Dealing with stubborn sun damage after years of South Florida living? Frustrated with acne scars that won’t fade, no matter what products you try? Maybe your skin just looks dull and tired, with uneven tone and rough texture that makeup can’t hide.
Chemical peels offer a proven solution. At Manhattan Laser Spa in Hallandale Beach, we use medical-grade chemical peels to address sun damage, acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and texture issues. This isn’t the scary, painful peel experience you might remember from the past. Modern chemical peels are controlled, customizable, and deliver visible results.
Living near the beach means your skin takes constant UV exposure. Even with sunscreen, damage accumulates. Chemical peels help reverse that damage and reveal the healthier skin underneath.
Chemical peels use medical-grade acids to remove damaged outer layers of skin. As the old skin peels away over several days, fresh skin emerges. The new skin is smoother, more even-toned, and healthier-looking.
Think of it like refinishing a piece of furniture. You strip away the damaged finish to reveal the wood underneath, which you can then treat and protect properly.
The depth of treatment depends on which type of acid we use and how strong the concentration is. Light peels work on the surface layer. Medium peels penetrate deeper. Deep peels reach the deepest skin layers (though these are rarely needed and require significant recovery time).
Here’s how it works: acids break the bonds between dead skin cells, causing controlled damage that triggers your body’s healing response. As your skin heals, it produces new collagen and fresh cells. The result is smoother, clearer, more youthful-looking skin.
Light peels (superficial peels) use gentler acids like glycolic acid (30% to 50%) or salicylic acid. These treat the outermost skin layer only. You’ll have minimal downtime, maybe one to three days of light flaking.
Light peels work well for mild sun damage, dullness, rough texture, and active acne. Many people do a series of light peels every two to four weeks for cumulative results.
Medium peels use stronger acids like TCA (trichloroacetic acid) at 20% to 35% concentration or combination peels like Jessner’s solution. These penetrate deeper to address more significant concerns.
Medium peels treat moderate sun damage, acne scars, deeper wrinkles, and stubborn hyperpigmentation. You’ll have five to seven days of visible peeling and social downtime.
VI Peel is a popular medium-depth peel that combines several acids with vitamins and minerals. It works on all skin types, including darker skin tones, which is important in our diverse Hallandale Beach community.
Glycolic acid peels are the most common light peel. Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane and is the smallest AHA molecule, so it penetrates well. Great for overall brightness and texture improvement.
Salicylic acid peels are oil-soluble, meaning they penetrate into pores. These are perfect for oily, acne-prone skin. If you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, or active breakouts, salicylic peels work wonders.
Lactic acid peels are gentler than glycolic acid and provide excellent hydration along with exfoliation. Good choice for dry or sensitive skin.
Jessner’s peel combines salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. It’s a medium-depth peel that treats sun damage, melasma, and acne scarring effectively.
South Florida sun is no joke. Between beach days, outdoor dining near Gulfstream Park, and simply living in year-round sunshine, your skin accumulates UV damage faster than almost anywhere else in the country.
Here’s what we see constantly in our Hallandale Beach clients:
Sun damage and age spots. Those brown spots on your face, chest, and hands? That’s accumulated sun damage. Chemical peels fade these spots and even out your skin tone by removing pigmented cells.
Melasma. Those stubborn dark patches on your cheeks and forehead are notoriously hard to treat. Chemical peels, especially when combined with proper skincare, help fade melasma over time.
Acne and acne scars. Florida’s humidity makes acne worse. Chemical peels treat active breakouts and fade the dark marks and shallow scarring left behind.
Rough, uneven texture. If your skin feels bumpy or looks dull despite good skincare, peels smooth everything out by removing the damaged surface layer.
Fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels stimulate collagen production, which plumps fine lines and improves skin firmness. While they’re not a replacement for Botox or fillers, they definitely help.
Large pores. Peels can’t shrink pores permanently, but by deeply exfoliating and removing debris, they make pores look smaller and less noticeable.
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your skin type, concerns, Fitzpatrick classification, and lifestyle all factor into which peel we recommend.
