Skin Rejuvenation
Chemical peels in Clarks Summit and Scranton, PA - medical-grade VI Peel formulations, personally performed.
Chemical peels at The Summit Aesthetics are medical-grade skin resurfacing treatments that improve tone, texture, hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine lines, and acne – through the controlled application of acid-based formulations that trigger surface skin to shed and reveal fresher, more even skin beneath. We use the VI Peel product family – a physician-formulated line of medium-depth chemical peels with specific formulations for hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, anti-aging, and body treatment. Every peel at our Clarks Summit medical spa is personally performed by Lori Barone, our Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician with more than 5 years of experience across chemical peel platforms. Most patients across Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, and the wider NEPA region see initial improvements within 7 to 10 days as the peeling process completes, with continued skin quality improvement building over 4 to 6 weeks. Series treatments typically involve 3 to 4 peels spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, though a single peel can produce meaningful results.
Duration
15 minutes per area
Downtime
None
Results
Initial results appear quickly; maximum effect around 12 weeks
Sessions
Typically 1–2 sessions per area
Ready to begin
What a chemical peel actually does
A chemical peel is a controlled application of one or more acid-based solutions to the skin. The acids dissolve the bonds holding damaged surface skin cells together, which causes the top layer of skin to shed over the following days. The skin that grows in behind it is fresher, more even in tone, and typically smoother in texture. Deeper peels also stimulate collagen production in the dermis, adding a longer-term firming component to the result.
Chemical peels have been used in dermatology for over a century – they are one of the most established treatments in aesthetic medicine, with well-documented outcomes and a strong safety profile when performed correctly. The category ranges from very light glycolic peels (available at many spas) to deep phenol peels (typically done under sedation in surgical settings). Medical-grade peels sit in the middle of that range and produce meaningfully deeper results than at-home or spa-grade formulations without the recovery of the deepest options.
Chemical peel depths - what "light," "medium," and "deep" actually mean
Not all chemical peels are the same treatment. The word “chemical peel” describes a broad category with meaningfully different results, downtime, and appropriate uses.
Depth
What it treats
Downtime
Typical formulations
Superficial (light)
Dullness, minor texture, uneven tone, mild sun damage
1–3 days of light flaking; no significant peeling
Glycolic acid, lactic acid, low-strength salicylic acid
Medium
Hyperpigmentation, melasma, moderate sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, texture
3–7 days of visible peeling
VI Peel formulations, TCA peels, Jessner’s peel
Deep
Deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, precancerous lesions
2 weeks visible healing plus several weeks pinkness
Phenol peels (surgical setting)
The VI Peel product family sits in the medium-depth category – delivering meaningful skin renewal in a single in-office application, with a controlled peeling process over about a week. Medium peels are the sweet spot for most patients: substantially deeper results than light peels, but without the intense recovery or higher risk profile of deep peels.
Why we use the VI Peel product family
There are dozens of medium-depth peel formulations on the market. We selected the VI Peel line for four reasons that matter clinically:
Physician-formulated with balanced acid concentrations.
VI Peels combine TCA (trichloroacetic acid) with retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and Vitamin C in specific ratios designed for consistent, predictable results across skin types.
Safer across skin tones.
Traditional TCA peels carry meaningful post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk on Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin. The VI Peel formulation is one of the few medium-depth peel systems appropriate for patients across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Specific formulations for specific concerns.
The line includes distinct products for melasma / hyperpigmentation, acne, anti-aging, and body treatment - rather than one general-purpose peel used for everything.
Predictable peeling process.
The VI Peel has a well-documented day-by-day peeling timeline, which means patients know what to expect and providers know what to guide them through. Less-consistent peel systems produce more variable patient experiences.
VI Peel formulations we offer
Each VI Peel is designed for a specific set of concerns. Lori will recommend the right formulation for your skin at consultation.
