Chemical Peels in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh’s North Hills · ZO® Skin Health Medical-Grade Peels

Medical-grade exfoliation for those concerned about dull tone, discoloration, and uneven texture. Always Melissa.

Chemical peels use professionally applied acid solutions to lift away dead surface cells and prompt fresh cell turnover. At Aetheria we work with ZO Skin Health peels at two depths, a gentle no-downtime Stimulator Peel and a deeper 3-Step Peel, so the treatment can be matched to your skin and your schedule. Every peel is performed by Melissa Kolowitz, PA-C.

Book A Consultation Call (412) 385-3191

Aetheria Aesthetics treatment room in Pittsburgh's North Hills

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professionally applied solution that exfoliates the outer layers of the skin in a controlled way. As dull, damaged surface cells lift away, the skin steps up cell renewal and collagen production, revealing a fresher, more even complexion underneath.

At Aetheria we use ZO Skin Health peels because they offer well-studied formulas at more than one depth. The Stimulator Peel blends lactic, glycolic, and citric acids for a gentle refresh with little to no visible peeling. The 3-Step Peel combines retinol, salicylic acid, and TCA for deeper exfoliation, a few days of light flaking, and an at-home component that continues the renewal between visits.

A personalized peel reveals the fresh, healthy skin beneath the surface. Matching the depth to your skin, rather than defaulting to the strongest formula, is what keeps the result both visible and natural.

MELISSA KOLOWITZ, PA-C OWNER | PROVIDER

How a ZO Peel Works

Every peel works on the same principle: controlled exfoliation prompts the skin to renew itself. The depth of the peel decides how much renewal you get and how much downtime comes with it.

Two Depths

The gentle Stimulator Peel offers a quick refresh with no downtime; the 3-Step Peel works deeper for more lasting renewal.

Brighter, More Even Tone

Controlled exfoliation softens the look of dullness, discoloration, and sun damage.

Collagen Support

Peels stimulate cell turnover and support collagen production for smoother-feeling skin over time.

Downtime You Choose

From no visible peeling to a few days of light flaking, the depth you choose sets the recovery.

What Chemical Peels Treat

Peels work at the surface, which makes them the right tool for tone, clarity, and texture concerns. Common reasons patients come to Aetheria for a ZO peel include the following.

Dull, Uneven Tone

Lifts away the surface buildup that leaves a complexion looking tired or blotchy.

Sun Damage and Discoloration

Softens the look of sun spots and uneven pigment that accumulate over time.

Acne-Prone Skin

Salicylic acid in the deeper peel helps clear congestion and calm breakout-prone skin.

Superficial Acne Marks

Improves the look of shallow post-acne marks and the uneven texture they leave behind.

Fine Lines

Smooths early surface lines as exfoliation and collagen support take hold.

Enlarged Pores and Texture

Refines rough, congested texture and the look of enlarged pores.

Is a Chemical Peel Right For You?

A ZO peel may be a fit if you want a noticeable refresh without needles or significant downtime. Most patients we treat with peels share several of these characteristics:

Want brighter, more even tone or smoother surface texture
Are concerned about sun damage, discoloration, or breakout-prone skin
Like having a choice between a no-downtime refresh and a deeper renewal
Are not pregnant, and have no active infection, open lesion, or recent procedure at the treatment site
Want a provider who will recommend a different treatment when a peel is not the right answer

If deeper texture, scarring, or laxity concerns are the priority, Melissa may suggest microneedling or Morpheus8 instead, or a plan that sequences them. Individual results vary.

Why Aetheria for Chemical Peels

Peel results depend on choosing the right depth for your skin, preparing the skin properly, and supporting it afterward, not on reaching for the strongest acid available. A measured, considered approach is the right clinical approach, and it is how every peel is planned at Aetheria.

Every treatment is performed by Melissa Kolowitz, PA-C. Always Melissa. Same provider, same clinical eye every visit. The plan you agree on at consultation is the one Melissa carries out.