We start with a thorough skin analysis. Our licensed medical aesthetician evaluates your skin type, tone, texture, and specific concerns. We’ll also discuss your medical history, current skincare routine, and any medications you’re taking.
Be honest about sun exposure, tanning bed use (please stop if you’re still doing this), and how much downtime you can handle. This information helps us choose the right peel strength and type.
If you have darker skin, we’re especially careful about peel selection. Certain acids at certain strengths can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. We adjust formulations and concentrations accordingly.
Good results start before you even come in for your peel. We’ll give you a pre-treatment protocol to follow for two to four weeks before your appointment.
This usually includes:
Using retinoids or glycolic acid products to precondition your skin. This helps the peel penetrate evenly and reduces complications.
Stopping certain products 48 to 72 hours before treatment. Active retinoids, exfoliating acids, and other irritating ingredients need to pause.
Avoiding sun exposure. No tanning, no beach days without serious sun protection. Tanned or sunburned skin can’t be safely treated.
Taking antiviral medication if you’re prone to cold sores. Chemical peels can trigger outbreaks, so we prescribe preventive medication.
Come with a clean face. No makeup, no moisturizer, no sunscreen.
We’ll cleanse your skin thoroughly and apply a degreasing solution to remove any oils. This ensures the peel penetrates evenly.
Then we apply the chemical solution with a brush, gauze, or cotton applicator. You’ll feel tingling, warmth, and possibly mild burning. This is normal. Most people tolerate it fine, though medium peels can be uncomfortable for a few minutes.
With some peels, your skin will “frost” (turn white). This shows the peel is working. We time the application carefully based on your skin’s response.
Some peels self-neutralize. Others need to be washed off after a specific time or neutralized with a special solution.
We’ll apply a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen before you leave. The whole appointment takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Here’s the timeline for what to expect:
Day 1: Your skin will be red, like a sunburn. It might feel tight and dry. Some people have mild swelling, especially around the eyes.
Days 2-3: Redness continues. Your skin starts feeling very tight and dry. With light peels, you might start seeing light flaking. With medium peels, your skin will start darkening before it peels.
Days 3-7: This is peak peeling time. Your skin will shed in sheets or flakes, starting around your mouth and nose, then spreading to your full face. Don’t pick at it. Let it come off naturally.
Days 7-10: Most visible peeling is done. You’ll have fresh, pink new skin. It’ll be sensitive to touch and temperature.
Weeks 2-4: Your skin continues improving. The pink fades to your normal tone. Texture keeps getting smoother. Results keep developing as new collagen forms.
People often freak out about the peeling part. Let’s talk honestly about what it’s like.
You won’t look normal during the peeling phase. Your skin will look dry, flaky, and obvious. This is why we call it “social downtime.” You can go to work if you’re comfortable with how you look, but many people prefer to stay home during peak peeling.
The temptation to pick at peeling skin is intense. Don’t do it. Picking can cause scarring, infection, and uneven results. Let the skin come off on its own.
Your skin will feel tight and uncomfortable. Heavy moisturizer helps, but you’ll still be aware of it constantly.
Plan your peel around your schedule. Don’t book it right before a wedding, important meeting, or beach vacation. Give yourself at least 10 to 14 days before any major event.
How you care for your skin after your peel directly affects your results and whether you have complications.
Gentle cleansing only. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. No scrubbing, no exfoliating, no washcloths. Pat your skin dry gently.
Heavy moisturizer, constantly. Apply thick, bland moisturizer multiple times daily. We’ll recommend specific products. Your skin needs constant hydration during healing.
Sun protection is non-negotiable. Your new skin is incredibly vulnerable to UV damage. Wear SPF 30+ physical sunscreen every single day. Reapply every two hours when outside. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible for at least two weeks.
No active ingredients. Don’t use retinoids, acids, vitamin C, or any other active skincare during healing. Stick to gentle cleanser and heavy moisturizer only.
