Beverly Hills Dermatology
Chemical Peels in Beverly Hills
Dr. Zaks performs salicylic acid peels and the Cosmelan® depigmentation system.
- Verified Reviews
- 792
- Overall Rating
- 4.77★
- Bedside Manner
- 4.84★
- Years in Practice
- 20+
Overview
A chemical peel applies a controlled chemical agent to the skin to accelerate exfoliation and stimulate renewal. Dr. Zaks deliberately limits his practice to two agents. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, meaning it is lipid-soluble and penetrates into the sebaceous follicle — which makes it the right choice for acne, congestion, oiliness, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Cosmelan® is a professional depigmentation system that works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin synthesis, and is used for melasma and stubborn pigmentation.
This restriction is intentional, not a limitation. Deeper TCA peels and glycolic acid peels carry a meaningfully higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, prolonged redness, and unpredictable healing — particularly in the skin of color that makes up a large part of a Los Angeles dermatology practice. Salicylic acid and Cosmelan® deliver reliable results with a far more favorable safety profile. Dr. Zaks performs every peel personally, so the agent, contact time, and number of passes are chosen and controlled by a board-certified dermatologist.
What Chemical Peels Address
Active Acne and Congestion
Salicylic acid is lipid-soluble and penetrates the sebaceous follicle, clearing comedones and reducing inflammatory lesions.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Brown marks left behind by acne respond to salicylic acid peels combined with daily mineral sunscreen at SPF 30+.
Melasma and Stubborn Pigmentation
The Cosmelan® system inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production, used with a structured home maintenance protocol.
Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores
Regular salicylic acid peels reduce surface oil and follicular plugging, improving the appearance of pores.
Dull, Uneven Texture
Controlled exfoliation improves surface smoothness and light reflection without the downtime of a deep peel.
The Treatment Experience
Skin evaluation and preparation
Dr. Zaks assesses your skin type, pigment risk, and concern, and advises which agents and home products to pause before treatment.
Cleansing and degreasing
The skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased so the peel penetrates evenly — uneven prep is a common cause of patchy results.
Peel application
The peel is applied in controlled passes with Dr. Zaks monitoring your skin's response. Most patients feel tingling or mild stinging for a few minutes.
Aftercare and series
Expect mild flaking for several days. Daily mineral sunscreen at SPF 30+ is required. Peels are generally performed in a series spaced weeks apart, with the Cosmelan® system following its own defined home protocol.
Important Information
- This practice uses salicylic acid peels and the Cosmelan® system only. Dr. Zaks does not perform TCA or glycolic acid peels.
- Daily mineral sunscreen at SPF 30+ is mandatory before and after any peel — sun exposure after a peel is the most common cause of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Patients with darker skin types require conservative protocols, since aggressive peeling itself can trigger pigmentation.
- Retinoids and exfoliating actives are usually paused for several days before and after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't you offer TCA or glycolic acid peels?
Because their risk profile isn't justified by their benefit for most patients. Deeper TCA peels and glycolic acid peels carry higher rates of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, prolonged redness, and unpredictable healing, especially in skin of color. Salicylic acid and Cosmelan® achieve excellent results far more safely.
What is Cosmelan®?
A professional depigmentation system that inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme required for melanin production. It is used for melasma and stubborn pigmentation, and involves an in-office application followed by a structured home maintenance protocol.
How much peeling and downtime should I expect?
Salicylic acid peels typically cause mild flaking for a few days. Cosmelan® produces more visible peeling in the first week. Dr. Zaks will tell you exactly what to expect before you commit to a date.
How many peels will I need?
Salicylic acid peels are usually performed in a series spaced several weeks apart. Cosmelan® follows its own protocol, with results built and maintained through the home regimen.
Are peels safe for darker skin tones?
Salicylic acid peels and Cosmelan® are the agents Dr. Zaks specifically chose because they are safer across skin tones. Protocols are still kept conservative, since darker skin is more prone to post-inflammatory pigment.
Can I have a peel if I use tretinoin?
Yes, but you should discontinue tretinoin and other retinoids more than one week before a peel, and avoid restarting them until your skin has fully recovered. Bring your full product list to your appointment.
Patient Reviews
“I have been going to Dr. Zaks for over 4 years. His outstanding skill, great bedside manner, warm personality, and artistry with Botox make me come back again and again!”
“I had Rosacea on my face for over 10 years. Dr. Zaks quickly reduced this embarrassing condition. Nobody else could help me. He's the best Dermatologist in LA hands down!”
“Dr. Zaks did not rush and he gave me 100% attention. He did not try to sell me product or convince me to try aggressive procedures which I appreciated.”
“Doctor took the time to explain the technical aspects of my condition, the treatment options and the expectations.”
About Dr. Boris Zaks, MD
Dr. Boris Zaks personally performs every procedure at Superior Beverly Hills Dermatology — never rotating assistants. He has practiced dermatology in Beverly Hills for more than twenty years.
- Board Certified — American Board of Dermatology (since 2002)
- Medical Degree — UCLA School of Medicine
- Chief Resident — Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
- B.S. Biology — UCLA, Summa Cum Laude (age 19)
- Medical Board of California Expert Reviewer since 2009
- Super Doctors® 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2027 (Southern California)
- "Rock Star Dermatologist" — Glamour Magazine
Schedule Your Consultation
435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 408, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · Monday–Friday · (310) 552-3376
Paid parking on-site, or free 2-hour parking at 461 N. Bedford Drive Garage, 1 block away
Areas Served
Patients seek Chemical Peels at Dr. Zaks’s Beverly Hills office from throughout greater Los Angeles: West Hollywood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine.