Chemical Peels in Scranton & Dunmore, PA
— VI Peel & Face Reality.
Professional-grade peels for hyperpigmentation, acne, sun damage, and wrinkles. Customized depth and formulation, predictable results, safe for all skin tones.
Transform your skin with professional chemical peels.
Transform your skin with professional chemical peels at Turcatti's Aesthetics in Dunmore, PA. Chemical peels are one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for improving skin texture, tone, clarity, and radiance. We specialize in advanced chemical peel treatments including the renowned VI Peel line and Face Reality acne peels, serving patients from Scranton, Clarks Summit, Moosic, and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Whether you're treating stubborn hyperpigmentation, active acne, sun damage, fine lines, or uneven skin tone, our customized chemical peel treatments deliver dramatic, visible results with minimal downtime. From superficial peels perfect for first-timers to medium-depth peels for more significant concerns, we'll recommend the ideal treatment for your skin goals.
Chemical peels work by using specially formulated acids to exfoliate damaged outer layers of skin, revealing fresh, healthy, radiant skin beneath. Unlike at-home products, professional chemical peels penetrate deeper and deliver results that simply aren't possible with over-the-counter treatments.
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are professional skin treatments that use specially formulated acids to exfoliate the outer layers of skin, revealing fresher, healthier, more radiant skin beneath. At Turcatti's in Scranton, our chemical peels address a wide range of skin concerns from acne and scarring to aging and hyperpigmentation.
How chemical peels work
Chemical peel solutions contain carefully calibrated concentrations of acids — such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), or phenol — that dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. This controlled exfoliation triggers multiple beneficial processes:
- Removes damaged surface layers — sun damage, age spots, fine lines, and rough texture is gently dissolved and shed over several days.
- Stimulates cell turnover — your body accelerates production of fresh, healthy skin cells.
- Triggers collagen production — controlled injury signals more collagen and elastin, improving firmness and reducing wrinkles.
- Unclogs and refines pores — acids penetrate pores to dissolve oil, debris, and dead skin.
- Evens skin tone — break up clusters of melanin that cause dark spots and uneven tone.
Peel depths explained
Superficial peels: affect only the outermost layer (epidermis). Minimal to no visible peeling. Great for maintenance, sensitive skin, and first-time peel patients.
Medium peels: penetrate into the upper dermis. Visible peeling for 3-7 days. More dramatic results for wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation. Our most popular depth.
Deep peels: reach deeper layers for maximum results. Longer recovery time. We focus on superficial to medium peels for optimal results with minimal downtime.
VI Peel — our most popular option.
VI Peel is the gold standard in professional chemical peels, trusted by medical professionals nationwide for safe, effective skin transformation. At Turcatti's, we offer the complete VI Peel line.
What makes VI Peel different
Minimal discomfort: includes numbing agents — most patients describe only mild tingling. Predictable results: proven formulations deliver consistent improvements. Safe for all skin tones: ideal for melanin-rich skin that can't tolerate many laser treatments. Quick treatment: 20-30 minute application. Manageable peeling: begins day 3, completes by day 7. Self-neutralizing: you leave with the peel on and remove it at home 4-6 hours later.
Not sure which VI Peel is right for you? During your consultation, we'll assess your skin concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend the perfect formulation. Many patients start with VI Peel Original and progress to more targeted peels based on results and evolving concerns.
Face Reality chemical peels — medical-grade acne treatment.
Face Reality peels are professional-grade treatments specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. These medical peels work deep within pores to clear breakouts, prevent new acne, and improve scarring.
Package savings
Chemical peel treatment process.
Preparation
2 weeks before: stop retinoids and prescription treatments; avoid waxing or laser treatments; no other peels or aggressive treatments; stay out of the sun and tanning beds; begin gentle cleanser and moisturizer. 1 week before: continue sun avoidance with SPF 30+ daily; no exfoliating scrubs, acids, or harsh products; hydrate skin well; inform us if prone to cold sores. Day of treatment: arrive with clean skin, no makeup; avoid caffeine; wear comfortable clothing; plan to avoid sun for 7+ days; bring sunglasses for the drive home.
What NOT to do: don't get waxed within 2 weeks · don't use self-tanner · don't schedule other facial treatments · don't plan sun exposure or beach trips for 2 weeks after.
