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Home / Esthetics / Chemical Peels Esthetics · PCA Skin

Chemical peels, built for your skin

We use PCA Skin, a physician-developed professional peel line. Each formula blends acids and brightening agents for a specific concern, and your esthetician can layer boosters to adjust the strength. That means a peel for acne, melasma, sun damage or fine lines, and a version that's safe for sensitive skin and every skin tone.

Find my peel Book a peel I–VI All Fitzpatrick skin types 0–7 days Flaking, depending on peel 10+ Formulas and boosters Most booked PCA Peel with Hydroquinone
How it works

What a peel actually does

As skin ages, cell turnover slows and dead cells build up, which shows as dullness, clogged pores and uneven tone. A professional peel speeds that cycle back up.

01 Exfoliate Acids loosen the bonds between damaged surface cells so they shed. 02 Stimulate The controlled exfoliation signals skin to boost cell turnover and collagen production. 03 Regenerate Fresh, even skin comes through, and your home care absorbs better on top of it. Key ingredients · tap one
Lactic acid
Salicylic acid
TCA
Mandelic acid
Azelaic acid
Kojic acid
Hydroquinone
Retinol
Lactic acid AHA · hydrating exfoliant

Loosens dead surface cells while drawing in moisture. Gentle enough for sensitive skin and a base in most PCA peels.

Peel finder

Our PCA peel menu

Choose your concerns to narrow the list, then tap a peel to see its ingredients and a day-by-day recovery. Your esthetician makes the final call at your appointment.

My concerns
Acne & congestion
Dark spots & melasma
Fine lines & sun damage
Sensitive or reactive
Dull, rough texture
First peel
Downtime
Any
No downtime
Under 5 days
7 of 7 peels match
PCA Therapeutic Treatments Clarify, Retexturize or Revitalize. A peel facial with no flaking. Very gentle
Oxygenating Trio An oxygenating, mild-acid treatment for an instant glow. Very gentle
Sensi Peel Brightens and evens tone while staying gentle on reactive skin. Gentle
Detox Gel Peel A purifying salicylic gel peel for breakouts and congestion. Gentle
PCA Peel Hydroquinone-Free The classic modified Jessner’s peel for tone, texture and acne. Moderate
PCA Peel with Hydroquinone Our go-to for stubborn dark spots, melasma and post-acne marks. Moderate
Ultra Peel Forte Our strongest PCA peel for lines, sun damage and acne scarring. Strong
Signature PCA Peel

PCA Peel with Hydroquinone

The same modified Jessner’s base plus hydroquinone and kojic acid, which slow pigment production while the acids lift existing discoloration. Most effective as a series.

Strength Moderate Downtime 3–5 days Skin types All Key actives Lactic acid Salicylic acid Hydroquinone Kojic acid Resorcinol Best for Melasma Sun spots Post-acne marks Your week after D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 Day 0–1 Tightness, and skin can look a little darker or shiny. Day 2–5 Visible flaking. Moisturize often and let it shed. Day 6+ Even tone and clearer pores come through. Book this peel
Customization

Boosters and layering

PCA peels are designed to be customized. Your esthetician can add layers of a base peel for more exfoliation, or finish with a retinol booster to plump, brighten and extend results. Boosters are added on top of a peel, not used alone.

Ultra Peel II 10% retinol Adds exfoliation, plumps and hydrates, and improves tone and texture. Best for normal to dry and mature skin. Esthetique Peel 10% retinol + 20% lactic Smooths, brightens and firms. Suited to normal to oily skin and anyone working on hyperpigmentation. Extra layers Same visit Each added layer of a base peel increases its depth. We build up over a series as your skin shows us how it responds.
Your appointment

Before, during and after

Before During After Full aftercare guide →
Results

Peels work best as a series

One peel gives you a glow. A series is what fades pigment, clears breakouts and smooths texture. Most plans space peels about four to six weeks apart, matching your skin's natural renewal cycle, then move to maintenance.

Glow & maintenance Every 4–6 weeks Acne & congestion 4–6 peels Dark spots & melasma 4–6 peels Lines & texture 3–5 peels Typical ranges. Your plan is set at your consultation. Pairs well with HydraFacial→ Hydration and extractions between peels. SkinPen microneedling→ Alternate with peels for scars and texture. Dermaplaning→ Removes fine hair and dead skin so a light peel works more evenly. Advanced acne program→ Peels plus a home routine for active breakouts. PCA Skin home care→ Keep results going between visits.

Great candidates

Anyone with acne or congestion, melasma and sun spots, dark marks left by breakouts, dull or rough texture, enlarged-looking pores, or early fine lines. PCA formulas are made to work across all skin tones, including deeper skin that's more prone to pigmentation.

Let's wait if you

Questions about peels

Do chemical peels hurt? +

Most clients feel warmth, tingling or brief itching for a few minutes while the peel is on. We use a fan and stop between layers so you stay comfortable.

Will I visibly peel? +

It depends on the formula and number of layers. Gentle treatments show no peeling, mid-strength peels cause light flaking for a few days, and our strongest peel can shed for up to a week.

