Specialty Peels


Specialty peels include medium depth chemical peels (such as TCA and Jessner peels) and chemical or enzyme peels formulated to correct specific skin conditions (such as melasma, uneven pigmentation, and acne).

Chemical peels and enzyme peels use topically applied solutions that rejuvenate the skin's surface by creating an even and controlled shedding of several layers of skin cells. This exposes new, undamaged layers that are softer and smoother with more even skin tones. Chemical peels and enzyme peels also stimulate the dermis to create new skin cells, collagen, and elastin, which support and tighten the surface of your skin. Specific chemicals, enzymes, and solution strengths may be particularly effective for different skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne, dry skin, or sensitive skin.

Chemical and enzyme peels are divided into three types: superficial, medium-depth, and deep. The type of peel depends on the strength of the chemicals used and the depth to which those chemicals penetrate.


We offer a variety of specialty peels described below.


You may also be interested in our Superficial Chemical Peels or Dermacycling.



Vi Precision Peel

What is a Vi Precision Peel?

The Vi Precision Peel is guaranteed to be finest peel you have ever experienced! The unique blend of ingredients produces powerful results with no pain, no skin preparation, and very little downtime. The Vi Precision Peel will:

The treatment includes home products and an Omega Peel or Medical Microdermabrasion a week after the Vi Peel application to eliminate any traces of flaking and give your skin that polished, professional look. Why wait weeks or months for results when you can enjoy beautiful, radiant skin in about a week?

Obsolete peels of the past, without exception, epitomize the "no pain, no gain" approach to skin care. Before the Vi Precision Peel, the deeper the peel, the more painful it was, the more downtime you experienced, but the better the results were. The Vi Precision Peel is the first Next Generation Aesthetic. It is painless, yet produces dramatic visible results in just days with little downtime.

How does the Vi Precision Peel work?

The Vi Precision Peel consists of a synergistic blend of five acids that no other peel offers:

The peel is applied to the face and neck. During the application of the peel, you may feel a tingling or slight stinging sensation that lasts for about five seconds. The peel numbs the skin on the first pass and very cold air is directed at the treatment site for additional comfort. When the peel is complete, the treated area is cleansed and soothing, protective products are applied.

The skin will appear slightly tan or red immediately after the peel. On the first and second days, the skin may feel slightly tight and any pigmented areas might appear slightly darker. Around the third day, you should begin to peel. The first signs of peeling usually begin around the mouth but the entire treated area will quickly follow. With the use of the included Vi Derm moisturizer, clients can maintain their usual daily routine. By the sixth or seventh day, the peeling should be complete and the results are dramatic! An Omega Peel or Medical Microdermabrasion (included in the Vi Peel) provides the final, perfecting touch.

What are the benefits?

The Vi Precision Peel corrects skin problems at the cellular level rather than just burning off the skin. The combined actions of its many acids and vitamins help erase fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores, and build collagen and elastin to tighten skin. It is extremely effective in eliminating hyperpigmentation, including melasma, and provides excellent results for patients with acne.

How many treatments do you need?

The number of treatments depends on the severity of the conditions you wish to correct and the amount of correction desired. A single Vi Precision Peel behaves like a superficial peel in relation to pain and downtime, but yields results equal to a medium depth peel. Three Vi Precision Peels, two to four weeks apart, will produce results comparable to procedures like the Obagi Blue peel without the pain, extensive downtime, and cost associated with those peels.

Things you should know.

You should be prepared to peel like a snake! The Vi Precision Peel has no downtime for healing but the peeling will be much more extensive than ordinary chemical peels. The amount of peeling varies between individuals and clients who use RetinA and regularly exfoliate may experience only modest flaking. The moisturizer included with the peel will hide most of the effects but we recommend scheduling this peel at least ten days prior to any social events that would be impacted by flaking and peeling skin.

This treatment should not be performed if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months or if you are sensitive or allergic to aspirin. You should avoid the use of RetinA, Renova, or glycolic acids within one day before or after the treatment.

