When Your Skin Needs More Than a Product
Sometimes the mirror just confirms what you already know — the texture has changed, the tone is uneven, and the serums you trusted aren’t keeping up anymore. A chemical peel works beneath the surface: a carefully selected acid solution dissolves damaged outer layers, supporting the skin’s own renewal process so the surface can appear smoother, clearer, and more even as it heals.
A peel is one piece of a larger skin-resurfacing toolkit. If you’re comparing options, see our full menu of facial treatments, or explore dermaplaning for a mechanical alternative and microneedling for collagen-stimulating resurfacing without a peel.
At a Glance
- What it is
- Custom-blended PCA Skin or Dermaquest peel — superficial to medium depth
- Provider
- your aesthetician Luna Kearns, Licensed Aesthetician
- Session time
- 45 minutes
- Recovery
- 0–3 days superficial · 7–10 days medium-depth
- Results last
- 4–6 weeks (superficial) · 6–12 months (medium)
- Cost
- $125 per session · $475 package of 6
What Is a Custom Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a controlled skin-resurfacing treatment that applies a precisely chosen acid blend — glycolic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic, TCA, or a multi-acid formulation — to dissolve the bonds between damaged surface cells. As those cells shed in the days that follow, the skin reveals smoother texture, more even tone, and a healthier glow.
At Desert Bloom, every peel is custom-mixed by licensed aesthetician your aesthetician Luna Kearns from two professional-grade systems — PCA Skin and Dermaquest — so the depth, acids, and intensity match your skin’s current condition, your Fitzpatrick type, and your downtime tolerance. Peels live alongside dermaplaning and microneedling in our resurfacing toolkit; the right pick depends on what your skin actually needs.
How a Chemical Peel Works
The acid solution causes controlled exfoliation of the outer skin layers. Superficial peels work within the epidermis to refresh dullness and uneven tone. Medium-depth peels reach the upper papillary dermis, where the healing response can soften the look of pigmentation, fine lines, and superficial acne scarring. Depth is controlled by the acid blend, concentration, number of layers applied, and contact time — which is why a custom formulation matters far more than the brand on the bottle.
Peel Types We Offer
your aesthetician selects from four working categories of peel, customized to your skin assessment on the day. Lighter peels build maintenance and brightening; medium-depth peels target deeper concerns when downtime allows. Deep phenol peels (Baker-Gordon) are not offered at Desert Bloom — the cardiac monitoring, permanent hypopigmentation risk, and multi-week recovery don’t align with our resurfacing philosophy.
Peel Categories
Superficial · 0–2 days
Glycolic / Lactic Blend
Hydrophilic AHA peel that refreshes dullness, smooths mild rough texture, and supports a more even glow. Often used in a maintenance series spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Superficial · 0–3 days
Salicylic / Clarifying Blend
Lipophilic BHA that penetrates oil-rich follicles. Best for acne-prone skin, congested pores, and oily T-zones — including teens and adults with persistent breakouts.
Superficial · 0–2 days
Mandelic / Brightening Blend
Gentler large-molecule acid with strong evidence in deeper skin tones. First-line peel option for Fitzpatrick IV–VI patients addressing tone and superficial pigment.
Medium · 7–10 days
TCA / Multi-Acid Blend
Reaches the upper dermis to address visible sun damage, melasma, fine lines, and shallow acne scars. Real downtime required — strict SPF and sun avoidance are non-negotiable.
Your Session, Step by Step
- 1
Assessment
Skin assessment, Fitzpatrick typing, and peel selection based on your goals and current skin condition.
- 2
Prep
Cleanse and degrease — the skin must be prepped uniformly so the acid penetrates evenly.
- 3
Application
Apply the custom-blended peel layer by layer; your aesthetician monitors skin response between layers.
- 4
Neutralize
Neutralize (if required by the system) and apply a recovery balm to calm the skin.
- 5
Aftercare
SPF protocol, gentle cleansing, and what to expect each day of recovery.
“A peel is only as good as the skin assessment behind it. The right acid blend on the wrong skin is a complication waiting to happen — that's why every peel here is custom.”
Cost in Scottsdale
Desert Bloom prices custom chemical peels at a flat rate per session, regardless of which PCA Skin or Dermaquest formulation your aesthetician selects on the day. The package of six is the most common way regulars maintain results between deeper resurfacing treatments.
Pricing
- Custom Chemical Peel$125
- Package of 6 Peels$475
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you choose which peel I get on the day?
What does the day-of recovery actually look like?
Can I do a peel if I have darker skin?
How many sessions will I need to see results?
What should I do — or not do — before my appointment?
Why doesn't Desert Bloom offer deep phenol peels?
Medically reviewed by
Founder, Desert Bloom Skincare · 17 Years Experience
References
- 1.
Soleymani T, Lanoue J, Rahman Z. A practical approach to chemical peels: a review of fundamentals and step-by-step algorithmic protocol for treatment. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol; 2018;11(8):21-28.
- 2.
Lee KC, Wambier CG, Soon SL, et al.. Basic chemical peeling: superficial and medium-depth peels. J Am Acad Dermatol; 2019;81(2):313-324.
- 3.
Khunger N; IADVL Task Force. Standard guidelines of care for chemical peels. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol; 2008;74 Suppl:S5-12.
- 4.
Roberts WE. Chemical peeling in ethnic/dark skin. Dermatol Ther; 2004;17(2):196-205.
