Jason Emer, MD, FAAD, FACS

Why Dr. Emer Preps Darker Skin With A Chemical Peel Before Ablative Laser

How Dr. Jason Emer uses the Enlighten Peel by ReveSkin to exfoliate and suppress pigmentation in melanated skin before his RE:BIRTH laser protocol for acne scars.

Schedule Consultation Watch Dr. Emer explain

Still from the filmed session. Individual results vary.

THE DETAIL IS THE DIFFERENCE.See the results ↓

Dr. Jason Emer MD · FAAD · FACS

MD, FAAD, FACS: board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon
Former Chief Resident in dermatology, Mount Sinai, New York
More than 10,000 patient encounters
Male facial sculpting longer than anyone in the United States
The highest filler volume on the West Coast
West Hollywood and New York

The practice's own photographs

Before. After.

Patients of the practice, from Dr. Emer's published before and after gallery. Each case is one patient. Individual results vary.

Before and after, Acne Scars Treatment, patient 240719 — Acne Scars TreatmentPatient 240719

Before and after, Acne Scars Treatment, patient 240815 — Acne Scars TreatmentPatient 240815

Before and after, Acne Scars Treatment, patient 240904 — Acne Scars TreatmentPatient 240904

Before and after, Acne Scars Treatment, patient 240931 — Acne Scars TreatmentPatient 240931

Before and after, Acne Scars Treatment, patient 240935 — Acne Scars TreatmentPatient 240935

Before and after, Acne Scars Treatment, patient 240968 — Acne Scars TreatmentPatient 240968

See the full before and after gallery

Dr. Emer preps melanated skin with the Enlighten Peel 14 days before deep ablative lasers, exfoliating and suppressing pigmentation so the laser works deeper and cleaner without the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.

Your plan starts with Dr. Emer.

Schedule Consultation

Reserve online. West Hollywood and New York.

From the filmed session

Inside the treatment. With Dr. Emer.

REVESKIN ENLIGHTEN PEEL PREP FOR ABLATIVE LASER | Dr. Jason Emer RE:BIRTH FOR ACNE SCARS DARK SKIN

Open on YouTube

What Dr. Emer did · RE:SKN

Every procedure. In order.

01

EMERALD SKIN Enzymatic Polish cleanse

Gentle AHA with vitamin C, vitamin E and papaya to exfoliate the skin before the peel application.

“So, in this case, the first step was we used our enzyatic polish by Emmer Skin. This is a combination of a really gentle uh AHA with some vitamin C and E in there.”
Dr. Emer, in the film
02

Medical-grade acetone degrease

Medical-grade acetone applied to remove all oil from the skin so the peel penetrates evenly.

“So right now I am degreasing the skin with some medical grade acetone. This is going to smell a little strong but this is going to ensure that I get rid of any kind of oil on the face.”
Dr. Emer, in the film
03

Enlighten Peel by ReveSkin RE:SKN

Retinol, kojic acid and vitamin A applied thick like a paste, heavier over areas with more scars and texture, left on the skin for 8 to 9 hours to create controlled turnover and suppress pigmentation.

“So, this is going to be on his skin for about 8 to nine hours.”
Dr. Emer, in the film
04

Post-peel protocol with EMERALD SKIN RE:SKN

AOIXC (20% stable vitamin C with blueberry), Botanical Serum (chlorophyll, vitamin C, green tea, hyaluronic acid), Hila A (hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid), retinol and Fortified Lightener (hydroquinone), morning and night through the healing phase.

“Dr. Emmer has tailored a really specific protocol here for our patient, and that's using uh antioxidants, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, retinol, morning and night. We're going to be using some hydrokinone.”
Dr. Emer, in the film

Why patients fly in

What Dr. Emer does differently.

Exfoliate before the laser, not just after

Dr. Emer preps melanated skin with a chemical peel 14 days before the laser to remove dead cells and suppress pigmentation, so the laser does not have to burn through as much to reach the scar tissue.

