Your skin has been through it. Years of Florida sun, old acne scars, dark spots that won’t fade no matter what cream you try. Your complexion looks tired, uneven, rough. You want that fresh, clear skin back.
Chemical peels deliver real results. Not the subtle “maybe I see a difference” kind. Actual visible improvement in texture, tone, and clarity that people notice.
At Manhattan Laser Spa in Hollywood, FL, we offer medical-grade chemical peels customized for your specific skin concerns. From light peels with zero downtime to medium-depth peels for serious sun damage, we’ll match you with the right treatment to get your skin looking its best.
A chemical peel uses medical-strength acids to remove damaged outer layers of your skin. This triggers your body’s natural healing response. Fresh, healthy skin cells replace the old damaged ones over the following days and weeks.
Think of it like this. Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but it slows way down as you age or get sun damage. Those dead, damaged cells pile up, making your complexion look dull and uneven. Chemical peels speed up this process dramatically, removing weeks or months worth of buildup in one treatment.
Different acid strengths penetrate to different depths. Light peels work on the surface (epidermis). Medium peels reach into the upper dermis where real texture issues and deeper pigmentation live.
The controlled injury from the peel also stimulates collagen production. Over weeks following treatment, your skin actually rebuilds itself from the inside. Texture smooths out, fine lines soften, and pigmentation fades.
Not all chemical peels are created equal. The acid type, strength, and application technique matter significantly.
Glycolic Acid Peels: The most popular option for first-time peel patients. Glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) works well for fine lines, dull skin, mild sun damage, and uneven texture. Light glycolic peels have minimal downtime. Stronger versions cause visible peeling for 3-5 days. We can adjust strength based on your skin’s tolerance and your schedule.
Salicylic Acid Peels: Perfect for acne-prone and oily skin. Salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) is oil-soluble, meaning it penetrates into pores to clear out sebum and debris. If you struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or congested pores, this is your peel. It also reduces inflammation, making it gentle enough for active acne.
TCA Peels (Trichloroacetic Acid): The workhorse for medium-depth peeling. TCA addresses more significant issues like moderate sun damage, deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and stubborn hyperpigmentation. Expect serious peeling for 5-7 days, but results are dramatic. This isn’t a lunch-hour treatment.
VI Peel: A proprietary blend that combines TCA with other acids plus vitamins and minerals. It’s particularly effective for melasma and hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. The peeling is manageable (4-6 days) and results are impressive for pigmentation issues.
Jessner’s Peel: A combination of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. This medium-depth peel treats sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. It’s been around forever because it works consistently well across different skin types.
Lactic and Mandelic Acid Peels: The gentlest options with larger molecular structures that penetrate slowly. Great for sensitive skin or if you’re nervous about trying peels. Minimal downtime, subtle results that build with repeated treatments.
During your consultation, we’ll examine your skin and discuss what you want to fix. Then we recommend the specific peel (or series of peels) that will get you there.
You arrive at Manhattan Laser Spa and check in. We take you to a private treatment room where you’ll recline comfortably.
First, we thoroughly cleanse and degrease your skin. Any oils, makeup, or residue must be completely removed for the acid to penetrate evenly.
Then comes application. We use a brush or cotton applicators to apply the acid solution to your face (or specific areas like neck and chest if you’re treating those too). You’ll feel tingling that builds to a warm or burning sensation, depending on peel strength.
Light peels tingle. Medium peels burn temporarily. We use cooling fans and sometimes ice to keep you comfortable. The discomfort peaks and then subsides as your skin adjusts.
Application takes 5-15 minutes. Some peels self-neutralize (they stop working on their own). Others we neutralize with a special solution when timing is complete.
Immediately after, we apply soothing products and sunscreen. Your skin looks red, like mild to moderate sunburn depending on peel depth. You’re done. Total time is usually 30-45 minutes.
Here’s what to expect day by day after your peel. This varies based on peel depth, but these are typical timelines.
Light Peels (Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic):
Days 1-2: Redness fades quickly. Your skin feels tight and looks slightly pink.
Days 3-5: Flaking starts. It’s not obvious sheets of skin, more like dryness that you moisturize away. You can wear makeup by day 2-3.
Day 7: Fresh skin revealed. You look brighter and smoother.
