Abstract: A dermatological treatment and composition therefor are described for periodic and effective maintenance of a skin peel patient's subsequent skin condition. The treatment does not use radiation, can be performed quickly, is readily controlled by visual observation of the applied composition, and is self-limiting. The method includes forming a composition having a visualizing agent, a surfactant and an acid or acid equivalent dispersed in a carrier liquid, the concentration of the last not exceeding 30%; applying the composition to a predetermined area of the patient's skin in a quantity effective to result in a predetermined degree of mild exfoliation of the skin; determining degree of coverage of the area of skin by visual observation of extent of the visualizing agent; and maintaining the composition in contact with the area of skin for a period of time effective to result in the predetermined degree of exfoliation of the skin. Composition of this type are also disclosed.