Formulation
Best for
Notes
VI Peel Original
Overall skin renewal, uneven tone, early anti-aging maintenance, first-time peel patients
The foundational peel; often the first peel in a series
VI Peel Precision Plus
Hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation
Adds hydroquinone and kojic acid for pigment inhibition
VI Peel Advanced
Fine lines, wrinkles, texture, mature skin
Higher retinoic acid content for anti-aging concerns
VI Peel Purify
Active acne, oil control, congestion
Enhanced salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide components
VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus
Acne plus post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (common combination)
Dual-action formulation
VI Peel Body
Body areas – chest, back, arms
Formulated for the thicker skin of body areas
What chemical peels treat
The VI Peel product family addresses a wide range of skin concerns. Common reasons patients come to our Clarks Summit medical spa for a chemical peel series:
01
Hyperpigmentation
uneven dark patches, sun spots, age spots
02
Melasma
the hormonally-driven pigmentation pattern often seen on the cheeks and forehead
03
Active acne
particularly when other topical treatments have not been enough
04
Acne scars
rolling and shallow boxcar scars respond best; deeper ice-pick scars are harder
05
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
the dark marks left behind by prior acne breakouts
06
Sun damage and photoaging
rough texture, dullness, tone irregularities accumulated over years
07
Fine lines and early wrinkles
especially around the eyes and mouth
08
Enlarged pores
particularly across the nose, cheeks, and forehead
09
General dullness
when skin has lost its natural glow
What to expect at your chemical peel appointment
Consultation (first visit)
Complimentary, 45 minutes. Lori assesses your skin, discusses your concerns, reviews your medical history, and selects the appropriate VI Peel formulation. If your skin needs prep work before your first peel (typically 2 to 4 weeks of specific skincare), we'll build that into the plan.
Day of treatment
Arrive with clean skin, no makeup. The peel application takes 30 to 45 minutes. Lori cleanses your skin, applies the peel solution in layers, and monitors your reaction. Most patients feel a warm tingling sensation - not painful, but noticeable - for the few minutes the peel is being applied.
You leave with the peel on your skin
This is unique to VI Peels and similar physician-grade peels: the solution stays on your face for approximately 4 to 5 hours after you leave the office. You will not wash it off until later that evening, per Lori's specific instructions.
Immediately after
Skin looks slightly bronzed and feels tight. Most patients drive home, work from home for the rest of the day, and follow the aftercare protocol that evening. You look normal enough to run errands but a little "off" - not truly makeup-ready.
Follow-up
For a peel series, subsequent sessions are spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Full series results are assessed at 4 to 6 weeks after your final peel.
The peeling process - day by day
The peeling window is the most important thing to understand before booking a chemical peel. It’s also the thing that most surprises first-time patients. Here’s what to actually expect:
Day
What you’ll see and feel
What to do (and NOT do)
Day 1 (treatment day)
Peel applied and left on skin for 4–5 hours; wash off that evening. Skin looks slightly bronzed, feels tight.
Follow evening cleansing instructions exactly. No makeup.
Day 2
Skin looks tight, slightly darker, slightly wrinkled (“prune-like” is a common description). May feel warm.
Continue prescribed post-peel skincare only. No exfoliation. No makeup.
Day 3
Peeling begins – typically around the mouth first, then spreading across the face. Do NOT peel or pick.
Let peeling happen naturally. Apply prescribed products. Wear a hat outdoors.
Days 4–5
Peak peeling. Skin can look dramatically flaky. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.
Continue letting peel happen. Skip social visibility if possible.
Day 6
Peeling largely completes. Skin underneath is pink, new, fresh.
Reintroduce gentle cleanser only. No actives yet.
Day 7–10
Skin looks brighter, more even, smoother. You can wear light makeup by day 5 or 6.
Sunscreen every day. Continue gentle skincare only.
Weeks 2–6
Continued gradual improvement in tone, texture, and clarity as the skin fully settles.
Resume normal skincare once cleared by Lori.
How often can I get a chemical peel?
Medium-depth peels are typically done as a series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance peels every 3 to 6 months as needed. The exact frequency depends on your skin type, your concerns, and how your skin responds.
For hyperpigmentation and melasma specifically, patience matters. These concerns respond well to VI Peel Precision Plus but require multiple sessions to see substantial improvement. Rushing between sessions can produce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – the opposite of what you want. Lori will space your sessions optimally based on how your skin responds to each peel.