“I almost compare it to like sweeping before you mop. If you exfoliate the skin, clean up right before laser, there's not so much dead skin cells that the lasers need to go through to achieve a better result.”

Tyrosinase inhibitors before and after

Hydroquinone, kojic acid and vitamin C suppress melanin production before the laser and continue through the entire healing phase, preventing hyperpigmentation in darker skin types.

“If we're, you know, more of a darker Fitzpatrick, darker skin type, Hispanic skin, Latin skin, or melanated skin types, you know, it's always best to kind of use tyrosines inhibitors prior to lasers because we're open we're helping to suppress the pigmentation.”

A second peel two to three weeks after the laser

Many patients do a second Enlighten Peel after the laser to address any leftover redness or hyperpigmentation, part of the complete protocol.

“Our patient will be doing the chemical peel about two to three weeks after to address any kind of redness or hyperpigmentation that can be really normal after any strong laser treatment.”

Skincare formulated for post-laser healing

EMERALD SKIN was created for burn victims and post-laser patients, with stable vitamin C, growth factors and hyaluronic acid that work on raw, healing skin.

THE THINKING BEHIND THE TREATMENT

The story.
The decisions.
The details.

Follow Dr. Emer’s approach through the stages described in this case.

Back to the video ↗

01Before
The starting point
The patient in this video is 14 days out from a RE:BIRTH procedure: deep ablative lasers, TCA, silicone into acne scars.
He is Hispanic, with melanated skin that carries a higher risk of post-laser hyperpigmentation if the prep is wrong. Dr. Emer's approach is to exfoliate and suppress pigmentation before the laser ever touches the skin.
02The plan
What Dr. Emer decided to do
Exfoliate and suppress pigmentation so the laser works deeper and cleaner, without the risk of hyperpigmentation.
“So, in this case, the first step was we used our enzyatic polish by Emmer Skin. This is a combination of a really gentle uh AHA with some vitamin C and E in there. But this is helping to exfoliate the skin.”DR. JASON EMER · FROM THE VIDEO
03The session
In the room, in order
The Enlighten Peel by ReveSkin sits on the face for eight to nine hours, creating a controlled turnover that evens skin tone and clears dead cells so the laser does not have to burn through as much to reach the scar tissue. The skin is degreased with medical-grade acetone first so the peel penetrates evenly, then the peel is applied thick, almost like a paste, heavier over areas with more scars and texture.
- Cleanse and degrease
- Apply the peel thick
- Let it sit for eight to nine hours
- Rinse and start the skincare protocol
“So, pretty much what we're going to do is we're going to lift this little tab forward. This is a foil paper that already comes preferated. So, we're going to rip it open just like that.”DR. JASON EMER · FROM THE VIDEO
04The result
What changed
Over the next eight hours the peel dries into a mask. The skin underneath turns over: red, raw, feeling like a bad sunburn. That is the point. By the time the peel rinses off, the outer layer of pigment and dead cells is gone, and the skin is primed for the laser to work deeper and cleaner.
“So right now I am degreasing the skin with some medical grade acetone. This is going to smell a little strong but this is going to ensure that I get rid of any kind of oil on the face.”DR. JASON EMER · FROM THE VIDEO

Read the complete story +

The patient story

Sweep before you mop

The patient in this video is 14 days out from a RE:BIRTH procedure: deep ablative lasers, TCA, silicone into acne scars, the full protocol. He is also Hispanic, with melanated skin that carries a higher risk of post-laser hyperpigmentation if the prep is wrong.

Dr. Emer's approach is to exfoliate and suppress pigmentation before the laser ever touches the skin. The Enlighten Peel by ReveSkin sits on the face for eight to nine hours, creating a controlled turnover that evens skin tone and clears dead cells so the laser does not have to burn through as much to reach the scar tissue.

What the peel actually does

Enlighten is a retinol-based chemical peel with kojic acid and vitamin A. It is applied thick, almost like a paste, heavier over areas with more scars and texture. The skin is degreased with medical-grade acetone first so the peel penetrates evenly.

