The 5 Berry Peel by GlyMed is built specifically for photo-aged, pigment-laden and textural changes, such as acne.

Its groundbreaking formulation combines 7% trichloroacetic (TCA) acid with five natural berry extracts, including cranberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and bearberry. 

This unique combination of ingredients delivers powerful exfoliation plus antioxidant benefit and tyrosinase-inhibiting action (translation: helps slow melanin production to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone).

This means visible results including smoother skin, reduced pigmentation, refined texture and brighter tone.

Delivered by our experienced team at our Manhattan Medspa, this professional-grade treatment  is perfect for New Yorkers seeking radiant, healthy-looking skin in NYC.

Key components of the formulation include:

• 7% Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) – the primary exfoliating agent, promoting controlled chemical exfoliation and cell turnover.

• Berry Extracts – blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, and bearberry provide antioxidant protection and tyrosinase-inhibiting activity, helping to reduce dark spots and even skin tone.

• Licorice Root Extract– brightens the skin, helps calm inflammation, and supports pigment control.

• Antioxidants & Vitamins – vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract, and grape seed extract support skin recovery, enhance results, and protect the skin.

The chemical peel mechanisms are comprehensive and include:

Exfoliation: The 7% TCA in the 5‑Berry Peel gently removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.

Cellular and Collagen Stimulation: This peel encourages the skin to produce new cells, as well as boost collagen and elastin production, which helps improve firmness, texture, and overall skin resilience.

Pigment control: The berry extracts and licorice root provide tyrosinase-inhibiting action, helping to slow melanin production, reduce dark spots, and even out skin tone.

Antioxidant protection: Vitamins C and E, green tea, and grape seed extracts protect against free radicals and environmental stressors while soothing the skin.

Acne and blemish support: By promoting cellular turnover and gently exfoliating pores, the 5‑Berry Peel can help improve superficial blemishes and post-acne marks over time..

A GlyMed 5‑Berry Peel session typically takes 20–30 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy UES clients looking for a quick, lunchtime treatment. Here’s what happens:

1. Cleanse – Refresh and Prepare
   Your skin is gently cleansed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.
   What to expect: Skin will feel fresh and ready to receive the peel.
2. Prep (Degrease) – Ensure Even Application
   A degreasing solution is applied to remove excess surface oils.
   What to expect: Skin may feel slightly tight, which helps the peel penetrate evenly for optimal results.
3. Apply the Peel – Active Treatment
   The 5‑Berry Peel solution is carefully applied across the face.
   What to expect: Mild tingling or warmth is normal as the peel works to exfoliate the skin, support cell turnover, and brighten the complexion. Additional layers may be applied depending on your skin type and treatment goals.
4. Neutralize / Post-Care
   After the peel, post-treatment guidance is provided to protect your skin and maximize results.
   What to expect: Skin may feel calm, balanced, and radiant immediately after with slight tightness or mild peeling over the next several days.

The GlyMed 5‑Berry Peel is a versatile professional peel that targets multiple skin concerns. Its combination of 7% TCA and antioxidant-rich berry extracts makes it effective for improving texture, tone, and clarity. Here’s how it works for specific skin issues:

1. Acne & Blemishes
   TCA (even at 7%) provides gentle chemical exfoliation that helps with superficial blemishes and post-acne scars. By accelerating cell turnover, it may help unclog pores and support the resolution of post-inflammatory pigmentation caused by acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of the berries and licorice root also help calm and soothe acne-prone skin, making it a powerful tool for those struggling with breakouts and their aftermath.
2. Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots
   The five berries in the peel are rich in ellagic acid, a natural tyrosinase inhibitor, which can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone over time. Combined with licorice root extract, this peel helps to minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne or sun exposure.
3. Fine Lines & Wrinkles
   By stimulating skin renewal, the 5‑Berry Peel helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular treatments can enhance skin firmness and elasticity, leaving the complexion smoother and more youthful.
4. Uneven Texture & Dullness
   The peel’s exfoliating action helps slough away dead skin cells and encourages healthy cell turnover, revealing fresher, brighter skin. Clients often notice a more even texture and improved radiance after treatment.
5. Pore Minimization
   Through gentle exfoliation and cellular turnover, the GlyMed 5‑Berry Peel can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, giving skin a smoother and more refined look.

After a single peel:

• Brighter, more even skin tone
• A subtle reduction in dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage
• Smoother texture and a natural-looking glow
• Mild improvement in acne or blemishes, depending on your skin type and concerns

After a series of peels (typically 3–6 treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart):

• More significant fading of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks
• Noticeably improved texture and firmness
• Enhanced reduction in acne and blemishes
• A radiant, healthy-looking complexion that is long-lasting

It’s important to note that results vary depending on your individual skin type, concerns, and overall skin health. A professional assessment helps determine the best treatment plan for optimal outcomes.

The GlyMed 5 Berry Peel is a superficial depth peel, meaning that it is typically associated with minimal risks.