Chemical peel vs. other resurfacing options
Chemical peels sit within a broader category of skin resurfacing options. Here’s how they compare to the other treatments we offer at The Summit Aesthetics:
Details
VI Peel Chemical Peel
Virtue RF Microneedling
Virtue RF Microneedling
Primary mechanism
Chemical exfoliation and cell renewal
Microneedles + RF energy in dermis
Ablative CO₂ laser resurfacing
Depth
Medium (top epidermal layers plus superficial dermis)
Deep dermal (up to 3.5 mm)
Superficial to deep dermis
Best for
Hyperpigmentation, melasma, active acne, tone
Firming, tightening, texture, wrinkles
Deep wrinkles, sun damage, comprehensive resurfacing
Downtime
5–7 days of peeling
24–48 hours of redness
CoolPeel: 2–3 days. Traditional: 5–7 days
Skin type safety
All Fitzpatrick I–VI with VI Peel
All Fitzpatrick I–VI
I–III safest; IV–VI requires care
Sessions
3–4 in a series
3 sessions
1 traditional or 2–4 CoolPeel
Investment level
Lowest of the three
Middle
Highest
Best entry point for
Patients newer to aesthetic treatments, patients prioritizing tone and pigment concerns
Patients wanting firming without laser exposure
Patients wanting the deepest single-session resurfacing
These are complementary, not competing. Many patients ultimately use several – chemical peels for pigment and tone maintenance, RF microneedling for firming, and CO₂ for a deeper reset every few years. Lori will build a phased plan at consultation that matches your goals, skin, and budget.
Chemical peel aftercare
Aftercare is not optional for chemical peels. Patients who follow the protocol have dramatically better outcomes than those who improvise. Lori will provide written aftercare instructions specific to your peel and skin type at your appointment. The highlights:
The evening of your peel
- Wash the peel off exactly at the time Lori specifies (usually 4–5 hours after application)
- Apply the specific post-peel serum and moisturizer we provide (not off-the-shelf products)
- Sleep on your back if possible
- No makeup, no other skincare
Days 2 through 7
- Do NOT pick, peel, or exfoliate the skin – no matter how much it wants to flake. Let it happen naturally.
- Apply the prescribed post-peel moisturizer 2 to 3 times per day
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ every single day – even indoors near windows
- Wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- No hot showers, saunas, or heavy heat exposure
- No swimming
- No strenuous exercise until peeling completes (sweating on peeling skin is irritating)
- No makeup until Lori clears (typically day 5 or 6)
The following 2 to 4 weeks
- Continue daily broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Reintroduce your normal skincare only when Lori clears you – usually after 2 weeks
- No retinoids, glycolic acid, or exfoliating actives for 2 weeks after peeling completes
- Notice continued improvement in skin quality over 4 to 6 weeks
Why "provider-consistent care" matters for chemical peels
Chemical peels are more provider-dependent than many patients realize. Application technique, layer count, monitoring skin response during application, and post-peel guidance all affect both the result and the safety profile of the treatment. An experienced provider produces more predictable results and catches over-processing before it becomes a problem.
Every chemical peel at The Summit Aesthetics is personally performed by Lori Barone. The same experienced provider who assesses your skin at consultation is the same person applying the peel, monitoring your reaction, and guiding you through the peeling window at follow-up. No rotation. No delegation. That continuity is especially valuable across a peel series where each session’s dose and layer count builds on the previous one.
Specifically for chemical peels, this matters because:
- Real-time skin monitoring. The endpoint of a peel application (when to stop adding layers) is a judgment call based on real-time visible skin response. Lori’s 5+ years of experience across peel platforms means she reads these signals accurately.
- Series dose adjustment. Peel two builds on peel one; peel three builds on peel two. A provider who saw the previous peel adjusts the next accordingly. A rotating provider is starting from notes.
- Formulation selection. Choosing between VI Peel Original, Precision Plus, Advanced, or Purify depends on how your skin has been responding – which is easier to track across visits with the same provider.
Are chemical peels safe? Who should not be treated?
The VI Peel product family has a strong safety record when performed by a qualified provider on appropriate candidates. Serious complications are rare.