Avoid heat and sweat. No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense exercise for at least 48 hours (longer for medium peels). Heat increases swelling and can cause complications.
No picking. Seriously, don’t pick at peeling skin. We can’t stress this enough.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to support your skin’s healing process.
Living in Hallandale Beach makes post-peel care tricky because sun avoidance is harder here than almost anywhere else. You’ll need to be diligent about sun protection and maybe skip beach days for a couple weeks.
How you care for your skin after your peel directly affects your results and whether you have complications.
Gentle cleansing only. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. No scrubbing, no exfoliating, no washcloths. Pat your skin dry gently.
Heavy moisturizer, constantly. Apply thick, bland moisturizer multiple times daily. We’ll recommend specific products. Your skin needs constant hydration during healing.
Sun protection is non-negotiable. Your new skin is incredibly vulnerable to UV damage. Wear SPF 30+ physical sunscreen every single day. Reapply every two hours when outside. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible for at least two weeks.
No active ingredients. Don’t use retinoids, acids, vitamin C, or any other active skincare during healing. Stick to gentle cleanser and heavy moisturizer only.
Avoid heat and sweat. No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense exercise for at least 48 hours (longer for medium peels). Heat increases swelling and can cause complications.
No picking. Seriously, don’t pick at peeling skin. We can’t stress this enough.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to support your skin’s healing process.
Living in Hallandale Beach makes post-peel care tricky because sun avoidance is harder here than almost anywhere else. You’ll need to be diligent about sun protection and maybe skip beach days for a couple weeks.
You’re a good candidate if:
You should probably wait if:
If you have darker skin (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI), we’re extra careful about peel selection. The wrong peel or too-strong concentration can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We have specific protocols and peel formulations that work safely on all skin tones.
This depends on what you’re treating and how aggressive we can be with your first peel.
For mild concerns like dullness or light sun damage, you might see improvement after one light peel. Most people do a series of four to six light peels spaced two to four weeks apart.
For acne, plan on a series of six to eight salicylic peels every two to three weeks initially, then monthly maintenance.
For significant sun damage, melasma, or scarring, you’ll need a series of medium peels spaced one to three months apart, plus ongoing maintenance.
For fine lines and anti-aging, many people do a medium peel once or twice a year, with light peels quarterly for maintenance.
Results are cumulative. Each peel builds on the previous one, delivering progressive improvement.
Microdermabrasion is gentler than chemical peels and only treats the very surface. It’s less effective for pigmentation, acne, and wrinkles. Good for maintenance, but chemical peels deliver more dramatic results.
Laser resurfacing can address similar concerns but costs more and involves more downtime. For some issues, lasers work better. For others, peels are the smarter choice. We’ll help you decide.
HydraFacial is gentle with zero downtime but doesn’t penetrate as deeply as chemical peels. Many people alternate between HydraFacials for maintenance and peels for more significant treatment.
Microneedling stimulates collagen differently than peels do. Both work well for scars and texture. Some people combine treatments for optimal results.
At-home peels from the drugstore are much weaker than professional peels. They’re fine for maintenance but won’t deliver the results you’ll get with medical-grade peels performed by trained professionals.
Chemical peel pricing varies based on peel type, depth, and treatment area.
Light peels cost less than medium peels. Full-face treatments cost more than spot treatments. Add-ons like chest or hand peels increase the price.
Yes, professional chemical peels cost more than a facial at a regular spa. But you’re paying for medical-grade formulations, physician supervision, and results that actually make a difference.
We offer package pricing that reduces the per-treatment cost when you commit to a series. If you need multiple peels, packages make financial sense.
During your consultation, we’ll give you specific pricing based on which peel we recommend for your skin and concerns. No hidden fees or surprise charges.
Physician-supervised care. All treatments are performed under the direction of our board-certified medical director. We follow strict medical protocols and safety standards.
Medical-grade formulations. We use pharmaceutical-grade chemical peel solutions, not diluted spa versions. This means better results and controlled, predictable outcomes.
Customized protocols. We adjust peel type, strength, and application based on your unique skin. No cookie-cutter treatments.