Your treatment
Step 1: Skin preparation (10 min): thorough cleanse, degreasing solution applied for even penetration. Step 2: Peel application (15-20 min): chemical solution applied with sterile gauze or brush in specific pattern.
VI Peel: mild tingling or warmth (completely tolerable) · brief stinging that subsides within 1-2 minutes · slight tightness as solution activates · self-neutralizing, left on 4-6 hours after you leave (looks like a tan/bronze mask).
Face Reality: similar tingling during application · we neutralize and remove the peel before you leave · skin may be pink or slightly red.
Step 3: Post-peel instructions (10 min): detailed aftercare, special cleansers, moisturizers, aftercare kit. Total time in office: 45-60 minutes.
Recovery timeline (VI Peel)
Day 1-2: skin feels tight, looks tan/bronze. Remove peel at home 4-6 hours after application. After removal, slightly red. Moisturize 3-4× per day. Avoid makeup, sun, heat, sweating.
Day 3: visible peeling starts (mouth/nose first). Do NOT pick — let it shed naturally. Keep moisturized constantly.
Days 4-6: active peeling phase. Skin shedding in sheets. Stay hydrated, moisturize every 2-3 hours. Don't pick. Mineral makeup okay if needed.
Day 7: peeling complete. Fresh new skin revealed. Immediate improvement: smoother texture, brighter and more even tone, reduced fine lines and sun damage.
Week 2-4: continued improvement as new skin matures, collagen production increasing.
Critical post-peel rules
Do: keep skin moisturized constantly · use only the gentle cleanser provided · apply SPF 30-50+ religiously every 2 hours outdoors · sleep on clean pillowcases · drink lots of water · be patient.
Don't: pick or pull peeling skin · sun without protection · use any active ingredients · wear makeup until peeling is complete · exercise/sweat heavily for 48 hours · get waxed for 2 weeks · use hot water, steam rooms, saunas.
Chemical peel add-ons & enhancements.
Post-peel treatments (2+ weeks after peel)
LED light therapy: reduce any lingering redness and boost collagen. Red light therapy is perfect 2 weeks after your peel.
Hydrating facial: nourish newly revealed skin with intensive hydration 2-3 weeks after your peel.
Maintenance peels: after your initial series, maintain results with VI Peel every 8-12 weeks or Face Reality peels every 6-8 weeks.
Who should get chemical peels?
Hyperpigmentation & melasma
VI Peel Precision Plus and Advanced are specifically formulated for severe pigmentation. Results: 60-80% improvement in dark spots after a series.
Active acne
Face Reality peels and VI Peel Purify penetrate pores to clear breakouts and prevent future acne. Results: 50-70% reduction in active breakouts after 4-6 treatments.
Acne scarring
Regular chemical peels smooth surface scars and improve texture. For deeper, pitted scars, we may recommend combining peels with microneedling. Results: noticeable texture improvement after 3-4 peels.
Fine lines & wrinkles
Medium-depth peels stimulate collagen and smooth surface wrinkles. Results: skin appears 5-10 years younger after treatment series.
Sun damage & age spots
Peels break up melanin clusters and remove damaged skin layers. Results: dramatic improvement in sun-damaged skin, age spots fade significantly.
Uneven skin tone
Whether from sun damage, hormones, or inflammation, peels create dramatic tone improvement. Results: more uniform skin tone after 2-3 treatments.
Dull, rough texture
Peels resurface skin for immediately smoother, softer, more radiant texture. Results: noticeably softer, smoother skin after first peel.
All skin types welcome
Chemical peels work for all skin types when properly selected. We treat Fitzpatrick I-VI safely. Patients from late teens (acne) through 70s+ (anti-aging) benefit.
Who should NOT get chemical peels
Active cold sores or facial infection · recent facial surgery or deep wounds (wait 6+ months) · currently using Accutane (wait 6 months after stopping) · pregnant or breastfeeding (most peels) · active rosacea flare-up · very sensitive skin with history of severe reactions · recent laser treatments. We'll review your complete history during consultation.
Chemical peel FAQs.
How much do chemical peels cost at Turcatti's?
