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Chemical Peels in Covington, KYMicro and TCA Peels for Brighter, Smoother Skin

Treatment Time:
30-45 minutes
Downtime:
1 to 7 days
Results Last:
3 to 6 months
Series:
3 sessions
Patient receiving a chemical peel application at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa in Covington, KY

Resurfacing Done Right

Chemical Peels Matched to Your Skin

Chemical peels are still the most direct way to reset tone and texture, and at our Covington, KY practice we keep two depths in house: a gentle Micro Peel for brightness and congestion, and a deeper TCA Peel for fine lines, sun damage and textured scarring. Patients come to us from Kenton County, Newport, Park Hills and Ludlow, and from across Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH.

Your peel is planned and performed by Elizabeth Taylor, APRN, who brought a background in acute care medicine and advanced aesthetic training with her to Applegate Dentistry & MedSpa. She matches the acid, the strength and the number of passes to your skin type and your calendar, so you get genuine resurfacing without recovery you did not sign up for.

Side by side comparison of Micro Peel and TCA Peel solutions used at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa

Micro or TCA

Micro Peel or TCA Peel: Choosing Your Chemical Peel

Two depths, one decision

Micro Peel: 3 sessions at $150 each. This is the gentle end of the range, a superficial blend that lifts dead surface cells without taking you out of your week. It suits congested or breakout-prone skin, a tired winter complexion, and anyone trying peels for the first time. Expect light flaking for a day or two rather than true sheeting. Many patients run a series through the year to keep dull, dehydrated skin in check.

TCA Peel: 3 sessions at $250 each. Trichloroacetic acid works deeper, which is what fine lines, sun spots and textured acne scars actually need. Skin tightens and darkens slightly for a day, then sheets over roughly five to seven days before the new surface settles. It asks more of your calendar and your sun discipline, and it delivers the bigger change. Elizabeth will tell you honestly which depth your skin is ready for.

Understanding Peels

What Is a Chemical Peel?

Controlled resurfacing, by depth

A chemical peel is a controlled resurfacing treatment. A cosmetic acid solution is applied so damaged surface cells release and shed, letting fresher skin come forward. Depth is what separates one peel from another: our Micro Peel is a superficial peel for tone, dullness and congestion, while our TCA Peel works at medium depth for fine lines, sun damage and textured scarring.

The acid loosens the bonds holding dead cells to the surface, and that measured, shallow injury signals the skin to rebuild. New collagen forms over the following weeks and pigment settles more evenly, so tone looks clearer and texture feels smoother rather than simply cleaner. Most patients complete three sessions spaced a few weeks apart.

Treatment Timeline:

Treatment Time:
30-45 minutes
Peeling Begins:
Day 2 to day 4
Full Effect:
4 to 6 weeks after your series
Recovery:
1-2 days Micro, 5-7 days TCA

Your Visit

What a Peel Appointment Looks Like

Start to finish in under an hour

  1. Skin Typing

    Elizabeth reviews your history, Fitzpatrick type and pigment risk before choosing an acid.

  2. Prep

    The skin is double cleansed and degreased so the solution absorbs evenly across the area.

  3. Application

    Elizabeth applies the Micro or TCA solution in timed passes, watching the frost and your comfort.

  4. Neutralize and Protect

    The peel is neutralized or left to self-neutralize, then barrier cream and SPF go on.

What Peels Treat

Concerns a Peel Series Addresses

Tone, texture and clarity

Soft abstract background of layered pink and plum tones suggesting fresh, renewed skin after a peel

  • Active Breakouts

    Salicylic based peels clear pore congestion and calm inflammation

  • Uneven Skin Tone

    Fades sun spots and post-breakout marks for a more even complexion

  • Dullness

    Lifts the tired surface layer so skin reflects light again

  • Fine Lines

    Medium depth TCA softens early creasing around the eyes and mouth

  • Acne Scarring

    Repeated TCA passes smooth shallow, textured post-acne scars

  • Congested Pores

    Clears the buildup that makes pores look larger than they are

Benefits of Chemical Peels

What a series gives you

Two DepthsA gentle Micro Peel or a deeper TCA PeelQuick SessionsMost peels are applied and finished in 30 to 45 minutesMore Than FaceNeck, chest and hands can be treated alongside the faceLayered ResultsA series of three builds tone and texture change graduallyNo Devices NeededA good route if you would rather avoid lasers or needles

Chemical Peels vs Other Resurfacing

Acids, blades, radiofrequency and crystals all resurface skin. Here is how they differ on depth, recovery and result.