How much time is required?

The initial application requires 30-60 minutes. A 30 minute followup appointment for the Omega Peel or Medical Microdermabrasion will be scheduled seven days after the initial application.

How much does it cost?

$250 includes the Vi Precision Peel, home products, and the followup Omega Peel or Medical Microdermabrasion.


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Cosmelan Depigmenting Peel

What is a Cosmelan Depigmenting peel?

The Cosmelan Depigmenting peel is designed to correct uneven pigmentation caused by melasma, extensive sun damage, or other factors. The initial mask is applied at our office and the home care products included in the peel are applied for six weeks to complete the peel and lighten the skin. Additional home care products may be purchased at a significant discount to continue the skin lightening for up to six months. One peel includes enough products to treat the full face OR the neck and chest.

How does it work?

Tyrosinase is an enzyme used by the body to create melanin, the pigment that causes melasma and uneven skin tones. Medications in the Cosmelan 1 mask block this enzyme to reduce the excess production of melanin. These medications remain in your skin for up to six months and must be reactivated every day by the application of Cosmelan 2 maintenance cream.

The treatment process consists of three phases that gradually reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolorations. Your skin care nurse will provide you with written information detailing all timelines and instructions.

Step One: Application of the Cosmelan 1 depigmenting mask at our office.
The Cosmelan 1 mask combines many active ingredients to gently peel away your top layers of skin, revealing skin that is more evenly pigmented. After the mask is applied in our office, you will leave the mask on your face for 8 to 12 hours, depending on your skin type and the amount of melasma or sun damage.

Step Two: Daily application of Cosmelan 2 and Hydra Vital Factor K creams.
Cosmelan 2 maintenance cream reactivates the medications in the Cosmelan 1 mask to steadily improve your skin tone and maintain the results you have already achieved. Cosmelan 2 also contains melanocyte inhibitors to reduce the formation of new pigment producing cells and bleaching agents to further lighten the pigmented areas of skin. The Hydra Vital Factor K cream helps to moisturize and protect the treated area. Both products must be applied daily and normally last six weeks.

Following the in-office treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink for 3 to 5 days and will begin to flake. The amount of flaking varies between individuals and may continue through the third week (the peel was reformulated in late 2007 to work without as much flaking as the previous formula). Dryness is controlled by using the Hydra Vital Factor K cream. After the flaking stops, the treated skin will appear more luminous, and dark spots will begin to fade. As the Cosmelan 2 applications continue, spots will appear lighter and lighter.

Step Three: Followup
Before the initial mask is applied, we will schedule two followup appointments with you for three weeks and six weeks after the peel begins. On the first followup appointment, your skin care nurse will evaluate the progress of your peel and determine if you should change the frequency of application for the Cosmelan 2 cream. If stubborn patches of pigment exist, a second application of the Cosmelan 1 mask will be made. Like the first application, the mask must remain in place for 8 to 12 hours so you should be prepared for a day of down time. On the second followup appointment, you and your skin care nurse will evaluate the results to determine if a longer course of Cosmelan 2 cream is needed.

What are the benefits?

The Cosmelan Depigmenting peel offers a series of major advantages and benefits compared with other types of depigmenting products found in the market:

How many treatments do you need?

A single Cosmelan Depigmenting peel should resolve uneven pigmentation issues for most people. However, the conditions that created the pigmentation problem should be addressed to prevent recurrences. The most obvious change is to reduce sun exposure and always, always wear UVA/UVB protection with a minimum of 30 SPF.

Things you should know.

Slight redness, irritation, and flaking are normal effects of this treatment.

How much time is required?

The application of the mask requires 15-30 minutes but the mask must remain in place for 8-12 hours after application (this applies to the initial mask application and to any mask applications on followup visits). The mask resembles a light brown mud pack so you should consider the entire time as social downtime. We strongly suggest that clients receiving this peel make all appointments prior to 10am. The home care products become part of your normal morning and evening skin care regimen.

