“Chemical peels are among the oldest and most effective skin treatments — when properly selected for skin type, properly prepared for, and properly supported through the healing phase with medical-grade skincare. We tailor the depth and formulation of every peel to the individual, and we are particularly attentive to the needs of melanin-rich skin — where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a real risk that demands careful management. Artisa Skincare was designed specifically with this concern in mind.”
What a chemical peel can do for you
Medical-grade chemical peels remove the outermost damaged layer of skin, revealing brighter, more evenly toned skin beneath. Dr. Truesdale's team customizes peel depth based on skin type, goals, and tolerance — safely effective across all Fitzpatrick types.
- Brighter, more even-toned skin — sun damage, dullness, and uneven pigmentation lift to reveal fresher skin underneath.
- Smoother texture and refined pores — the surface layer of damaged skin sheds, softening fine lines and visibly reducing pore size.
- Active acne & post-acne mark improvement — salicylic and other targeted peels treat current breakouts while fading the brown and red marks they leave behind.
- Customized to your skin tone — depth and formulation are tailored to every Fitzpatrick type, with extra care taken to protect melanin-rich skin from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- A range of options, from light to deep — lighter peels with minimal downtime, or deeper peels for more dramatic resurfacing — chosen with you based on your goals and recovery window. Visible peeling typically begins on Day 3 and lasts 5–7 days; do not peel or pick the flaking skin.
- Best when paired with a medical-grade skincare regimen — Artisa Skincare prepares the skin before and supports it after, protecting results across all skin tones.
Ready to discuss your chemical peel goals?
Chemical peel before & afters
Real chemical peel patients of Dr. Truesdale’s practice. Peel depth is selected carefully for each skin type — especially melanin-rich skin.
Your transformation starts with a conversation.
Understanding chemical peels
What a chemical peel is
Medical-grade chemical peels remove the outermost damaged layer of skin and reveal brighter, more even-toned skin beneath. Peel depth is customized based on skin type, goals, and tolerance — safely effective across every Fitzpatrick type.
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure that treats wrinkles, scars, uneven skin tone, and skin discoloration. A chemical solution is applied to the face to remove the top layers of skin, and the skin that grows back is smoother.
Chemical peels can be done at various depths of the skin. In general, lighter peels have faster recovery, but typically require more than one treatment. Dr. Truesdale or Nurse Jess will provide an expert opinion on the best peel for you based on your desired results.
We use the #1 brand of peel, VI Peel. Dr. Truesdale or his team will choose the right peel for you to:
Safe for all skin types
Formulated to be safe and effective across every skin type.
Medium-depth peel
Delivers meaningful resurfacing while keeping downtime manageable.
Results within 7 days
Visible skin renewal within a single week of treatment.
Fitzpatrick I–VI
Safe to use for all skin tones — including melanin-rich skin.
There are many chemical peels on the market. Dr. Truesdale or Nurse Jess will provide an expert opinion on the best peel for you based on your desired results, your skin type, and skin color. They can also combine a chemical peel with a surgical treatment if you are interested in tightening your skin or rejuvenating the skin from deep scars or wrinkles.
Chemical peel results depend entirely on the depth selected — from the mild luminosity enhancement of a superficial glycolic peel to the dramatic skin quality transformation of a medium TCA peel. The peel must be matched to the patient's skin type, concern, and tolerance for downtime.
For patients with melanin-rich skin, Dr. Truesdale takes a conservative approach — superficial peels with appropriate pre- and post-treatment skincare are the foundation. Medium and deep peels carry significant hyperpigmentation risk in darker complexions and require careful patient selection and preparation.
“My first chemical peel. The experience was great — the nurse was very nice and knowledgeable. I recommend Dr. Truesdale to anyone who wants a chemical peel.”
“I have been treated for chemical peels for more than 10 years — I thank God for surgeons like Dr. Truesdale who truly care and strive for the best possible results.”
“Nurse Jess did my cool peel laser and explained everything perfectly. She is amazing.”
Who chemical peels are for
If any of the following describes you, a chemical peel may be worth exploring:
What makes our approach different
From your first non-surgical consultation to your final follow-up, the same standards that define Dr. Truesdale’s surgical practice apply to every non-surgical treatment in our office.