Are peels safe for darker skin? +

Yes. PCA formulas are designed for all skin types, and we choose gentler, brightening-focused options like the Sensi Peel for skin that is prone to pigmentation.

How often can I get a peel? +

Usually every four to six weeks during a treatment series, then less often for maintenance. Gentle medi-facial peels can be done more frequently.

Can I wear makeup after? +

Mineral makeup is usually fine the next day after gentle and mid-strength peels. We’ll advise based on your peel.

What should I use at home? +

A gentle cleanser, rich moisturizer and daily SPF 30+. Once flaking stops, your esthetician may add PCA Skin products to keep results going.

When will I see results? +

Skin looks brighter within a week. Pigment, acne and texture improve progressively across a series.

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PCA Skin Chemical Peels in Pittsburgh | Avere Beauty
Home/Esthetics/Chemical Peels
Esthetics · PCA Skin

Chemical peels, built for your skin

We use PCA Skin, a physician-developed professional peel line. Each formula blends acids and brightening agents for a specific concern, and your esthetician can layer boosters to adjust the strength. That means a peel for acne, melasma, sun damage or fine lines, and a version that's safe for sensitive skin and every skin tone.

Find my peel Book a peel
I–VIAll Fitzpatrick skin types
0–7 daysFlaking, depending on peel
10+Formulas and boosters
Most booked PCA Peel with Hydroquinone
How it works

What a peel actually does

As skin ages, cell turnover slows and dead cells build up, which shows as dullness, clogged pores and uneven tone. A professional peel speeds that cycle back up.

01ExfoliateAcids loosen the bonds between damaged surface cells so they shed.
02StimulateThe controlled exfoliation signals skin to boost cell turnover and collagen production.
03RegenerateFresh, even skin comes through, and your home care absorbs better on top of it.
Key ingredients · tap one
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Peel finder

Our PCA peel menu

Choose your concerns to narrow the list, then tap a peel to see its ingredients and a day-by-day recovery. Your esthetician makes the final call at your appointment.

My concerns
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No single peel matches every filter. That's normal: we often combine a base peel with a booster.
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Book this peel
Customization

Boosters and layering

PCA peels are designed to be customized. Your esthetician can add layers of a base peel for more exfoliation, or finish with a retinol booster to plump, brighten and extend results. Boosters are added on top of a peel, not used alone.

Ultra Peel II10% retinolAdds exfoliation, plumps and hydrates, and improves tone and texture. Best for normal to dry and mature skin.
Esthetique Peel10% retinol + 20% lacticSmooths, brightens and firms. Suited to normal to oily skin and anyone working on hyperpigmentation.
Extra layersSame visitEach added layer of a base peel increases its depth. We build up over a series as your skin shows us how it responds.
Your appointment

Before, during and after

Before
  • Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for several days before. We'll confirm the exact window when you book.
  • Skip waxing, threading and depilatory creams on the treatment area for a week.
  • Avoid sunburn and tanning. Tell us about any cold sores so we can plan ahead.
  • First peel? Start with a gentler formula so we can see how your skin responds.
During
  • A skin analysis and consultation to choose the formula and number of layers.
  • Cleanse and prep to remove oil so the peel applies evenly.
  • The peel goes on in thin layers. Expect warmth, tingling or itching for a few minutes, and we use a fan to keep you comfortable.
  • Finished with soothing hydration and broad-spectrum SPF.
After
  • Some peels leave a light tint or tightness on day one. Leave the solution on as long as we advise.
  • Gentle cleanser, rich moisturizer and SPF 30+ every day. No retinoids or acids until flaking stops.
  • Don't pick or peel flaking skin. Let it shed on its own to avoid marks.
  • Skip heavy sweating, saunas and hot yoga for 48 hours.
Full aftercare guide →
Results

Peels work best as a series

One peel gives you a glow. A series is what fades pigment, clears breakouts and smooths texture. Most plans space peels about four to six weeks apart, matching your skin's natural renewal cycle, then move to maintenance.

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Typical ranges. Your plan is set at your consultation.
Pairs well with HydraFacial→Hydration and extractions between peels. SkinPen microneedling→Alternate with peels for scars and texture. Dermaplaning→Removes fine hair and dead skin so a light peel works more evenly. Advanced acne program→Peels plus a home routine for active breakouts. PCA Skin home care→Keep results going between visits.

Great candidates

Anyone with acne or congestion, melasma and sun spots, dark marks left by breakouts, dull or rough texture, enlarged-looking pores, or early fine lines. PCA formulas are made to work across all skin tones, including deeper skin that's more prone to pigmentation.

Let's wait if you

  • Are pregnant or nursing (some ingredients aren't recommended; we'll suggest alternatives)
  • Have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) recently
  • Have an active cold sore, open wound, rash or sunburn in the area
  • Have had laser, waxing or another peel on the area very recently
  • Are allergic to aspirin (salicylic acid) or hydroquinone

Questions about peels

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