Medium Peels (TCA, VI Peel, Jessner’s):
Days 1-2: Your skin looks dark, tight, and feels uncomfortable. You’re not going out. Heavy moisturizing helps.
Days 3-5: Peeling starts aggressively. Skin comes off in visible sheets. Don’t pull it. Let it fall off naturally or risk scarring.
Days 6-8: Most peeling is done. You still look a bit pink but can cover with makeup.
Days 9-14: Pink tone fades gradually. Fresh skin looks noticeably better.
Weeks 2-6: Continued improvement as collagen production kicks in. Your skin keeps looking better.
People always underestimate recovery time. If you have an important event, get your peel at least two weeks beforehand, preferably longer. Don’t schedule a medium peel three days before your sister’s wedding.
Chemical peels work well for most people dealing with:
Sun damage. Living in Hollywood means serious UV exposure. All those beach days, pool time, and year-round sunshine take a toll. Brown spots, rough texture, and premature aging respond incredibly well to chemical peels.
Acne scars. If you have shallow acne scarring and uneven texture from old breakouts, peels can significantly improve your skin. Deep ice pick scars need more aggressive treatments, but rolling scars and general texture issues improve with a series of peels.
Melasma and hyperpigmentation. Those stubborn dark patches that won’t fade with creams alone. Chemical peels, especially VI Peels and TCA, can break through pigmentation that’s resistant to topical treatments.
Fine lines and wrinkles. Mild to moderate lines around eyes, mouth, and forehead improve with regular peels. We’re not talking about deep wrinkles (those need lasers or injectables), but fine lines definitely soften.
Dull, rough texture. If your skin just looks tired and feels rough, even light peels make a huge difference. That instant glow after a peel is real.
Acne and oily skin. Regular salicylic acid peels help control breakouts, unclog pores, and reduce oil production. Many clients with persistent acne see dramatic improvement with monthly peels.
Some situations require waiting or choosing different treatments.
You’re pregnant or nursing. We don’t have enough safety data, so we wait until afterward.
You’ve taken Accutane in the last 12 months. Your skin is too fragile. Accutane thins skin significantly and peeling can cause serious complications.
You have active cold sores or skin infections. We need to clear those first. If you’re prone to cold sores, we’ll prescribe antiviral medication before your peel.
You’re very tan or just got sunburned. Tanned skin increases complications risk. We need you to avoid sun completely for 2-4 weeks before treatment.
You have very dark skin and want aggressive peeling. We can absolutely treat darker skin tones, but we use gentler approaches to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. TCA on very dark skin requires extreme caution.
You can’t avoid sun for several weeks after. If your job keeps you outside all day or you’re taking a beach vacation next week, this isn’t the right time.
Proper preparation makes a huge difference in results and reduces complication risk.
Two to four weeks before:
Start using products we recommend to prep your skin. Usually a gentle retinol or prescription tretinoin plus a brightening product. This primes your skin for better acid penetration and more even results.
Avoid other harsh treatments. No microdermabrasion, laser treatments, or waxing for at least two weeks before.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Use SPF 50 every day and reapply it.
One week before:
Stop retinoids and any exfoliating products. Your skin needs to calm down before the peel.
If you’re prone to cold sores, start antiviral medication (we’ll prescribe it).
Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams on areas being treated.
Day of treatment:
Come with clean skin, no makeup or skincare products. We’ll cleanse you thoroughly anyway, but starting clean helps.
Don’t use any strong actives the morning of your treatment.
Aftercare directly impacts your results and complication risk. Follow instructions exactly.
Days 1-2:
Wash gently with lukewarm water and a very gentle cleanser. Pat dry, don’t rub.
Apply healing ointment or heavy moisturizer constantly. Your skin should never feel dry. Reapply every hour if needed.
Sleep propped up to reduce swelling.
Avoid all sun exposure. Don’t even sit near windows. UV light can cause permanent pigmentation problems.
Days 3-7 (peeling phase):
Don’t pick, pull, or peel your skin. Let it come off naturally. Pulling causes scarring.
Keep moisturizing heavily. The more you moisturize, the more comfortable you’ll be.
Still no sun exposure. Wear a hat and SPF 50 if you must go outside briefly.
Skip makeup until peeling is mostly done (usually day 6-7 for medium peels).
Weeks 2-4:
Continue religious sun protection. Your new skin is extremely vulnerable to UV damage.