TreatmentMechanismSession TimeResults AppearResults LastDowntimeBest For
Chemical PeelsCosmetic acid dissolves bonds between surface cells30-45 minutes5 to 10 days3 to 6 months1-2 days Micro, 5-7 days TCATone, dullness, breakouts, fine lines
DermaplaningSterile blade shaves dead cells and vellus hair30 minutesImmediately3 to 4 weeksNoneInstant smoothness and makeup finish
Skin Resurfacing with Exion Clear RFSmart microablation targeting sebaceous glands30-45 minutes2 to 4 weeks6 to 12 months1 to 3 daysClarity, pore size, active acne
MicrodermabrasionCrystal or diamond tip abrades the outer layer30 minutesImmediately2 to 4 weeksNoneVery superficial polish only
RF Microneedling with ExionNeedles deliver radiofrequency into the dermis45-60 minutes4 to 8 weeks12 months or more2 to 3 daysDeeper scarring, laxity, collagen

Candidacy

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

Depth follows your skin type

Peels suit more people than most expect, but the right depth depends on your skin type, your pigment risk and how much recovery you can realistically give it.

Good Candidates for a Chemical Peel

  • Adults with uneven skin tone, sun spots or post-breakout marks
  • Congested, breakout-prone skin that has not responded to home care, including ongoing acne
  • Early fine lines and rough texture that make the complexion look tired
  • Shallow, textured post-acne scarring that does not yet call for needling
  • Anyone who wants resurfacing without lasers or needles

Who Should Wait or Choose Another Option

  • Active cold sores, open lesions or any skin infection in the treatment area
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding, where we defer peels until afterward
  • Isotretinoin use within the last six months
  • Recent sunburn, waxing or laser treatment in the same area
  • A history of keloid scarring or unmanaged melasma

Deeper skin tones can absolutely be peeled, but pigment safety drives the plan. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that peel depth determines both the result and the risk, which is why we start conservatively and build. If your main concern is pore clarity or active acne rather than surface tone, skin resurfacing with Exion Clear RF may be the better first step, and we will say so.

Side Effects and Safety

What to watch for

Nurse Practitioner Led Care

Why Choose Applegate Dentistry & MedSpa for Chemical Peels in Covington, KY

Covington and Northern Kentucky

Elizabeth Taylor, APRN built her career in acute care medicine and trained in aesthetics before joining Dr. Barry Applegate here, and it shows in how conservatively she starts and how readily she escalates once your skin proves it can take more.

Book a Consultation

  • Dentist-Founded

    Dr. Applegate brings facial anatomy expertise to every plan

  • Both Depths In House

    Micro and TCA are both available, so you are never upsold

  • Skin Typed First

    Fitzpatrick typing guides acid choice and pigment safety

  • Aftercare Included

    Written protocols and SkinCeuticals home care protect results

  • Series Pricing

    Micro Peel $150 and TCA Peel $250 per session, sold as a series of three

  • Start Gentle, Step Up

    No penalty for beginning with a Micro Peel and moving to TCA once your skin proves ready

Peel Pricing

Chemical Peel Cost in Covington, KY

Transparent series pricing

Chemical peels at our Covington, KY practice are priced by depth and sold in a series of three, because one peel rarely does what three will.

Chemical Peel Pricing

  • Micro Peel: $150 per session, 3 session series
  • TCA Peel: $250 per session, 3 session series

Your consultation decides which depth you start with, and there is no penalty for starting gentle and moving up later. Many patients alternate a peel series with dermaplaning at $100 per treatment to keep the surface smooth between rounds. Medical grade home care is quoted separately.

Flexible Payment Options

We want the plan to fit your budget, not the other way around.

  • Cherry Financing - monthly payment plans with a quick approval process and options for a range of credit profiles.
  • Major credit cards - accepted for a single session or a full series.
  • HSA and FSA - health spending account funds are accepted where your plan administrator allows the treatment, so check your plan first.

Peels are cosmetic, so insurance does not cover them. Call (859) 365-3300 or book online for a firm quote based on your skin rather than a menu price.

Promotional pricing available at consultation. Call to schedule a free consult.

Patient receiving a gentle dermaplaning treatment with a sterile blade at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa in Covington, KY

Related Treatment

Dermaplaning

Manual exfoliation that clears dead skin and peach fuzz for a visibly smoother, brighter surface.

  1. Immediate Results
  2. Needle Free
  3. Better Absorption
Learn More

Related Treatment

Skin Resurfacing with Exion Clear RF

Smart microablation that refines tone, texture, pore size and clarity.

