What is a medical-grade chemical peel?

A medical-grade chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment that applies a carefully formulated acid solution to the skin, causing the outermost damaged layers to exfoliate and peel away. This controlled process stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin beneath. Medical-grade peels use higher concentrations of active ingredients than over-the-counter products and must be performed by a licensed professional.

Who performs chemical peels at Desert Sands?

Chemical peels at Desert Sands are performed by Tiffany Anderson, a licensed master esthetician (LME). Tiffany assesses each patient's skin type and concerns before selecting the appropriate peel strength and formulation.

How many chemical peel treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on your skin concern and the peel strength used. Superficial peels for general maintenance are often done in a series of 4–6 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Medium-depth peels may produce significant results in 1–3 sessions. Tiffany will recommend the appropriate treatment plan at your consultation based on your skin type, concern, and desired outcome.

What is the downtime for a chemical peel?

Downtime varies by peel depth. Superficial peels may cause mild redness and light flaking for 2–4 days with little social downtime. Medium-depth peels typically produce visible peeling for 5–7 days. During your consultation, Tiffany will explain exactly what to expect based on the specific peel you are receiving and provide detailed aftercare instructions to optimize your results.

Are chemical peels safe for darker skin tones?

Yes, with proper selection and technique. Certain peel formulations — including lactic acid, mandelic acid, and low-concentration glycolic peels — are well-suited for darker skin tones and carry a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Tiffany carefully assesses each patient's Fitzpatrick skin type before recommending a peel, and will always select the safest and most effective option for your complexion.

Chemical Peels and Dermaplaning in St. George, UT

Chemical Peels

Resurface. Renew.
Reveal.

A chemical peel uses a carefully formulated acid solution to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin — triggering the body's natural renewal process. As the treated skin sheds, fresher, smoother cells emerge with improved tone, texture, and clarity.

In Southern Utah, chemical peels address concerns that our environment creates in abundance: decades of high-altitude UV exposure, sun damage, pigmentation, and the chronic dehydration that accelerates surface aging. A properly selected peel works at the source of these problems — not just the surface.

At Desert Sands, no two peels are the same. Tiffany Anderson assesses your Fitzpatrick skin type, your specific concerns, and your tolerance before recommending the right formulation and strength. Every treatment is monitored throughout and every patient receives detailed aftercare guidance to ensure optimal healing and results.

Medical-grade formulations not available over-the-counter
Custom peel selection based on your skin type and concern
Performed by a licensed master esthetician with advanced training
Detailed aftercare protocol for every patient

Medical-grade chemical peel consultation at Desert Sands Aesthetics, St. George Utah

"The goal is always to go deep enough to achieve a real result — and never deeper than your skin needs."

— Tiffany Anderson, LME

Who Chemical Peels Help

Six concerns a peel addresses.

Chemical peels are one of the most versatile skin treatments available — effective for a wide range of concerns across nearly all skin types when properly selected and applied.

01

Sun Damage

Years of Southern Utah's high-altitude UV exposure leave their mark as mottled pigmentation, rough texture, and premature aging. Peels accelerate the removal of sun-damaged surface cells and stimulate the collagen that UV breaks down over time.

02

Hyperpigmentation

Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and age spots respond well to the right peel formulation. Certain acids — particularly kojic acid, mandelic acid, and lactic acid — specifically target excess melanin at the cellular level.

03

Acne & Breakouts

Salicylic acid and glycolic acid peels reduce active breakouts by exfoliating debris from within pores, decreasing oil production, and creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria cannot easily thrive.

04

Acne Scarring

Repeated chemical exfoliation stimulates collagen remodeling in the dermis — gradually improving the texture and depth of post-acne scarring. A series of peels combined with microneedling delivers compounded results.

05

Fine Lines & Texture

Medium-depth peels reach the upper dermis where collagen lives, triggering a renewal response that tightens and smooths the skin's surface over the weeks following treatment. Results improve with each session in a series.

06

Dull, Uneven Tone

Removing the buildup of dead, damaged surface cells immediately reveals brighter, more even skin beneath. Regular maintenance peels prevent the accumulation that causes skin to look tired and flat between seasons.

Peel Depths & Types

The right peel for your skin.

Not all chemical peels are the same. Strength, formulation, and depth are matched to your specific concern, skin type, and tolerance. Tiffany will recommend the appropriate approach at your consultation.

Superficial

Light Peel

Glycolic · Lactic · Mandelic · Salicylic

Works on the outermost layer of skin (epidermis). Ideal for general skin maintenance, mild discoloration, surface texture, and patients new to chemical peels. Minimal to no visible peeling.

Appropriate for all skin types including darker complexions. Often done in a series of 4–6 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart.

Downtime: 1–3 days of mild redness

Medium Depth

Medium Peel

TCA · Jessner's · High-Strength Glycolic

Penetrates to the upper dermis for more significant correction of sun damage, moderate hyperpigmentation, early acne scarring, and fine lines. Visible peeling typically occurs over 5–7 days.

Produces more dramatic results per session. Suitable for a range of skin types with proper pre-peel preparation and aftercare.

Downtime: 5–7 days of visible peeling

Deep / Combination

Combination Peel

Multi-Acid Blends · Targeted Protocols

Formulations combining multiple acids address complex or stubborn skin concerns — including melasma, deep textural irregularities, and longstanding sun damage. Each protocol is designed specifically for your skin.

Often paired with a preparation phase using prescription-grade topicals to reduce downtime risk and optimize results.

Downtime: 7–10 days depending on formulation

Pricing varies by peel type and formulation. Call (435) 522-5828 or book a consultation for a personalized recommendation and pricing.

What to Expect

Your peel experience.

A chemical peel at Desert Sands is a deliberate, carefully supervised process — not a quick retail treatment. Here is what happens from start to finish.

01

Consultation

Tiffany assesses your skin type, Fitzpatrick score, and specific concerns. She selects the peel formulation and discusses what to expect — including downtime, aftercare, and how many treatments you may need. No pressure, no guesswork.

02

Preparation

Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and any oils or makeup are removed. For medium-depth peels, a pre-peel solution may be applied to ensure even penetration across all areas of the face.

03

Treatment

The peel solution is applied and left on for a controlled period. You may feel mild tingling or warmth — normal sensations that indicate the acids are working. Tiffany monitors your skin's response throughout and neutralizes the solution at the right moment.

04

Aftercare

You leave with a detailed aftercare kit and written instructions. Peeling typically begins 2–3 days post-treatment. Avoid sun exposure, picking, and active ingredients until fully healed. Tiffany is reachable with any questions during your recovery.

Your Provider

Meet Tiffany Anderson, LME.

Licensed Master Esthetician

Tiffany Anderson

LME · Laser Specialist · Desert Sands Aesthetics & Laser

Tiffany Anderson is a licensed master esthetician with advanced training in chemical peels, dermaplaning, Dermasound, laser treatments, and microneedling. She leads the skincare program at Desert Sands and approaches every peel with precision and care — understanding that the right peel at the right depth delivers extraordinary results, while the wrong selection causes unnecessary discomfort and risk.

Tiffany takes the time to explain what she is recommending and why. She wants every patient to understand their skin — not just receive a treatment — and leaves each appointment with the knowledge to care for their results at home. Her approach is thorough, warm, and genuinely invested in your outcomes.