How much does it cost?

$849. This includes the initial peel, six weeks of home care products, and the two followup appointments.

Before and After Pictures.

Cosmelan depigmenting peel before and after photographs
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Cosmelan Active System for Acne

What is the Cosmelan Active System for Acne?

The Cosmelan Active System for Acne is designed to eliminate excess oil production in the skin, exfoliate the buildup of dead skin cells that is associated with acne, and diminish acne bacteria levels.

How does it work?

The Cosmelan Active System for Acne consists of two phases:

Phase One: Application of the Cosmelan Active System mask at our office.
The Cosmelan Active System mask contains strong ingredients to peel away dead skin cells, deep clean the pores, and kill acne bacteria. After the mask is applied in our office, you will leave the mask on your face for three to four hours, depending on your skin type and sensitivity. The mask is then removed with the Active Facial Gel Cleanser. The mask will be applied twice, in office sessions two to four weeks apart, depending on the severity of the acne.

Phase Two: At home maintenance.
Cosmelan Active Maintenance Cream is applied daily after cleansing. The formulation eliminates dead skin cell buildup, reduces oil production, and continues to even out skin discolorations left by blemishes. Used daily, it will improve the appearance of blemishes and reduce clogged pores.

Cosmelan Active Spot Treatment may be used several times each day and is applied directly to blemishes. The skin repair and anti-inflammatory ingredients speed the healing of acne blemishes.

Cosmelan Active Facial Gel Cleanser is used in the morning and evening to remove makeup, eliminate excess oil, and leave the skin fresh and balanced.

What are the benefits?

The mask kills acne bacteria and deep cleanses the pores to relieve active acne breakouts while the home care products speed healing, reduce oil production, and help prevent new acne breakouts.

How many treatments do you need?

If you follow the recommended home care protocol, one treatment will bring all but the most severe acne conditions under control for most clients. Continued use of recommended home care products will reduce the likelihood and severity of additional breakouts.

Things you should know.

As this treatment attacks the conditions that allow acne to persist, most clients will experience a temporary acne breakout. After this initial purging and following the second mask application, the skin will start healing and the acne will clear dramatically.

Most clients experience some light flaking after this treatment, lasting for 3 to 5 days. A small percentage of people will notice a slight redness that may persist for up to a week. Other than that, there is no downtime from this treatment. Makeup may be applied the day after the mask application and normal activity may resume. We recommend the use of mineral makeup.

It is imperative that the you follow the recommended home care protocol. The Cosmelan Active Facial Gel Cleanser, Maintenance Cream, and Spot Treatment all work together to control oil, clear the dirt and oily buildup in the pores, heal existing breakouts, and control future breakouts. Another benefit from using the home care products is the reduction of post inflammatory pigmentation, which is often associated with moderate to severe acne conditions.

Acne is unpredictable and one of the toughest skin conditions to treat. Because there are so many variables related to acne (bacteria levels, hormone fluctuations, whether your skin is dry or oily, stress, medications, etc), there are no guarantees that this or any other acne treatment can completely or permanently stop the production of blemishes. However, with continued use of the Cosmelan Active Maintenance products and by following the regular facial treatment recommendations of your skin care nurse, you should experience a significant reduction in blemishes, inflammatory pigmentations, and oil production.

How much time is required?

The application of the mask requires 15-30 minutes but the mask must remain in place for 3-4 hours after application (this applies to both mask applications). The mask resembles a light brown mud pack so you should consider the entire time as social downtime. The home care products become part of your normal morning and evening skin care regimen.

How much does it cost?

$649. This includes the two in-office peel applications and all home products.


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Biomedic LHA Anti-Aging Peel

What is a Biomedic LHA Anti-Aging peel?

This is the breakthrough peel technology from Biomedic with the innovative and exclusive LHA (Lipo-Hydroxy-Acid) molecule. This new generation of chemical peels offers a complete program for the correction of stubborn hyperpigmentation, age spots, wrinkles, skin imperfections, skin radiance, and overall even skin tone.