  1. Broad Skin Improvement
  2. Short Recovery
  3. No Needles
Learn More

Related Treatment

RF Microneedling with Exion

Fractional radiofrequency delivered through fine needles to firm skin, refine pores and smooth texture.

  1. Your Own Collagen
  2. Multiple Concerns
  3. Short Recovery
Learn More

Related Treatment

Emface

Needle free facial lifting

  1. No Needles
  2. Zero Downtime
  3. Muscle and Skin
Learn More

Common Questions

Chemical Peel FAQ

How much does a chemical peel cost in Covington, KY?
A Micro Peel is $150 per session and a TCA Peel is $250 per session, and both are sold as a series of three. Your consultation determines which depth you start with, and we confirm the full cost before anything is applied. Cherry Financing is available if you would rather spread a series across monthly payments.
What is the difference between a Micro Peel and a TCA Peel?
Depth. The Micro Peel is superficial, lifting dead surface cells for brighter tone and clearer pores with roughly a day or two of light flaking. The TCA Peel uses trichloroacetic acid at medium depth, which reaches fine lines, sun damage and textured acne scarring, and it sheds over about five to seven days.
Does a chemical peel hurt?
Most patients describe stinging or heat rather than pain. A Micro Peel feels like a warm tingle for a few minutes. A TCA Peel stings more sharply during each pass, so we use a cool air fan and time every pass to keep it comfortable. The sensation stops once the solution is neutralized or removed.
How long does a chemical peel appointment take?
Plan on 30 to 45 minutes in the treatment room. Cleansing and degreasing take about ten minutes, the solution itself sits for a matter of minutes, and the rest is neutralizing, cooling and applying barrier care. Your first visit runs slightly longer because Elizabeth reviews your history and types your skin.
When will I see results from a chemical peel?
Tone usually looks brighter within a week of the first peel, once the flaking finishes. Texture and pigment changes build across the series and read clearest about four to six weeks after the third session. A TCA Peel shows a larger single-session change than a Micro Peel, but both improve with repetition.
How many chemical peels do I need?
We sell peels in series of three, spaced roughly three to four weeks apart, because resurfacing compounds. Many patients then maintain with one peel every three to six months. If your concern is stubborn texture or scarring, Elizabeth may suggest alternating peels with another skin treatment rather than adding peels.
How long do chemical peel results last?
Expect three to six months from a completed series, depending on the depth you chose, your sun exposure and your home care. Daily sunscreen is the single biggest factor. Patients who stay consistent with medical grade skincare hold their results noticeably longer than those who stop after the last session.
Can I get a chemical peel on darker skin?
Yes, with planning. Deeper skin tones respond well to peels but carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so we type your skin, often prime it with a brightening agent beforehand, and begin at a conservative strength. Elizabeth typically recommends the Micro Peel first and assesses how your skin responds.
What is the downtime after a chemical peel?
A Micro Peel usually means one to two days of tightness and light flaking that makeup covers easily. A TCA Peel means five to seven days of visible peeling, so most patients book it for a quieter week. Avoid heat, hard exercise and direct sun for 48 hours after either depth.
Should I choose a chemical peel or a device treatment?
It depends on your concern and your downtime. Peels excel at surface tone, dullness and congestion. If pore size, clarity or active breakouts lead your list, skin resurfacing with Exion Clear RF may suit you better, and deeper scarring often responds to RF microneedling. We compare all three at consultation.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
Often yes, just not on the same day. Dermaplaning before a peel series can help the solution absorb more evenly, and many patients alternate peels with device treatments through the year. We space anything energy based at least two weeks away from a peel so the skin barrier recovers fully first.
Location322 Greenup StCovington, KY, 41011Phone(859) 365-3300Emailinfo@applegatemedspa.com

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References

  1. Liu H et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (2020). A Cochrane review of topical acne therapies found evidence that alpha hydroxy acid preparations reduce acne lesion counts. PMID: 32356369.
  2. Ravikumar B et al., J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (2022). A double blinded randomized controlled trial reported that alpha and beta hydroxy acid peels significantly improved postacne pigmentation. PMID: 35309278.
  3. Shao X et al., Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). (2023). A 30 percent supramolecular salicylic acid peel reduced inflammation and shifted skin microbiota in moderate to severe acne vulgaris. PMID: 36350527.
  4. Manjhi M et al., J Cutan Aesthet Surg. (2024). A split-face study of 70 percent glycolic acid versus 30 percent trichloroacetic acid found both peels improved facial atrophic acne scars. PMID: 39483653.
  5. Maruma F et al., Int J Womens Dermatol. (2025). A retrospective review found sequential high concentration glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid peels effective and safe in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. PMID: 40620441.
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