Common, expected, and short-lived
- Peeling and flaking for 5 to 7 days after treatment
- Temporary bronzing appearance for the first 24 to 48 hours
- Skin tightness and dryness during the peeling window
- Mild redness after peeling completes (a few days)
- Temporary sun sensitivity during recovery
Uncommon
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more likely if aftercare is not followed, in darker skin types, or with sun exposure during recovery)
- Prolonged redness beyond 2 weeks
- Cold sore reactivation in prone patients (prophylactic antiviral is available)
- Milia (small white bumps) during healing
Who should not get a chemical peel
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) – wait 6 to 12 months after finishing
- Anyone with active herpes outbreak, cold sore, or other active infection in the treatment area
- Anyone with a recent sunburn or tan in the treatment area – wait until fully faded
- Anyone with a history of keloid scarring
- Anyone allergic to any peel component (aspirin allergy is relevant for salicylic acid content)
- Anyone with severe, active dermatitis in the treatment area
- Anyone who cannot commit to the aftercare protocol – particularly the sun protection requirement
Frequently asked questions
Questions our patients ask most
How much do chemical peels cost in Clarks Summit, PA?
VI Peels are priced per session, with series pricing (3 to 4 peels) typically bundled at a discount versus paying per session. Cost also depends on the specific VI Peel formulation – Precision Plus and Advanced are priced differently from the Original. Lori will provide a specific total for your plan during your complimentary consultation. Call (570) 585-0201 to schedule.
How long does a chemical peel take to recover from?
Total recovery is 5 to 7 days for the visible peeling process, plus another 2 to 4 weeks of ongoing skin renewal underneath. Days 3 to 5 are the “peak peeling” window when the flaking is most visible – this is when most patients prefer to be less socially visible. By day 6 or 7, peeling has largely completed and you can wear light makeup to cover residual pink.
What's the difference between a VI Peel and a regular chemical peel?
The VI Peel is a specific, physician-formulated medium-depth peel from Vitality Institute. It combines TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and Vitamin C in balanced ratios engineered for consistent results across skin types. “Regular chemical peels” is a broad category that includes everything from light glycolic peels available at day spas to strong TCA peels used in dermatology practices. The VI Peel sits in the medium-depth category and is one of the few medium peels safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Are chemical peels safe on darker skin?
It depends on the specific peel. Many traditional TCA peels carry meaningful risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on Fitzpatrick IV, V, and VI skin. The VI Peel formulation is one of the few medium-depth peels specifically designed to be safe across all skin types, including darker skin. That said, careful sun protection during recovery is even more important for darker skin types – sun exposure on freshly peeled skin can trigger pigmentation regardless of the peel used.
Can chemical peels remove dark spots?
Yes – chemical peels are one of the most effective treatments for hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and melasma. The VI Peel Precision Plus formulation specifically targets pigmentation with added hydroquinone and kojic acid alongside the standard peel actives. A series of 3 to 4 Precision Plus peels typically produces meaningful improvement in dark spots. Sun protection is critical between and after treatments to keep the results.
Do chemical peels hurt?
The application produces a warm, tingling, sometimes stinging sensation for the few minutes the peel is being layered on. Most patients describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable. The peel is not painful during the hours it stays on your skin afterward – you’ll feel tightness and mild sensitivity but not pain. The peeling process itself is not painful either – the skin flakes and comes off without discomfort.
How often can I get a chemical peel?
Medium-depth peels like the VI Peel are typically done as a series of 3 to 4 peels spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. After the series, maintenance peels every 3 to 6 months keep results consistent. Doing peels too frequently doesn’t improve results and can increase the risk of complications, particularly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Can I do a chemical peel while pregnant?
No. Chemical peels are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The salicylic acid and retinoic acid components of medium-depth peels are not appropriate during these periods. We can revisit chemical peel treatment after breastfeeding is complete.
Should I do a chemical peel or a laser treatment?
They solve related but different problems. Chemical peels are among the most effective and cost-efficient options for hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, and general tone improvement. Laser treatments (RF microneedling, CO₂ laser) go deeper for wrinkle, texture, and firming concerns. Many patients ultimately use both across a treatment plan. Lori will discuss which is right for your specific concerns at consultation.
Ready to begin
Book your chemical peel consultation
Every new chemical peel patient begins with a complimentary consultation with Lori. The consultation includes a skin assessment, discussion of your concerns, VI Peel formulation selection, and a written treatment plan.
Investment
Custom pricing at consult
Financing
From ~$25/mo · Cherry 0% APR
Member savings
Save 10–20% →
The Summit Aesthetics
116 North State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 | Serving Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, and the wider NEPA region
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Serving Clarks Summit, Scranton, Kingston, and Northeastern Pennsylvania with physician-led aesthetic care in a calm, elevated setting.
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