The LHA Anti-Aging peel package features six 30-minute, in-office treatments at two week intervals. Two weeks of preparation with the LHA pre-peel kit maximizes the effects of the peels. The LHA post-peel kit is used for the three days following each peel to enhance the regeneration process. The package price includes all six peels and the pre- and post-peel product kits. Individual peels are also available but do not include any pre- or post-peel products.

How does it work?

The exclusive LHA technology easily penetrates the outer layers of the skin to produce an exfoliation of each individual cell. LHA is a derivative of salicylic acid, but boasts a six-times superior exfoliation mechanism than pure salicylic acid alone.

What are the benefits?

After one treatment, there is a noticeable difference in skin radiance and tone. By the fourth treatment, the appearance of fine lines is diminished and, after the sixth treatment, sun and age spots are reduced by about 50%.

How many treatments do you need?

The package consists of six LHA peels as recommended by La Roche-Posay. Individual LHA peels may be purchased if you desire a single treatment with more aggressive exfoliation than basic chemical and enzyme peels.

Things you should know.

During the peel, there is little or no discomfort. However a burning sensation lasting 5 to 10 minutes usually appears within an hour after the peel is completed. There is no downtime from these treatments. Redness may be visible for several days but is minimal and can easily be covered with mineral makeup.

Because LHA is a salicylic acid derivative, people who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin should not undergo this procedure.

How much time is required?

Each appointment is for 30-60 minutes.

How much does it cost?

$599 includes all six peels, with the pre- and post-peel product kits. Individual peels without pre- and post-peel products may be purchased for $125.


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Blueberry Jessner Peel

What is a Blueberry Jessner peel?

The Blueberry Jessner is a medium depth peel designed for more extensive damage than alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) can improve. The blueberry extracts provide strong antioxidant benefits and reduce the more traumatic effects often associated with a Jessner peel.

Your skin care nurse will apply a glycolic cleanser over your face to allow the Jessner solution to penetrate properly. When the Blueberry Jessner solution is applied to your face, it usually produces a slight burning sensation so a fan is used to blow cool air on the treatment area. You may have several layers applied depending on the desired depth of the peel. When the desired depth is reached, your skin care nurse will neutralize the acid and remove it with cool water. You may develop a whitened or frosted look that dissipates within a few hours.

How does it work?

The Jessner solution contains salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), and resorcinol (a strong dihydroxy phenol). These compounds dissolve the outer layers of the skin. Natural blueberry extracts contain strong antioxidants that prevent damage from free radicals that form when the acids react with the dead skin cells. This allows an aggressive peel without the traumatic effects of a pure Jessner solution.

What are the benefits?

Jessner is an exceptional acne treatment that also reduces fine lines and improves the appearance of mature, changing skin. It modifies and lightens epidermal pigmentary disorders. This chirally corrected peel produces all these results with less downtime and discomfort. The addition of blueberry aids in controlling the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with traditional Jessner.

The benefits include:

How many treatments do you need?

A single peel will smooth the surface of your skin, even skin tones, and improve acne breakouts. It is an ideal maintenance peel for acne prone skin when repeated every three months. This may also be used as a pre-peel treatment to ready the skin for a deeper peel.

Things you should know.

This peel is not suitable for darker skin tones and works best on Fitzpatrick types I - III. Darker skin types should use a lightening agent for 10 - 15 days prior to receiving this powerful, highly effective peel.

The Blueberry Jessner peel should not be performed if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months or if you are sensitive or allergic to aspirin (the peel contains salicylic acid).

How much time is required?

30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

$125


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TCA Body Peel

What is a TCA Body peel?

For those who are looking to improve their overall skin smoothness, reduce uneven pigmentation, and reduce the visibility of fine wrinkles, the TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel is perfect. This medium depth peel is highly effective in promoting skin smoothness and vitality. It will improve superficial discoloration and eliminate fine wrinkles. Because of the strength of this treatment, Skin Care By Design does not perform facial TCA peels.

