Over time, the skin becomes less efficient at producing new, healthy cells, meaning the top layers of the skin can become dry, flat, and textured. The function of a chemical peel is to produce an evenly controlled shedding of these damaged skin cells. This exposes a new, fresh layer of skin with a more even color and a smoother texture. In addition, medium peels can stimulate collagen production and cause new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin, which decreases wrinkling. By reaching the deeper layers of skin, medium chemical peels can even help treat actinic keratosis, pre-cancerous skin cells.
By using a higher concentration of chemicals, medium chemical peels can reach deeper and produce more drastic results than light chemical peels, making them an effective option for deeper wrinkles, scars, and other concerns. However, they do not require as long a recovery time as deep chemical peels.
Jessner’s solution uses a cocktail of three ingredients: a beta hydroxy acid called salicylic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid called lactic acid, and an antiseptic called resorcinol. This powerful combination of chemical ingredients exfoliates the upper-middle layers of the skin to address acne, acne scarring, rough skin texture, sun-damaged skin, and uneven skin tone. Patients may experience skin peeling for up to one week before a healthy layer of new skin is revealed.
Glycolic acid is another common agent used in chemical peels. Glycolic acid peels can reduce signs of aging, improve skin texture, and treat deep pigmentation, like dark spots, age spots, and blotchy skin. Most patients experience flaking for three to five days after treatment and undergo a series of four peels spaced three weeks apart.
Before a chemical peel, patients will schedule a consultation with one of Dr. Jennifer Janiga’s trained advanced aestheticians so they can review their medical history and discuss their desired results. Patients with sensitive skin types and those with an active skin infection, including acne or cold sores, may not be good candidates for a medium-depth peel. JanigaMDs will provide specific instructions about how to prepare for a chemical peel. This may include avoidance of exfoliating skincare products for 1-2 weeks and taking care to avoid sunburns before treatment.
Chemical peels are performed by one of our experienced advanced medical aestheticians at our Reno office. The procedure begins by cleansing the face to remove makeup and surface debris. Next, a chemical solution is applied and left on the skin for a few minutes so that the chemical formula can break down the damaged skin cells. Patients may feel a mild tingling or burning sensation, but it is often not considered painful. To complete the chemical peel process, Dr. Janiga will remove the peel solution from the skin and apply moisturizer to minimize dryness and irritation.
Medium chemical peels can come with a few days of downtime as the peeling skin recovers, so it’s important to follow care instructions, including using certain skincare products, keeping the treated area moisturized, and avoiding direct sun exposure. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication can be used to alleviate any discomfort. Sun protection with daily sunscreen application and wide-brimmed hats is crucial post-procedure to prevent sun damage and potential complications like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Harsh skincare products like facial scrubs and retinol should also be avoided during the initial healing period. JanigaMDs and your advanced aesthetician will provide a detailed list of post-treatment instructions to help you recover safely and confidently.
Most patients experience skin redness and peeling for the first few days, so you may require a few days off work if you have a job where the appearance of the skin will matter. You are able to work on a computer or phone the same day, but you will likely want to be out in public until the peeling is done if your job is sensitive to that. Most normal activities can be resumed within one to two weeks.
As your skin heals and regenerates, you’ll see a noticeable difference in appearance, texture, and tone, which will only improve with repeated treatments. Be careful not to pick at the treatment area.
JanigaMDs Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Center is the only practice in Northern Nevada to offer the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Timothy Janiga, and a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Janiga, under one roof. Together, they provide personalized treatment plans that address individual skin concerns and aesthetic goals, combining advanced techniques with attentive care and expertise. At JanigaMDs, we are pleased to offer light peels, medium-depth peels, and deep peels to effectively target a wide range of skin concerns.
Dr. Jennifer Janiga brings extensive training and clinical experience to every peel procedure. She completed her dermatology residency at the Henry Ford Health System and further advanced her expertise through fellowships in laser and light therapies, as well as psoriasis research. Her approach emphasizes careful evaluation, clear communication, and compassionate care to ensure the best results for each patient. A combined focus on aesthetics and skin health comes together to ensure patient safety and ongoing support with long-term cosmetic care.
Dr. Janiga’s professional accolades highlight her dedication to exceptional patient experiences and results-driven treatment plans. She has been repeatedly honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Dermatology and earned awards such as Best of Reno Dermatologist, Best of Reno Medical Spa, and Top 5% of America’s Most Honored Professionals. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, as well as an elected member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
At JanigaMDs, your medium chemical peel is performed in a supportive med spa environment focused on rejuvenation and improved skin texture. With Dr. Janiga’s expertise and JanigaMDs’ comprehensive suite of cosmetic procedures, you can expect thoughtfully planned treatments that focus on your unique needs and aesthetic goals.
To begin planning your unique chemical peel treatment, contact our office for a consultation with our skincare experts by calling 775-364-0224 or filling out our online form.
Discover Clearing Up Skin Care by Dr. Jennifer Janiga—a no-nonsense guide to understanding your skin, choosing the right products and treatments, and building a routine that truly works for you. Pick up a copy in our office or purchase online to start building a routine that works.

Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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