Use gentle products only. No harsh scrubs, retinoids, or acids until we clear you (usually 2-3 weeks post-peel).
Keep skin well-moisturized.
Come back for follow-up so we can assess healing and plan next steps.
People always want to know how peels stack up against other skin treatments.
Chemical Peels vs. Laser Resurfacing: Lasers can go deeper and deliver more dramatic results for severe sun damage or deep wrinkles. But they cost more and require longer recovery (1-2 weeks of serious downtime). Chemical peels offer excellent results for mild to moderate issues with less investment and often less downtime.
Chemical Peels vs. Microneedling: Microneedling excels at collagen stimulation and works well for acne scars. Chemical peels are better for pigmentation issues and overall skin resurfacing. Many people do both, alternating treatments.
Chemical Peels vs. HydraFacial: HydraFacial is a light exfoliation with zero downtime. It’s great for maintenance and instant glow but doesn’t address deeper issues. Chemical peels create real change in your skin structure. They complement each other nicely.
Chemical Peels vs. At-Home Peels: Drugstore and online peels are extremely weak. Professional-strength acids are only available to licensed providers for good reason. At-home peels might give you a bit of glow, but they can’t touch the results we get with medical-grade formulations.
Plenty of places in South Florida offer chemical peels. Dermatology offices, medical spas, even some salons have jumped on the bandwagon.
Here’s what makes us different.
We’re a licensed medical spa with a board-certified medical director. Chemical peels are medical treatments, not spa services. We approach them with appropriate caution and expertise.
We use medical-grade formulations, not watered-down versions. The acids we apply are professional-strength and properly pH-balanced for safety and effectiveness.
Our aestheticians are trained specifically in chemical peel application and have performed thousands of treatments. They know how to assess your skin, select the right acid and strength, apply it evenly, and monitor you during treatment.
We’re located in Hollywood, easily accessible from Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, Dania Beach, Cooper City, and throughout Broward County. Close to Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Downtown Hollywood, and Young Circle.
Most importantly, we’re realistic about what peels can and can’t do. If a different treatment would serve you better, we’ll tell you. We’d rather build long-term trust than make a quick sale.
Pricing varies based on peel type and strength. Light peels cost less than medium-depth peels. Small treatment areas cost less than full face, neck, and chest.
Generally, you’re looking at a few hundred dollars for light peels and more for stronger treatments like TCA or VI Peels.
Most people need a series of treatments for best results. Three to six peels spaced 3-4 weeks apart typically delivers significant improvement. We offer package pricing that reduces your per-treatment cost.
Here’s how to think about value. Add up what you spend on skincare products that don’t really work. Most people drop hundreds yearly on serums, creams, and treatments with minimal results. A series of professional chemical peels actually fixes problems instead of temporarily masking them.
We accept CareCredit if you want to finance treatments with monthly payments.
During your free consultation, we’ll give you exact pricing for your customized treatment plan. No surprises, no pressure.
Chemical peels work well alone, but they’re even better as part of a comprehensive skin plan.
Peels plus Botox or fillers: Peels address texture and tone. Botox and fillers address volume loss and dynamic wrinkles. Together, they provide complete facial rejuvenation. Just space them properly (usually Botox first, then peel two weeks later).
Peels plus laser treatments: We might recommend IPL photofacial for broken capillaries and deeper pigmentation, then follow with chemical peels for texture. Or vice versa, depending on your concerns.
Peels plus microneedling: Alternating these treatments gives you collagen stimulation from multiple angles. Both trigger your skin’s healing response in different ways.
Peels plus good skincare: Professional treatments accelerate progress, but your daily routine maintains results. We’ll recommend medical-grade products that work with your peel treatments.
Timing matters, especially in South Florida.
Fall and winter are ideal. Less sun exposure, cooler weather, easier to stay out of UV light during recovery. Most of our clients schedule peel series from October through March.
Avoid summer. Getting a chemical peel in July when you want to be at Hollywood Beach every weekend is poor planning. Your recovering skin and direct sun don’t mix.
Plan around events. Want to look great for a wedding, vacation, or important occasion? Schedule your peel at least 3-4 weeks beforehand for medium peels, 2 weeks for light peels.
Start now for long-term results. If you’re thinking about peels for next year’s beach season, start your series in fall. By spring, your skin will look dramatically better.
