Active acne and oily-prone skin
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble. It dissolves sebum and clears the pore from the inside, which is the mechanism that reduces fresh breakouts, not just the marks left after.
3 to 5 sessions, monthly
MEDICAL-GRADE CHEMICAL PEEL
Five acids in one chemical peel: AHA + BHA + Resorcinol at 14%
Dr Samantha applies a 14% medical-grade Modified Jessner Peel for active acne, dull tone, and post-acne marks. She watches for the frosting signal to keep depth controlled. From SGD 280, 3-5 sessions monthly.
From SGD 280
TREATMENT MENUSGD 280
Pricing for every variant.
Modified Jessner Peel (Chemical Peel)
What is inside a medical-grade chemical peel at Nexus
A chemical peel at Nexus is the Modified Jessner Peel applied by Dr Samantha. The formula combines five acids that each do a different job on the skin, applied in a single layered protocol and watched in real time for depth.
The 14% concentration is what separates a medical-grade peel from an at-home formulation. Higher active strength means deeper resurfacing, which means the depth has to be controlled by a doctor watching the skin in real time. That is why it cannot be sold over the counter.
Three concerns a medical grade chemical peel addresses
The Modified Jessner Peel is not a treatment for every skin concern. It is matched to three specific surface-layer issues where the multi-acid blend has a mechanism to act on each.
For deeper concerns such as atrophic acne scars or stubborn melasma, a peel is the wrong starting modality. Those route to subcision, Pico Laser, or Rejuran S protocols instead.
Why frosting is the wash-off signal during a peel
A medical-grade peel works because it penetrates deeper than retail formulations. That same depth can cause burns if the acid is left on too long. Dr Samantha applies the peel herself and watches for one specific visual cue called frosting.
A therapist working a fixed protocol cannot adjust depth mid-application. A doctor watching for frosting can. For skin that carries melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or sensitivity, that real-time adjustment is the difference between a peel that improves tone and a peel that triggers pigment rebound.
Who a chemical peel suits and who needs doctor review first
A consultation decides whether the peel is the right next step or whether another modality fits better. The shortcut filter Dr Samantha applies looks like this.
Suitable for
Generally suits
- Active mild-to-moderate acne or oily-prone skin
- Dull skin texture wanting cell turnover
- Post-acne marks (PIH) on healed lesions
- Patients comfortable with 2 to 4 days of light flaking
- Patients willing to use daily SPF between sessions
Take care
Doctor review first
- Active eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea flare
- Recent isotretinoin (within 6 months)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Open lesions, cold sores, or unhealed acne wounds
- History of keloid scarring
- Recent sunburn, laser, or ablative procedure on the area
If any item on the right column applies, the consultation routes to a different modality or a delayed peel start.
Final candidacy is determined at the SGD 80 consultation by Dr Samantha, not by self-screening online.
What happens during a chemical peel appointment at Nexus
A first peel session takes about 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to leaving. The Sam walkthrough has five steps, watched in real time for depth.
- 0 to 5 min
Cleanse + skin read
Skin is cleansed and Dr Samantha assesses whether today is a full peel or a half-strength first pass.
- 5 to 10 min
Pre-peel prep
Eyes are shielded. Petroleum jelly is applied to lip and nostril edges to block acid migration into mucosa.
- 10 to 20 min
Modified Jessner application
Layered application of the multi-acid blend. Dr Samantha watches the skin under direct light for the frosting cue.
- 20 to 25 min
Wash-off at frosting signal
The moment small white patches appear, the acid is neutralised and washed off. Depth stays superficial-to-medium by design.
- 25 to 35 min
Soothing + sunscreen
A calming layer is applied. Mineral sunscreen is the only product allowed on the skin for the first 24 hours.
Total chair time: 30 to 45 minutes for a first session.
The frosting watch in step 4 is the protocol's safety mechanism. Without it, the same acid blend could over-penetrate. With it, depth stays inside the superficial-to-medium window.
What to expect after a Modified Jessner Peel
Recovery is mild by design because the depth is controlled. Light flaking for 2 to 4 days is the most visible signal. Individual results vary.
Worth knowing
Common, expected
- Light flaking for 2 to 4 days as the resurfaced layer sheds
- Mild redness for the first 12 to 24 hours
- Skin feels tight or slightly dry for several days
- Visible tone improvement after the flaking phase
Take care
What to avoid (first 7 days)
- Direct sun without daily mineral sunscreen
- Retinoids, vitamin C serums, or AHA/BHA at-home actives
- Physical scrubs, facial brushes, or exfoliating tools
- Picking or peeling the flaking skin manually
- Hot showers, saunas, or vigorous exercise (heat + sweat)
Persistent burning, deep redness past 48 hours, or any blistering is not expected. Contact Nexus directly if any of these appear.
Daily SPF 50+ is non-negotiable between sessions. Without it, the resurfacing work is undone and post-inflammatory pigmentation risk increases.
Where a chemical peel fits at Nexus
For patients whose primary concern is not acne or surface tone but a deeper texture issue or device-based resurfacing, the peel may not be the right starting modality. The medical-grade facials page covers Pro-Light, Pro-Facial, and Pro-Acne machine-based options that work through a different mechanism.
For melasma or pigment-mapped concerns that sit deeper than the superficial-to-medium peel reaches, the Pico Laser treatment page documents how Dr Samantha maps pigment depth before choosing settings.
For atrophic acne scars (ice-pick, rolling, boxcar) where surface resurfacing does not reach the scar depth, the acne scar treatment page covers subcision + Pico + Rejuran S protocols matched to scar type.
Common questions about a Modified Jessner Peel at Nexus
YOUR CONSULTATION
One assessment with Dr Samantha.
Twenty minutes with Dr Samantha. Consultation SGD 80, fully credited toward any treatment that follows.
111 Somerset Road, #03-19, TripleOne Somerset, Singapore 238164
Mon to Fri 10am to 8pm · Sat 10am to 5pm · Sun closed