Over the next eight hours the peel dries into a mask. The skin underneath turns over: red, raw, feeling like a bad sunburn. That is the point. By the time the peel rinses off, the outer layer of pigment and dead cells is gone, and the skin is primed for the laser to work deeper and cleaner.

Why this matters for darker skin

Melanated skin, Hispanic skin, Latin skin, any Fitzpatrick type above a three: the risk with ablative lasers is not the laser itself, it is what happens in the weeks after if pigmentation is not controlled. The skin can heal pink and red for three to ten weeks, and if sun exposure or inflammation triggers melanin production during that window, hyperpigmentation can be worse than the original scars.

Tyrosinase inhibitors before and after the laser suppress that response. The peel is one step. The other is the skincare protocol Dr. Emer tailors for each patient: antioxidants, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, retinol, hydroquinone, morning and night, starting before the laser and continuing through the entire healing phase.

The protocol after the peel

After eight to nine hours the peel rinses off with cold water. The patient applies EMERALD SKIN Hila A (hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid to prevent breakouts) and Fortified Lightener (hydroquinone). The skin will feel tender, swollen, red. Allergy medication like Claritin or Benadryl at night can calm the reaction.

Then the laser happens 14 days later. After the laser, the same skincare protocol continues: AOIXC (20% stable vitamin C with blueberry), Botanical Serum (chlorophyll, green tea, hyaluronic acid), Hila B (hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid), retinol, hydroquinone. The patient sends daily photos and videos so the team can monitor healing and adjust the plan if needed.

Two to three weeks after the laser, a second Enlighten Peel addresses any leftover redness or hyperpigmentation. The entire sequence is designed so the skin never has a chance to overproduce pigment.

Who this fits

This protocol is for patients with melanated skin who want deep ablative laser work for acne scars but cannot afford the risk of hyperpigmentation. It is also for anyone who has been told their skin is too dark for aggressive lasers: Dr. Emer has a protocol that makes it possible.

Candidacy depends on skin type, scar depth, and whether you can commit to the prep and aftercare, which is exactly what a consultation covers.

The treatment, explained

What is Enlighten Peel?

Also called chemical peel prep for laser, retinol peel, tyrosinase inhibitor peel, pre-laser peel for melanated skin, acne scar prep peel.

What it is: The Enlighten Peel by ReveSkin is a retinol-based chemical peel with kojic acid and vitamin A, applied thick like a paste and left on the skin for 8 to 9 hours. It exfoliates dead cells and suppresses pigmentation, priming melanated skin for deep ablative lasers. Dr. Emer uses it 14 days before RE:BIRTH procedures (deep ablative lasers, TCA, silicone into acne scars) and sometimes two to three weeks after to address any leftover redness or hyperpigmentation.
How it works: The skin is cleansed with EMERALD SKIN Enzymatic Polish, then degreased with medical-grade acetone so the peel penetrates evenly. The peel is applied thick, heavier over areas with more scars and texture, and left on for 8 to 9 hours. It dries into a mask. The skin underneath turns over: red, raw, feeling like a bad sunburn. After 8 to 9 hours the peel rinses off with cold water. The patient then applies EMERALD SKIN products (AOIXC, Botanical Serum, Hila A, retinol, Fortified Lightener) morning and night through the laser and healing phase.
Who it is for: Patients with melanated skin, Hispanic skin, Latin skin or any Fitzpatrick type above a three who are planning deep ablative lasers for acne scars. Patients who have been told their skin is too dark for aggressive lasers, or who have tried lasers elsewhere and ended up with hyperpigmentation worse than the original scars.
Recovery: The skin feels red, raw and tender, like a bad sunburn, for the first day or two after the peel. Allergy medication like Claritin or Benadryl at night can calm the reaction. The peel is done 14 days before the laser. After the laser, the skin can be pink and red for 3 to 10 weeks or longer. The skincare protocol continues through the entire healing phase. A second peel may be done two to three weeks after the laser. The exact plan and recovery timeline are set at consultation.
When results show: The peel exfoliates and suppresses pigmentation so the laser works deeper and cleaner, without the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation. The skin is primed for the laser to reach the scar tissue without burning through as much dead skin. Results from the laser show as the skin heals over the weeks after treatment.