Let’s set realistic expectations. Chemical peels deliver visible improvement, but they’re not magic.
After one light peel, you’ll see brighter, smoother skin with better texture. Results are subtle but noticeable.
After a series of light peels (4-6 treatments), expect significant improvement in tone, texture, and clarity. Fine lines soften, pores look smaller, pigmentation fades.
After one medium peel, you’ll see more dramatic change. Sun damage fades, acne scars improve, texture smooths considerably.
After a series of medium peels, results can be transformative. Deep pigmentation issues, moderate scarring, and rough texture improve substantially.
What peels won’t do: erase deep wrinkles (you need lasers or injectables), remove deep acne scars completely (though they’ll improve them), or stop aging (nothing does that).
We’ll show you before-and-after photos during consultation so you can see realistic results for concerns similar to yours.
Light peels tingle and feel warm, like mild sunburn. Totally manageable. Medium peels burn more intensely for about 5-10 minutes, but we use cooling fans and ice to keep you comfortable. The burning peaks then subsides as your skin adjusts. Most people tolerate it fine, though everyone’s pain threshold is different. The discomfort is temporary and worth it for the results. If you’re particularly sensitive, we can apply stronger numbing cream beforehand.
It depends on peel depth. After light peels, you’ll have redness for a few hours to a day, then light flaking you can cover with makeup. After medium peels, you’ll look red and tight for 2-3 days, then peel visibly for another 4-5 days. Yes, you’ll look rough during that time. Plan to stay home or work remotely during peak peeling days. Your skin literally comes off in sheets. By day 7-8, peeling is mostly done and you can function normally with makeup. The payoff is worth the temporary ugliness.
They significantly improve shallow to moderate acne scars but won’t remove deep ice pick or boxcar scars completely. Think of it as smoothing the texture and making scars less noticeable, not erasing them entirely. For severe acne scarring, you might need multiple modalities like chemical peels plus microneedling or laser treatments. We’ll be honest during consultation about realistic improvement for your specific scarring. Most people see 40-60% improvement with a series of medium-depth peels, which makes a huge visual difference.
Yes, but it requires expertise and caution. Darker skin (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) has higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if peels are too aggressive or aftercare isn’t perfect. We use gentler formulations, lower strengths, and specific acids that work well on darker skin tones. VI Peel and Jessner’s are particularly good options. We’ll also have you prep your skin longer before treatment. With proper protocols, chemical peels are safe and effective for darker skin. Just make sure you’re going to providers who have experience treating diverse skin tones, not someone who mostly works with fair skin.
At least two weeks of strict sun avoidance. Your new skin is extremely vulnerable to UV damage and can develop permanent dark spots if exposed to sun during healing. Wear SPF 50 every single day and reapply every two hours. Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you go outside. Stay in shade. Seriously, sun exposure during recovery can ruin your results and cause pigmentation worse than what you started with. After the initial two weeks, continue religious sun protection for at least a month. Living in Hollywood makes this challenging, but it’s non-negotiable for good results.
Not during the first few days of aggressive peeling (days 3-6 for medium peels). Applying makeup over peeling skin looks terrible anyway and can introduce bacteria. Once the heavy peeling is done (usually day 7-8), you can use mineral makeup to cover any remaining pinkness. Choose non-comedogenic, gentle formulas. Your skin is still healing and sensitive, so avoid anything with harsh ingredients or fragrances. We’ll tell you exactly when it’s safe to resume makeup based on how your skin is healing.
Most people need a series of 3-6 peels for significant improvement, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. One peel delivers visible results and immediate improvement, but cumulative treatments build on each other. Think of it like working out. One session helps, but consistent training over months creates real transformation. For mild sun damage, maybe 3 light peels does it. For serious photoaging with deep pigmentation and texture issues, you might need 4-6 medium peels plus maintenance treatments annually. We’ll create a realistic treatment plan during consultation based on your specific damage level.
If you’re tired of dull, damaged, uneven skin that won’t improve no matter what products you try, chemical peels might be exactly what you need.
Your next step is a free consultation at Manhattan Laser Spa in Hollywood. We’ll examine your skin, discuss your concerns, explain which peel type would work best, and create a treatment plan that fits your schedule and goals.
Call us or book your consultation online. People throughout Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, and Broward County trust us with their chemical peel treatments.
Let’s get you the clear, smooth, radiant skin you deserve.
