Don’t think that this generation is vain and consumed with appearance. Dating back to ancient times, there has been an interest in skin care and appearance. In Egyptian times, Cleopatra was famous for her potions to improve her skin texture. Apparently she always traveled with her herd of donkeys for their lactic acid which she applied in a poultice to her face.

Dr. Mandell-Brown & Dr. Maccarone

Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown and Dr. Gina Maccarone strive to offer Natural Look™ cosmetic surgery results in an educational, supportive environment. Each holds multiple board certifications, so you can rest assured that your surgeon has the credentials and aesthetic eye to precisely tailor your surgical plan for safe, aesthetically sound outcomes.

Portrait of Dr. Mandell-Brown and Dr. Maccarone smiling

Types of chemical peels

In modern times, we have a variety of products to help improve skin texture, improve wrinkles, and correct sun damaged skin.

Firecrackers (Mild)

  • Glycolic Peel
  • Pyruvic Peel
  • Micropeel
  • Retin-A
  • Renova
  • Glycolic Cream

Dynamite (Moderate)

  • Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel
  • Obagi Peel

Atomic Bomb (Strong)

  • Phenol Peel

What causes wrinkles? Typically heredity, sun exposure, smoking, and aging all are factors in causing wrinkles. As the elastin and collagen bundles are lost, the skin becomes more wrinkled. The stronger the peel, the more exfoliation of the epidermis (outer skin) and the more new collagen forms.

Mild facial peels can be used daily. They are helpful from a maintenance and prevention standpoint. Our aesthetician is available to help learn more about daily skin care.

The Glycolic Peels have been popular for several years, but truly are in the family of alpha hydroxyl acids which are related to the lactic acid that Cleopatra used! Potency ranges from 20% to 60%. These facials have no down time and improve skin texture, stimulate collagen and help with fine lines and blemishes. The Pyruvic peels have a cell metabolism enhancement at the under skin (dermis) level and further improve texture, tone, and pigment irregularities. The Micropeels are performed by our skin specialists and are a mild sanding procedure with diamond crystals to improve skin texture, large pores, and superficial scars.

The Trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA) come in a variety of strengths. We use 15%, 25%, and 35% to help blotchy skin, help wrinkles and texture. These peels are performed by Dr. Mandell-Brown and can be used on any facial area. There is typically a 3 to 7 day recovery with redness usually fading within one week. These peels can be performed 3 to 4 times per year.

The Phenol Peels are the ‘atomic bomb’ for wrinkle treatment. These peels are reserved for deep sun damaged and aged skin. These powerful facial peels are performed by Dr. Mandell-Brown and require a longer recovery. These peels are performed once or twice in a life time. Redness lasts for 4 to 12 weeks, but make-up can be applied after 7 to 8 days.

Related Procedures

Areas Served


Medically reviewed by Dr. Mandell-Brown — Updated on Mar 11, 2024