Provider-performed. Your peel is applied by a PA-C, not handed off.
Depth matched to your skin. Stimulator or 3-Step based on your skin, your history, and your calendar.
The full ZO system. Pre- and post-peel skincare guidance that protects and extends the result.
Honest fit assessment. If microneedling or another treatment is the better answer, Melissa will tell you.

Book A Consultation

Melissa Kolowitz, PA-C, founder and provider at Aetheria Aesthetics

Your Chemical Peel Visit

From first conversation to follow-up, here is how a ZO peel works at Aetheria.

Consultation

Melissa evaluates your skin type, concerns, and goals, then recommends the right peel depth and timing. About 30 minutes, with no pressure to treat the same day.

Your Peel

The solution is applied to cleansed skin in a controlled sequence. The gentle peel is comfortable throughout; the deeper peel can bring a brief tingling or warming feeling. Most sessions take about 30 minutes.

Recovery

The Stimulator Peel has no visible peeling, just a refreshed look. The 3-Step Peel brings light flaking that starts around day two and settles within about five days.

Results and Cadence

Many patients notice an immediate glow from the gentle peel, with deeper renewal building over one to two weeks after the 3-Step. Repeat peels are planned every few weeks to quarterly, based on your skin.

Common Questions About Chemical Peels

Which ZO peels do you offer, and how do they differ?

We offer two. The Stimulator Peel blends lactic, glycolic, and citric acids for a gentle, no-downtime refresh, often called a lunchtime peel. The 3-Step Peel combines retinol, salicylic acid, and TCA to work deeper, with a few days of light flaking and a longer-lasting renewal. Melissa recommends the depth that fits your skin, your concerns, and your calendar at consultation.

How much will my skin actually peel?

It depends on the depth. The Stimulator Peel produces little to no visible peeling, just a refreshed look. With the 3-Step Peel, light peeling or flaking typically starts two to three days after treatment and lasts up to about five days. We walk you through exactly what to expect and how to care for the skin while it sheds, so nothing comes as a surprise.

Does a chemical peel hurt, and is there downtime?

The Stimulator Peel is comfortable for nearly everyone. The 3-Step Peel can bring a mild tingling or warming feeling while it is applied, which settles quickly. Downtime follows depth: none for the gentle peel, and a few days of flaking for the deeper one. Most patients keep their normal routine and simply protect the skin from sun while it renews.

How often should I get a chemical peel?

For the Stimulator Peel, every two to four weeks keeps the refresh going. The 3-Step Peel is typically spaced every four to six weeks during a corrective series, then maintained quarterly or as your skin calls for it. Melissa builds a realistic cadence around your skin and goals, and adjusts it based on how your skin responds. Individual results vary.

How does a chemical peel compare with microneedling?

They renew the skin through different routes. A peel works chemically from the surface down, lifting away damaged outer layers, which makes it excellent for tone, discoloration, and surface texture. Microneedling works mechanically from within, prompting new collagen for scars and firmness. Many patients benefit from both in sequence, and Melissa helps you choose the right starting point at consultation.

What Patients Say

Pair Chemical Peels With

Peels work beautifully alongside other treatments at Aetheria. Here are the most common pairings.

Microneedling

Collagen-induction microneedling that works from within, often sequenced with peels for texture and clarity.

Explore Microneedling

ZO Skin Health

Medical-grade skincare that prepares your skin before a peel and protects the result afterward.

Explore ZO Skin Health

Morpheus8

Radiofrequency microneedling that reaches deeper to treat laxity and remodel tissue, for more advanced concerns.

Explore Morpheus8

Visit Aetheria in Pittsburgh’s North Hills

Chemical peels at Aetheria are by consultation. We serve patients across Pittsburgh’s North Hills, including Ross Township, Wexford, Cranberry Township, Sewickley, and Mars. Book online or call to schedule a clinical assessment with Melissa Kolowitz, PA-C.

Book A Consultation

Call (412) 385-3191