Side Effects:

• Mild redness or warmth immediately following treatment
• Light flaking or peeling may begin around day 2 and continue for 2–10 days
• Temporary dryness or tightness in the treated area
• Rarely, temporary sensitivity in reactive skin types

Pain Level:

• Slight tingling or warmth during the peel
• Generally well-tolerated due to its antioxidant-rich, hydrating formulation

Recovery:

• Skin may feel tight for 1–4 days
• Peeling or flaking is common and can last up to 10 days depending on the number of layers applied
• Clients can expect smoother texture, refined pores, and improved radiance as the skin completes its healing process

Absolutely. The entire line of GlyMed Plus Chemical Peels is designed for licensed professionals and spa clinics, delivering pharmaceutical-grade formulations for advanced skin treatments. 

By combining clinical precision with botanical antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors, the 5-Berry Peel delivers a multi-benefit approach—supporting clearer skin, evening tone, and improved texture—while remaining a controlled, professional-grade treatment.

The 5-Berry Peel is labeled “Professionals Only”. It is not an over-the-counter product but a serious, medical-grade service. So our advice is always to skip the DIY Peel and seek treatment from a skincare professional. Here’s why:

This peel is intended for expert application: licensed estheticians or clinicians carefully layer the solution to control treatment depth, tailoring it to each client’s skin type, sensitivity, and specific concerns. 

Because it is a chemical peel with 7% TCA, proper professional administration is critical to maximize results while minimizing risks. During application, treated areas are monitored carefully to prevent over-exfoliation and ensure safety.

Licensed skincare professionals also provide pre- and post-treatment guidance, including skin preparation, sun protection, and post-peel care, ensuring clients achieve optimal outcomes safely.

Because it’s a superficial to light‑depth peel, visible peeling or heavy flaking isn’t guaranteed; however, mild shedding is typical.

Some clients may experience light to moderate flaking within 2–4 days after the treatment, especially if their skin has had more aggressive renewal. 

Others may see minimal visible peeling but still undergo significant cellular exfoliation beneath the surface.

To support your skin after the peel, practice gentle post‑care:

• Use only a mild, non‑acid cleanser (no scrubs, no brushes) while your skin adjusts.

• Apply a soothing, hydrating moisturizer to ease any dryness or tightness.

• Protect your skin with a broad‑spectrum SPF every morning and avoid direct sun exposure or heavy sweating during the first week.

• Resist picking, peeling or exfoliating the skin forcibly; allow flaking (if it occurs) to happen naturally, which supports the best outcome.

A single session will refresh and brighten the skin, with visible results lasting 4–6 weeks.

A series of treatments, typically every 4–6 weeks, is recommended to improve more challenging skin concerns, such as acne.

When it comes to chemical peels, not all acids are created equal. Each acid type offers unique benefits, but they also vary in strength, irritation potential, and suitability for different skin types. 

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right peel for your skin concerns. In a nutshell, here are some of the most common acids you’ll find in chemical peels and how chemical peel acids differ.

Glycolic Acid: Small molecules penetrate deeply, effective for fine lines and texture, but can irritate sensitive skin.

Lactic Acid: Mild and moisturizing, best for dry or sensitive skin, less effective for acne.

Salicylic Acid: Oil-soluble BHA that unclogs pores; can be drying if overused.

Mandelic Acid: Gentle yet effective, slow penetration reduces irritation, suitable for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick Scale 1-6  Skin Types, sensitive and darker skin tones.

TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid): A medium-depth peeling agent that targets stubborn pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scars, promoting collagen renewal and smoother, brighter skin.

Additionally, chemical peels vary by ingredients, formulas and combinations of acids. Examples of these include the GlyMed 5 Berry Peel, as well as: 

VI Peel: A medical-grade blend of TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C designed to improve tone, texture, and clarity while addressing pigmentation and fine lines with minimal downtime.

BioRePeel: An innovative, no-peel TCA-based biostimulating treatment from Italy that revitalizes the skin without visible peeling or downtime. It combines amino acids, vitamins, and GABA to improve texture, hydration, and elasticity while promoting collagen regeneration and a radiant, youthful glow.

Smooth Synergy® Med Spa is conveniently located in Manhattan, New York City. We’ve been in the business of non-invasive, cosmetic aesthetic solutions since 2002.

Our experience gives us a distinct advantage in assessing your skin to figure out what will work for you.

Our Medical Estheticians know how to use Biostimulating and Chemical Peel solutions at stronger concentrations with an unparalleled level of safety, in order to provide superior results for your skin.

Serving clients across NYC — Midtown, Downtown, and beyond, our experience gives us a distinct advantage in assessing your skin to figure out what will work for you.

Here’s why Smooth Synergy® is NYC’s trusted destination for Chemical Peels, including GlyMed 5 Berry Peels:

• We are a leading provider of Chemical Peels and other professional-grade, nonsurgical treatments

• Overseen by Medical Director, Dr. George Liakeas, MD, our experienced team of medical estheticians is trained in treating delicate and sensitive areas with the utmost care and precision

• With over 200 5-star reviews on Google and Yelp, our reputation speaks for itself

• Clients return again and again for our warm, judgment-free environment and exceptional customer service

• A comprehensive menu of face, body, and sexual wellness treatments designed to make you look and feel your best

Take advantage of their skill, education, and expertise by scheduling a consultation with one of our Experts in Beauty, who will explain our Chemical Peel Menu to you and help you decide what’s best for you.

Please call us at 212-397-0111 to start your beauty journey.