Experience with all skin types. We safely treat light skin, dark skin, and everything in between. Our expertise with diverse skin tones matters in our South Florida community.
Proper preparation and aftercare. We provide detailed instructions and the products you need to prepare your skin and care for it after treatment.
Licensed professionals. Your peel is performed by licensed medical aestheticians trained in chemical peel application and safety protocols.
Convenient location. We serve Hallandale Beach residents plus clients from Aventura, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, and throughout Broward County. Whether you’re near Golden Isles, Gulfstream Park, or the beach, we’re easy to reach.
We’re conveniently located to serve clients throughout Hallandale Beach, including Golden Isles, Three Islands, Diplomat Landing, and areas near the beach and Gulfstream Park. We also see clients from nearby Aventura, Hollywood, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Pembroke Pines, and throughout Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.
During the peel application, you’ll feel tingling, warmth, and sometimes burning. Light peels are mildly uncomfortable. Medium peels can be more intense for about five to ten minutes while the acid works. We use fans and cool compresses to help. After the treatment, your skin will feel tight and sensitive like a sunburn, but it’s not usually painful. Most people manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. The application itself isn’t fun, but it’s tolerable and quick.
Light peels cause mild flaking for one to three days. You might not even peel visibly. Medium peels cause obvious peeling that lasts five to seven days, with peak peeling around days three to five. The skin comes off in sheets, starting around your mouth and nose. By day seven to ten, most visible peeling is done. Your skin will still be pink and sensitive for another week or two. Plan your schedule around this timeline. Don’t book a peel right before important events.
We recommend waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before applying makeup after a peel. Once you start wearing makeup again, use only gentle, non-irritating, mineral-based products. Many people find that makeup doesn’t apply well over peeling skin anyway, it just emphasizes the flaking. It’s better to skip makeup during peak peeling days. Once the peeling is done and you have fresh new skin, makeup will go on beautifully and you probably won’t feel like you need as much.
Some people experience purging after chemical peels, especially if treating acne. Purging happens when the peel brings underlying congestion to the surface faster than normal. These breakouts clear quickly, usually within a week. True breakouts from the peel itself are rare if you follow aftercare instructions properly. If you’re acne-prone, let us know during your consultation so we can prepare you for possible purging. It’s temporary and means the peel is working.
Yes, but we need to be careful about peel selection and strength. Darker skin (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) has a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if peels are done incorrectly. We use specific formulations and lower concentrations that work safely on darker skin tones. Peels like the VI Peel, Jessner’s peel, and certain TCA strengths work well when applied by experienced professionals. We’ll evaluate your skin during consultation and customize treatment to minimize risks while achieving results.
Fall, winter, and early spring are ideal because sun exposure is slightly less intense (though in Hallandale Beach, sun protection is critical year-round). Many people avoid peels during summer because you need to stay out of the sun during healing, and summer is peak beach season. However, you can get peels any time of year if you’re diligent about sun protection and willing to avoid prolonged sun exposure for two to three weeks after treatment. We perform peels year-round for clients who can commit to proper aftercare.
Results from a single light peel last about one to two months before your skin returns to its baseline. Medium peels deliver results that last three to six months or longer. However, chemical peels work cumulatively. A series of peels creates lasting improvement in skin quality, texture, and tone. With proper skincare and sun protection, results can last a year or more. Most people do maintenance peels every three to six months to keep their skin looking its best. Think of peels as part of an ongoing skincare strategy, not a one-and-done treatment.
Stop living with sun damage, acne scars, or dull, uneven skin. Chemical peels at Manhattan Laser Spa offer Hallandale Beach residents a proven way to address these concerns with medical-grade treatments and physician supervision.
Schedule your consultation today. We’ll analyze your skin, discuss your concerns, explain which peel is right for you, and answer all your questions. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just honest expertise from licensed professionals who’ve helped hundreds of clients achieve clearer, smoother, more radiant skin.
Call us or book online. That fresh skin you want is one peel away.