Pricing ranges from $95 (Face Reality Hydrating Enzyme) to $350 (VI Peel Precision Plus). Our most popular VI Peel Original is $275. We offer package discounts for series — save 10-15%.
Do chemical peels hurt?
Most patients feel mild tingling or warmth during peel application — not pain. VI Peels include numbing agents for comfort. Any sensation is brief and subsides quickly after application. Many patients describe it as "totally manageable."
How long does peeling last?
VI Peels begin peeling on day 3 and complete by day 7. Face Reality peels have minimal to no visible peeling — mainly light flaking for 2-3 days. Plan for one week of visible peeling with VI Peel.
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
Avoid makeup until peeling is complete (day 7 for VI Peel). For Face Reality peels, wait 24 hours. When you resume, mineral makeup is best as it won't clog healing pores.
What's the difference between VI Peel Original, Purify, Advanced, and Precision Plus?
VI Peel Original treats general aging and sun damage. VI Peel Purify targets active acne. VI Peel Advanced treats deeper wrinkles and stubborn pigmentation. VI Peel Precision Plus is for severe hyperpigmentation and melasma. We'll recommend the best option during consultation.
How often should I get chemical peels?
Initial series: every 4-6 weeks for 3-4 treatments. Maintenance: every 8-12 weeks. Frequency depends on peel type and goals.
Can chemical peels remove dark spots and hyperpigmentation?
Yes. VI Peel Advanced and Precision Plus are highly effective for fading age spots, sun damage, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Patients typically see 60-80% improvement after a series.
Are chemical peels safe for acne-prone skin?
Absolutely. VI Peel Purify and Face Reality Acne Bootcamp Peel are specifically formulated for acne. They clear current breakouts and prevent future acne by working deep within pores. Many patients see 50-70% reduction in breakouts.
Will I look bad during the peeling process?
VI Peel: days 4-6 have the most visible peeling — plan to avoid important events during this time if you're self-conscious. However, most patients maintain work and normal activities. Face Reality: minimal visible peeling — you can maintain completely normal activities.
Can I get a chemical peel if I have dark skin?
Yes. VI Peels are safe for all skin tones including very dark skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI). We customize formulation and strength based on skin tone to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What should I avoid after a chemical peel?
Avoid sun exposure without SPF 50+, picking peeling skin, harsh products, exfoliants, retinoids, waxing, and strenuous exercise for 7-10 days.
Can chemical peels help with acne scars?
Yes. Chemical peels improve surface-level acne scars and texture with each treatment. For deeper, pitted scars, microneedling may be more effective. Many patients combine both treatments.
How soon will I see results?
New skin is revealed on day 7 (VI Peel) or day 3-4 (Face Reality). Full results develop over 2-4 weeks as skin continues to improve, collagen production increases, and pigmentation fades further.
Can I get a chemical peel in the summer?
Fall and winter are ideal (less sun exposure), but you can get peels year-round if you're diligent about sun protection — SPF 50+ reapplied every 2 hours outdoors.
What's the difference between a chemical peel and a facial?
Facials gently exfoliate the surface and focus on relaxation, cleansing, and maintenance. Chemical peels use acids to penetrate deeper layers, causing controlled exfoliation for dramatic improvement.
Can I combine chemical peels with other treatments?
Yes. Add dermaplaning before your peel for better penetration. You can get Botox 2+ weeks before or after. Alternate chemical peels with microneedling for comprehensive results.
Will my skin be red after a chemical peel?
VI Peel: minimal redness. Skin may look tan or darkened for the first 2 days, then peel. Face Reality: mild redness for 1-2 days, similar to mild sunburn.
Can I get a chemical peel if I'm using retinol?
You must stop using retinol and retinoids 2 weeks before your peel to avoid excessive irritation. You can resume 1-2 weeks after peeling is complete.
Are chemical peels safe during pregnancy?
Most chemical peels are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to ingredient concerns and lack of safety studies. Consider gentle facials or enzyme treatments. Consult your OB-GYN.
What's better for wrinkles — chemical peels or Botox?
They work differently and complement each other. Botox relaxes muscles that cause expression lines (forehead, crow's feet, frown lines). Chemical peels improve skin texture, tone, and surface wrinkles. Many patients do both.