Your skin care nurse will apply the TCA solution to your skin, one area at a time. Most people experience a burning sensation lasting between two and ten minutes. When the peel has penetrated to the desired depth, your nurse will neutralize the peel by applying cold saline compresses. After the saline is applied, you should have no further discomfort and your skin will return to its normal color in 15 to 45 minutes. The treated areas are covered with an oil-based ointment to keep your skin moist and promote healing.

There should be no discomfort following the peel. The treated skin will initially appear red. Within a few days, the superficial layers of skin will turn dark, stiffen, and feel leathery. The skin will then begin to crack, flake, and peel. Flaking is usually complete in four to seven days. There should be no open wounds and no scabbing. When your old skin has sloughed, your new skin appears bright and flushed. After your skin has finished peeling, you may apply makeup to the treated areas. You should resume your skin care program within two weeks of your procedure. The flushed appearance of the treated areas will fade slowly over several weeks.

How does it work?

Various concentrations of the trichloroacetic acid solution may be used depending on your skin type and the desired depth of the peel. The acid dissolves the damaged outer layers of the skin and is neutralized when it reaches the intended depth. The peel triggers a wound response from your skin and stimulates the production of healthy, new skin cells with new collagen and elastin to support them. The new surface of your skin is smooth, hydrated, and evenly toned while the new collagen and elastin eliminate those fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the benefits?

This is a medium depth peel that provides significantly better correction of fine wrinkles, age spots, and uneven skin tones than can be achieved by superficial chemical peels. It is ideal for people who want more than a superficial peel, but cannot afford the expense or long recovery time of a deeper treatment.

How many treatments do you need?

The effects of a TCA peel last from six months to two years. If you use skin care products regularly after your peel, you will maximize the duration of improvement. Most people who choose medium chemical peels as the mainstay of their skin rejuvenation repeat the peel every nine to twelve months.

Things you should know.

People with darker skin have a higher risk of developing blotchy skin after a medium chemical peel. Bleaching agents used before and after your peel will minimize this problem.

How much time is required?

30-60 minutes.

How much does it cost?

Hands-$99, Décolletté-$99, Arms-$249, Legs-$599, Neck-$49, Back-$249.


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Sexy Back Peel

What is a Sexy Back peel?

When you show your back to the world, shouldn't it be soft, smooth, and perfect? The Sexy Back peel gives your back and shoulders the same benefits that our chemical peels provide for your face while treating common skin problems on your back that your normal skin care regime cannot reach.

This luxurious treatment begins with a microdermabrasion to exfoliate the entire surface of your back and shoulders. This is followed by a brown sugar scrub to soften and polish your skin. Pimple extractions remove those unsightly blemishes you can't reach, then your choice of a mud mask or light acid peel provides smooth skin texture and reduces uneven pigmentation. A blend of vitamins, moisturizers, and sun protection customized to your skin completes the treatment.

How does it work?

Your back and shoulders are difficult to reach and usually don't receive the same level of cleansing, sun protection, and skin care that you provide for your face and neck. The onset of warmer weather, more comfortable clothing, and bathing suits may expose these areas to more sun and abuse than they are used to. The combination of treatments in the Sexy Back peel exfoliate, polish, and soften your skin while blending those areas of uneven coloration. Removing pimples and applying products to soothe, nourish, and protect your skin helps you look your best in any wardrobe selection.

What are the benefits?

Softer, smoother skin with more even tones and no blackheads. There is no better treatment to keep your back and shoulders looking great.

How many treatments do you need?

This varies depending on the amount of skin damage you have on your back and shoulders. A single treatment provides improvements you can see and feel. Maintenance treatments to keep your back and shoulders looking their best should occur at four to six week intervals, especially during warmer weather.

Things you should know.

There is no downtime but your back may appear flushed for 15-30 minutes after the treatment. You should avoid the use of RetinA, Renova, or glycolic acids on your back and shoulders within one day before or after the treatment.

How much time is required?

30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

$99


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