrate more deeply than lactic acid — delivering more significant collagen stimulation, hyperpigmentation improvement, and fine line reduction. Best suited to patients with established sun damage, uneven skin tone, and visible fine lines or texture irregularity who are ready for a more active resurfacing experience.
The multi-acid formula specifically formulated for acne-prone, congested, and oily skin. Salicylic acid penetrates the pore; mandelic and malic acids accelerate cell turnover; the patented Terpineol-Thymol complex kills breakout-causing bacteria and suppresses sebum production. Mandelic acid's gentle action also makes this formula appropriate for darker skin tones managing post-inflammatory pigmentation.
The deepest and most powerful formula in the collection. TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) penetrates into the dermis — producing meaningful collagen remodeling and the kind of skin renewal that shallower peels cannot reach. The peptide complex provides additional anti-aging signal, supporting skin firmness and resilience alongside the TCA resurfacing. Reserved for advanced signs of aging, deeper wrinkles, and established pigmentation in appropriate candidates.
Specifically formulated for the delicate periorbital area — where standard peel formulas are too strong and risks of irritation are highest. Fruit-based AHAs gently resurface and brighten the eye area while the peptide complex supports firmness and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Addresses one of the most frequently requested — and most carefully treated — areas in professional skin resurfacing.
A concentrated BHA formula that provides instant soothing comfort while delivering meaningful pore-clearing and anti-inflammatory action. Ideal for sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin that cannot tolerate AHAs. The gel formulation ensures controlled, even delivery across the treatment area. Also used as a calming option for patients mid-series who need a gentler session without pausing their peel program.
Your provider doesn't just select one formula and apply it — they assess your skin at every visit and mix, layer, and spot-treat using multiple formulas in the same session. A patient with melasma and acne might receive UltraBright on the full face and PowerClear spot-treated on congested areas. A patient with advanced aging and sun damage might receive AdvancedRenewal layered with AGEreversal on deep concern zones. Every treatment is built for your skin on that day.
Indications
Accelerated cell turnover reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and surface roughness while chemical exfoliation signals the dermis to increase collagen and elastin production. The AdvancedRenewal and AGEreversal formulas are the primary anti-aging tools — progressively improving skin firmness, density, and overall quality across a series.
Chemical exfoliation clears the accumulated melanin deposits and dead cells that create dull, uneven-toned skin. The UltraBright Peel's Lactic Acid and Phytic Acid combination is particularly effective for overall luminosity and tone correction — delivering a visible brightening effect that cumulates beautifully across a series of treatments.
Melasma is hormone-driven pigmentation that is notoriously heat-sensitive — making many laser treatments inappropriate. Chemical peels are one of the safest treatment options for melasma, particularly the UltraBright Lactic Acid formula and the PowerClear Mandelic formula, which work without generating the heat that can worsen melasma. A conservative, cumulative approach over multiple sessions is always used — combined with strict SPF protocol and, often, topical brightening agents between sessions.
Chemical peels are among the most skin-tone-inclusive resurfacing treatments available. While ablative CO2 lasers carry meaningful risks for darker Fitzpatrick types, carefully selected chemical peel formulas — particularly the Lactic and Mandelic acid options — can safely resurface and improve skin quality across all skin tones. Your provider will always select the most appropriate formula and concentration for your skin type.
Candidacy
Pre & Post Care
Questions Answered
It depends on the formula selected and the number of layers applied. The UltraBright Lactic and PowerClear BHA formulas typically produce minimal visible peeling — the skin may feel slightly dry or tight for a few days but dramatic flaking is uncommon. The AdvancedRenewal Glycolic and AGEreversal TCA formulas can produce more noticeable peeling beginning around day 2–3, particularly in areas of concentrated sun damage.
Your provider will give you a clear expectation of what to expect based on the specific protocol used in your session. The goal of the Pro Power Peel collection is maximum results with minimum social downtime — most patients return to normal activities the same day or next day.
Yes — when the right formulas are chosen carefully. Melasma is heat-sensitive, which is why many laser treatments can worsen it. Chemical peels that work without generating heat — particularly Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid formulas — are among the safest treatment options for melasma-prone skin. They work by gently accelerating cell turnover and clearing accumulated melanin without triggering the heat response that stimulates melasma pigment production.
Melasma treatment with peels is always a slow, cumulative process — results are gradual and require consistent treatment alongside strict daily SPF and often a topical brightening regimen at home. Your provider will build a realistic, conservative protocol specifically designed for melasma management.
The primary differences are concentration, depth, and customization. Retail and spa peels are typically formulated at concentrations too low to produce meaningful clinical change — they provide a surface refresh but don't reach the depth required to stimulate collagen or address established pigmentation. The Pro Power Peel collection uses professional-strength concentrations — 30% Lactic, 30% Glycolic, 15% TCA — that are only appropriate in a clinical setting with trained providers.
The customization aspect is also clinically significant. A one-formula spa peel treats every client the same. The Pro Power Peel allows your provider to mix, layer, and spot-treat using multiple formulas in a single session — targeting your specific concerns at their specific depths.
Absolutely — and they often produce superior results when used together. Chemical peels are excellent pre-treatment preparation before laser sessions — clearing dead cell accumulation and optimizing skin receptivity to energy-based treatments. They also serve as valuable maintenance between laser or RF sessions, keeping cell turnover active and sustained between appointments.
Common combinations include Pro Power Peel with Laser Genesis (for acne and PIH), with Limelight IPL (for pigmentation and tone), and with Secret RF (as a surface refinement complement). Your provider will sequence treatments appropriately — typically with a minimum recovery window between a peel and any laser treatment on the same area.
Dermalogica recommends a series of 5 sequential sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart for optimal results. This spacing aligns with the skin's natural cell renewal cycle — allowing each peel to build progressively on the improvements established by the last. After the initial series, maintenance peels every 6–8 weeks help sustain results and prevent new pigmentation or texture from re-establishing.
Some patients with very sensitive skin or milder concerns begin with gentler sessions spaced further apart and build frequency gradually. Your provider will establish the right pace at consultation based on your skin's response.
Book a consultation at Laser Vantage — we'll assess your skin, identify the right Pro Power Peel protocol, and build a resurfacing plan tailored to your specific concerns and goals.
Book a ConsultationIndividual results may vary. Chemical peels are not performed during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or within 6 months of isotretinoin use. A thorough consultation and skin analysis is required prior to treatment.