Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), meaning it penetrates skin more effectively to loosen the bonds between dull, damaged surface cells.

Chemical Peels Ann Arbor
An Overview of Glycolic Peels
Session Length
20 minutes
Number of Sessions Needed
1 to 6
Downtime
Minimal
Results Duration
6 months
What It Treats
- Dullness
- Uneven skin tone
- Rough skin texture
- Enlarged pores
A Peel That Doesn’t Peel
A complexion that feels dull, congested, or uneven can make it feel like harsher treatments are your only option. The Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services is here to show you a new path to brighter, smoother skin. Glycolic chemical peels offer a more refined and progressive approach to renewal without dramatic peeling or extended recovery.




Unlike aggressive resurfacing procedures, glycolic peels work at a carefully selected depth. Dr. West selects the concentration and exposure time to match your skin’s needs.
Beyond exfoliation, our peels support cellular turnover and collagen activity. With a planned treatment series, you can expect progressive refinement in texture and clarity.
Why Patients Love It
The “No-Peel” Peel
You may experience mild flaking or tightness, but most patients return to normal activities the same day. It’s ideal for visible improvements without sacrificing work or social plans.
Buildable Results
Instead of a single dramatic intervention, glycolic peels deliver cumulative enhancements. Each session builds on the last, helping you maintain consistent radiance.
Versatile Treatment
Whether you’re addressing early signs of aging, acne-prone skin, enlarged pores, or uneven pigmentation, Dr. West adjusts your peel at every visit to ensure continued progress.
Glycolic Peels, Step by Step




We’re Ready
to Help
If you aren’t sure where to begin, our online Treatment Builder recommends services based on your unique concerns. Should you feel ready to take the next step, request your first visit with us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our glycolic treatments are formulated for precision and control, not dramatic shedding. Older chemical exfoliation methods often result in aggressive peeling and visible flaking. Dr. Jessica West customizes the formula’s concentration and your exposure time so your skin undergoes refined cellular turnover without excessive disruption.
Using high-quality glycolic chemical peels, Ann Arbor’s leading medical aesthetic provider can deliver progressive refinement. Tone, clarity, and smoothness can improve thanks to a polished, professional-level technique overseen by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
With a planned series, you can expect a brighter tone, softer texture, and more even complexion. Fine lines often appear less noticeable as surface irregularities smooth out and collagen activity and hyaluronic acid production increase. Pigmentation concerns related to sun exposure gradually fade, and pores can appear more refined as congestion decreases.
The transformation is cumulative rather than sudden. With chemical peels, Ann Arbor patients love seeing their results build, as it helps them maintain consistent luminosity. Healthier-looking skin can reflect light more evenly and looks more refreshed in everyday settings.
A peel may seem straightforward, but skin biology is complex. Selecting the correct acid strength, determining safe exposure time, and adjusting for your skin’s history requires advanced medical knowledge. As a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who trains other aesthetic providers and corrects poor outcomes from other cosmetic centers, Dr. West employs surgical-level discernment in each of her chemical peels.
Ann Arbor patients trust in her expertise, and enjoy results that are beautiful yet effortless. A deep anatomical understanding and commitment to precision guide each application, so you always look your best.
It’s common for makeup to apply more smoothly after a series of glycolic chemical peels. Ann Arbor’s leading medical aesthetics provider clears away buildup and smooths uneven texture, so your foundation is less likely to settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches. Skin often reflects light more evenly, which can create a natural glow both in person and on camera.
Even in high-definition photography, subtle refinements in texture and tone can make a meaningful difference. The result isn’t an altered appearance, rather a clearer, fresher-looking canvas, so makeup can enhance your features without overpowering them.
Professional exfoliation reaches beyond what at-home products can safely accomplish. Even medical-grade skincare has limits when accelerating cellular turnover at a deeper level. In-office treatments deliver a controlled reset that allows your daily products to perform more effectively.
When receiving chemical peels, Ann Arbor patients often find that consistent treatments enhance the performance of their topical regimens and pair seamlessly with other options, such as Morpheus8 or intense pulsed light, when clinically appropriate—though many see impressive clarity and smoothness from peels alone.
Consistency is the key to maintaining luminous skin. Many patients begin with a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart to build momentum, then transition to maintenance treatments every few months depending on their goals and skin’s behavior.
Related Treatments
Rejuvenation Awaits
Ready to begin? Use our online treatment builder to tell us your concerns, or simply request an appointment to begin your journey with us. You can also check out our blog for insights from leading aesthetic professionals.