Signature procedures

Only at Emer.

Peptides / biologic optimization

RECODEX^™

Peptide and biologic protocols for recovery, body composition and longevity, with epigenetic testing. RECODEX^™ peptides are available to purchase through the practice after consultation.

Book RECODEX^™Explore

From Dr. Emer's Instagram

The work, as he shows it.

@jasonemermd @recodexsystem

View this post on Instagram

Why Dr. Emer

Darker skin is not a contraindication. It is a protocol.

Two decades of results, a global patient base, and techniques other surgeons travel to learn.

Dr. Emer built his reputation on outcomes that read as natural at rest and unmistakable in motion. He pioneered high-definition body sculpting approaches that are now taught internationally, and he personally performs every procedure in his practice.

His acne scar work is no different. Patients come to him when they have been told their skin is too dark for aggressive lasers, or when they have tried lasers elsewhere and ended up with hyperpigmentation worse than the original scars. Dr. Emer has a protocol that makes deep ablative lasers safe for Hispanic, Latin and melanated skin types, and it starts with the prep.

MD, FAAD, FACS: board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon
Former Chief Resident in dermatology, Mount Sinai, New York
More than 10,000 patient encounters
Male facial sculpting longer than anyone in the United States
The highest filler volume on the West Coast
West Hollywood and New York

About Dr. Emer Schedule Consultation

EMER METHOD^™×RECODEX^™

AOIXC

20% stable vitamin C with blueberry, formulated to be gentle on raw, healing skin after ablative lasers.

Botanical Serum

Chlorophyll, vitamin C, green tea, hyaluronic acid: regenerating, healing, diminishing redness and hydration.

Hila B

Hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid to suppress breakouts, which are common after chemical peels and lasers.

Retinol and Fortified Lightener

Retinol exfoliates and stimulates collagen. Hydroquinone suppresses pigmentation. Both are used morning and night through the healing phase.

Asked plainly, answered plainly

What patients ask before they book.

How long does the peel sit on the skin?+

Eight to nine hours. It dries into a mask, then rinses off with cold water.

What does the skin feel like after the peel?+

Red, raw and tender, like a bad sunburn. Allergy medication like Claritin or Benadryl at night can calm the reaction. That is the controlled turnover that primes the skin for the laser.

How long between the peel and the laser?+

About 14 days. The peel exfoliates and suppresses pigmentation, then the laser works deeper and cleaner without having to burn through as much dead skin.

Can I do the peel after the laser instead of before?+

Yes. Many patients do a second Enlighten Peel two to three weeks after the laser to address any leftover redness or hyperpigmentation. Dr. Emer tailors the plan at consultation.

What if I have been told my skin is too dark for ablative lasers?+

Dr. Emer has a protocol that makes deep ablative lasers safe for melanated skin. The prep and aftercare, tyrosinase inhibitors before and after, are what make the difference. The risk is not the laser itself, it is what happens in the weeks after if pigmentation is not controlled.

What skincare do I use after the peel and laser?+

Dr. Emer tailors a specific protocol for each patient: AOIXC (20% stable vitamin C), Botanical Serum (chlorophyll, green tea, hyaluronic acid), Hila A (hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid), retinol and Fortified Lightener (hydroquinone), morning and night through the entire healing phase. The protocol starts before the laser and continues until the skin is fully healed.

How long does the skin stay pink and red after the laser?+

Three to ten weeks or longer, depending on the depth of the laser and your skin type. Wearing sunscreen and continuing the skincare protocol are critical during that window to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Can I still do this if I am on Accutane?+

Yes. Dr. Emer has a protocol for patients on Accutane or other medications. The plan is tailored at consultation.

Discuss your plan

A consultation reviews your anatomy, goals and history, and maps which options apply to you.

Schedule Consultation

West Hollywood and New York City