
Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion in Cambridge, MA & Boston, MA
Keeping Your Skin Looking Its Best
Essentially Bare Laser MedSpa offers a range of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and several advanced “facials.” The product lines and procedures have been carefully selected based on their proven effectiveness, safety, and minimal-to-no downtime. A complimentary consultation is required prior to determining the appropriate peel or course of action for your particular condition. We may recommend a series or combination of services to treat your specific condition. For example, we often use peels and microdermabrasion in conjunction with our Spectra laser and IPL (photofacial) machine to effectively treat acne and scarring and rosacea and melasma, as well as undoing the damaging effects of sun.
Carbon Laser Peels
Our Carbon Laser Peel, (“Spectra Peel,” $225) is highly effective for deep cleansing of the skin and treating enlarged pores, blackheads, sun damage, and uneven skin tone, and its non-ablative resurfacing stimulates new cell growth. Results are visible after only one treatment. This is the only treatment that yields such results with no downtime — in fact, we perform these on brides one week before their wedding. This treatment uses a carbon-based lotion that enhances the fine pulse of the q-switch Spectra laser to target pigmentation, blackheads, and large pores (we see the pores shrink before our very eyes!). It is no coincidence that carbon peels are known amongst celebrities as “The Hollywood Peel.”
Additionally, we can treat chronic melasma with our Spectra laser. Melasma is the discoloration or brown patching of skin that commonly appears on forehead and cheeks. It can be worsened by sun exposure, pregnancy, hormones, and birth control pills. Traditionally, dermatologists have treated melasma with topical creams, including hydroquinone (HQ), azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, topical steroids, glycolic acid, mequinol, and arbutin. However, long-term usage can create depigmentation of the skin. The Spectra laser is especially effective because of its precision and multi-wavelength capability, which also allows patients with darker skin to be treated safely. We’ve been highly successful with Spectra treating melsama.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a rapid renewal procedure that lifts dead cells off the surface of skin and stimulates reproduction in the living cells beneath. The result is visible, substantial improvement in the appearance of superficial lines and uneven pigmentation. Peels are especially effective in reducing the appearance of scars caused by acne, sun damage, and enlarged pores. Prices start at $150, and your clinician may offer you special pricing for a series.
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Welcoming & Inclusive
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Science-Based Treatments
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Locally-Owned & Operated

Oxygen (“O2 Lift”) Facial & Hydrating Mask
In general, we do not offer spa-type facials. Layering creams and potions onto the top level of the dermis may feel good and leave your skin glowing, but for around the same price point, our skin services yield results in promoting skin health.
We do offer an oxygen facial (“O2 Lift,” $170), also known as the “Red Carpet Facial” because it gives fantastic instant results, with deep cleansing and glowing skin. This ultimate skin care treatment infuses oxygen, plant-derived stem cells, peptides, and a high concentration of enzymatic botanicals into your skin, leaving it supple, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
During the harsh winter months, we also offer a hydrating collagen mask to nourish depleted skin. This is used as a finish/complement to our peels, microdermabrasion, and laser facial treatments.
Call (617) 876-1500 or send us a message to book an appointment for chemical peels and microdermabrasion in Cambridge, MA and Boston, MA.
Patient Reviews
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"They always make an effort to build personal relationships with their clients, and as a trans woman, I've never felt anything but fully supported by their whole team."Sierra M.
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"Love Essentially Bare! I have been here three times now and have had fantastic results!"Alexandra S.
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"At Essentially Bare you will find knowledgeable people who are not only great at what they do but who are also compassionate and extremely flexible."Julia K.
Specialized VI Peels from VI Aesthetics (Medium Depth)
These physician-grade peels are specifically formulated to address anti-aging, skin stress from environmental exposure, hyperpigmentation such as melasma, and acne breakout and scarring. Patients see visible results in as little as seven days. The VI Peel provides dramatic results with no skin preparation and minimal downtime. The VI Peel also provides you with a take-home kit with essential products for your treatment success, ensuring optimal and lasting results. Read results from a VI Peel patient study.
A specialized VI Peel costs $350. Enjoy feeling more confident in your skin! To complement your peel, we carry the full VI Derm skin care line. The VI Derm products are designed to enhance and extend the results of your VI Peel, or simply optimize your overall skin health.
Image Skin Care Skin Peels (Light Depth)
Image skincare products utilize the most scientifically advanced formulas and are designed for maximum results.
Jessners’ Peels (RX & Lite)
- Excellent for stubborn acne, deep pigmentation, discoloration. Expect moderate to severe peeling.
Wrinkle Lift (Levels I & III)
- Treats advanced pigmentation and aging with up to 70% glycolic/retinol resurfacing solution
- Treatment: Level I (40% glycolic)
- Level III (70% glycolic, physician only)
4 Layer Facelift Level I
- For rosacea, dry dehydrated skin, smokers, post-surgery etc.
- Intense vitamin C/enzyme solution rehydrates and rejuvenates skin
- This will change the image of your skin in just one application.
- Contains vitamin C, glycolic
- It is gentle but highly active.
- It is also well suited for pregnant skin.
Microdermabrasian Using MegaPeel™ (Physician-Only Dermabrators) or Pristine from Viora (Diamond-Tip Laser-Cut Applicators)
Microdermabrasion helps diminish fine wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars through a process called of Particle Skin Resurfacing, which involves a highly controlled spray of fine salicylic acid crystals applied under vacuum pressure to the skin. Treatments increase circulation and renew and soften skin, creating a discernibly smoother texture and tone. The new Pristine from Viora is especially effective in extracting clogged pores and blackheads. Prices start at $125, and your clinician may offer you special pricing for a series.
PCA Professional™ Enhanced Chemical Peels (Light Depth)
PCA Peel with Hydriquinone & Resorcinol
This innovative and proven light-to-medium depth peel formula effectively exfoliates with a blend of lactic, citric, kojic, and salicylic acids. It will help to lighten pigment disorders such as melasma and sun damage. In addition, this peel helps inhibit active acne and correct post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) from acne.
Ultra Peel
Our PCA Professional™ trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are blends formulated with many ingredients, including lactic acid, ascorbic acid, plumping phytohormones, kojic, and azelaic acids to produce dramatic results without the discomfort and downtime associated with traditional TCA peels. Specially formulated to treat dehydrated and maturing skin, it also treats smoker’s skin, pigment disorders, sun-damaged skin, and acne. Ideal for sensitive skin, it produces only a mild tingling sensation. Overall, the final result will be plump, hydrated, and ultra-soft skin.
Contact Us
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our team is here to help. Complete our form or contact us today at (617) 876-1500.