Chemical peels get lumped together in marketing but there are massive differences between them. A "lunchtime peel" and a "deep phenol peel" both technically use acids to exfoliate — but one you can wear makeup home from, the other takes 2 weeks of recovery.
Here's exactly how chemical peels work in Lancaster, PA, what each grade actually does, and what you can expect from a peel at Alesca Aesthetics.
How chemical peels work (30-second version)
An acid solution is applied to your skin. It dissolves the outermost layer(s) of skin cells. Your body responds by producing new, smoother, more even-toned skin as it heals. Different acids penetrate to different depths — the depth determines both results AND downtime.
The 3 grades of chemical peels
Grade 1: Superficial peels (aka "lunchtime peels")
- Acids used: Glycolic acid (30-50%), lactic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid
- What they treat: Dullness, uneven texture, mild sun damage, congested pores, superficial acne, brightening for events
- Downtime: 0-2 days. Slight pinkness, mild flaking day 2-3.
- Recovery: You can go to work same day. Makeup fine day 2+.
- Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks safely
- Cost at Alesca: $50 as add-on to any facial or microchanneling session
Best for: Maintenance, event prep, first-time peel patients, sensitive skin.
Grade 2: Medium-depth peels
- Acids used: TCA (trichloroacetic acid) 15-35%, Jessner's solution, higher-concentration glycolic
- What they treat: Moderate sun damage, melasma, acne scars, deeper fine lines, uneven pigmentation
- Downtime: 5-7 days. Visible peeling days 3-6. Skin looks red then flaky like a sunburn healing.
- Recovery: Work-from-home recommended days 3-5. No sun. No exfoliating skincare 2 weeks.
- Frequency: Every 3-6 months
- Cost at Alesca: Custom-quoted at consultation, typically $200-$400
Best for: Serious sun damage from teens/20s, pigmentation issues, deeper fine lines.
Grade 3: Deep peels (phenol peels)
- Acids used: Phenol
- Downtime: 2-3 weeks of visible peeling + healing
- Not offered at Alesca — deep peels require medical monitoring often better suited to a dermatology office or plastic surgeon setting.
If you need deep peel work, we can refer you to trusted local dermatology partners.
What determines which peel is right for you
Consultation with Jordan, our licensed esthetician, includes:
- Skin type assessment (Fitzpatrick scale 1-6) — darker skin types need modified approach
- Skin condition (acne, melasma, dry, oily, mature)
- Downtime tolerance — do you have an event in 2 weeks?
- Prior treatments — retinoids, prior peels, Accutane history
- Skin goals — brightening vs anti-aging vs acne treatment
Some skin types shouldn't get peels at all — active rosacea flare, active eczema, recent isotretinoin use (within 6 months), pregnancy, or nursing.
Combining peels with other treatments
Peel + microchanneling: Popular combination. Chemical peel exfoliates + microchanneling stimulates collagen. Add-on peel at your microchanneling session is $50.
Peel + facial: Every Alesca facial can be upgraded with a superficial peel add-on for $50. Extra brightening + smoother finish.
Peel + Botox: Get your Botox at least 2 weeks BEFORE a chemical peel. If order reversed (peel first), wait until skin fully healed (typically 10-14 days) before injectables.
Peel + lip filler: Same 2-week separation. Never same day.
Pre-peel prep (start 2 weeks before)
- Discontinue retinoids 3-5 days before superficial peels; 1 week before medium
- Skip physical scrubs / exfoliators 3 days before
- No waxing on treatment area 1 week before
- No sun tanning / spray tans on treatment area 1 week before
- Vitamin C serum: continue as tolerated (Jordan may adjust)
- SPF daily — critical, always, especially the 2 weeks pre-peel
Post-peel care
Superficial peels: - Days 1-2: Gentle cleanser only (Cerave or provided). Moisturize morning + night. SPF 30+ mandatory. - Days 3-5: Skin may lightly flake. Do NOT pick, peel, or exfoliate. - Day 5+: Resume normal skincare (except retinoids, wait 5-7 days).
Medium peels: - Days 1-3: Cleanser + heavy moisturizer only. Skin darkens then turns leathery. - Days 4-7: Peeling begins. Do NOT pull skin. Let it come off on its own. - Days 7-10: New pink skin emerges. Very sensitive to sun. - Weeks 2-4: SPF 50+ religiously. Also plan any spray tans at least 3 weeks after a medium peel — the fresh skin needs time to normalize before absorbing tanning solution. No retinoids. No exfoliants.
Common mistakes
Getting a peel too close to a beach trip. Fresh peel skin is UV-vulnerable — you'll burn severely. Space peels 3-4 weeks before OR after sun exposure.
Layering skincare too aggressively. Post-peel is not the time for actives. Simple cleanser + moisturizer + SPF for 1 week.
Going too deep, too fast. New to peels? Start superficial. Build tolerance across 2-3 sessions before considering medium.
Skipping pre-peel prep. No retinoids for 3-5 days. Skipping this = potential over-peeling + burns.
Chasing dramatic results in one session. Superficial peels build cumulatively — series of 4-6 spaced 4 weeks apart delivers what a single medium peel does, with far less downtime.
Cost comparison — Alesca vs Lancaster market
| Peel type | Alesca Aesthetics | Chain med spa | Dermatology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superficial (glycolic 30-50%) | $50 add-on / $99 standalone | $85-$150 | $150-$250 |
| Medium (TCA 15-25%) | $200-$400 custom | $300-$500 | $500-$800 |
| Vitalize Peel / Jessner's | $200-$300 | $250-$400 | $400-$650 |
| Enzyme peel (mildest) | Included in most facials | $65-$100 | Rarely offered |
Ready to explore a chemical peel?
Consultation with Jordan is free. She'll assess your skin, discuss realistic goals + timeline, and recommend the right grade.
Book a facial + peel consultation or call 717-584-4912. See our our facial treatments for full details.