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A credentialed clinical team, personally trained by Dr. Truesdale
Every non-surgical treatment is performed by a Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, or Physician Assistant who has been specifically trained, mentored, and credentialed by Dr. Truesdale himself — not contractors or rotating staff.
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Completely natural-looking results
Conservative dosing, restraint over over-correction, and the artist’s eye Dr. Truesdale brings to every facial-aesthetic decision — never a frozen, overfilled, or “done” look. Friends notice you look refreshed; nobody can identify what changed.
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Excellent patient care, every visit
A private, unhurried experience with continuity from one visit to the next — the same chart, the same standards, the same team. Detailed records of every treatment, dose, and product so your plan evolves with you over time.
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A true one-stop shop — surgery, med spa, and medical weight loss under one roof
Whether your goals are met with a single non-surgical treatment, a coordinated med-spa plan, a medical weight-loss program, or facial surgery — everything happens in the same Beverly Hills practice, with the same team and the same standards. No referrals out, no fragmented care.
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Physician oversight on every plan
Treatment plans are reviewed by Dr. Truesdale and built around your full facial anatomy and long-term goals — not isolated, transactional appointments. The same surgical mindset that informs every Masterpiece procedure shapes every non-surgical recommendation.
“A peel done well transforms skin. A peel done carelessly scars it. The distinction is who performs it.”
— Dr. Carl Truesdale, MD
Chemical Peel FAQ
Bring your own questions to consultation — Dr. Truesdale and/or his team answer every one personally.
The right peel depends on three factors: your skin type, your primary concern, and your tolerance for downtime. Superficial peels suit all skin types and require minimal downtime. Medium TCA peels are highly effective for pigmentation, acne scarring, and texture improvement in appropriate skin types (Fitzpatrick I–III). Deep phenol peels are reserved for significant photodamage and deep wrinkles in lighter complexions. Dr. Truesdale and/or his team will assess all three factors at consultation and recommend accordingly.
Superficial peels are generally safe for darker skin types with appropriate selection of non-aggressive acids and proper pre- and post-treatment skincare. Medium and deep peels carry significantly elevated risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin and require careful patient selection, pre-treatment with melanin-inhibiting agents, and meticulous post-peel care. Dr. Truesdale and/or his team are attentive to this risk and will not recommend a peel depth that poses unacceptable risk for your skin type.
For medium and deep peels: yes — preparation is important. A 2–4 week pre-treatment course of tretinoin accelerates cell turnover and ensures more even peel penetration. Hydroquinone or other melanin-inhibiting agents are added for patients at risk for PIH. Sun avoidance in the 2–4 weeks before treatment is essential. Superficial peels can generally be performed without extended preparation. Dr. Truesdale and/or his team will create the protocol that is right for you.
Yes — chemical peels are frequently combined with IPL (for enhanced pigmentation correction), Morpheus8 (at appropriately spaced intervals), and medical-grade skincare for comprehensive skin quality improvement. Peels and energy devices should be spaced 2–4 weeks apart to allow adequate healing between treatments. Dr. Truesdale and/or his team will recommend the right combination for your goals.
Superficial peels can be repeated monthly or even more frequently for select formulations. Medium peels are typically performed 1–2 times per year, allowing full skin recovery between treatments. Deep phenol peels are a once-in-a-decade treatment — the degree of skin remodeling they produce makes repeated treatment rarely indicated. Dr. Truesdale and/or his team will plan the ideal cadence for your skin.
Chemical peels can be started in the late 20s as preventative maintenance and are performed throughout life. Deeper TCA peels are most commonly chosen by patients between 40 and 65 addressing texture, pigment, and fine-line concerns.
The cost of chemical peel can vary based on the patient’s situation and whether it is combined with other treatments. At Truesdale Facial Plastic Surgery, we believe the provider’s experience and your comfort with the plan are just as important as the final cost. We can provide an approximate range over the phone, and your patient care coordinator will confirm pricing after your consultation.
Schedule your chemical peel consultation
Find the right peel depth and formulation for your skin type, concerns, and schedule. We respond same-day, Monday-Friday.
Book your treatment consultation online
After clicking the booking link, select “new patient” under Schedule Your Appointment and fill out the form to see our current availability and book immediately. Call or text us (424) 363-4112 for additional appointment times.All times are based on Los Angeles, Pacific Time (PT).
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