Skin Peels

Facial skin peels (chemical peels) are one of our most popular treatments for revealing smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. 

In this procedure, a specialized chemical solution is applied to exfoliate the outer layers of your skin, promoting the growth of fresh, healthy skin underneath. Peels have been used by dermatologists for over a century and remain a time-tested, effective option to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity paperity.org. 

They can address common concerns like acne breakouts, uneven pigmentation, and signs of ageing in a safe and controlled way. 

Our clinic offers a range of peels – from light and superficial peels with minimal downtime to medium-depth peels for more significant rejuvenation – all administered in a welcoming medical setting by experienced professionals.

Chemical peels use acidic solutions (often derived from natural sources like fruits or willow bark) to gently remove a controlled thickness of damaged skin. Lighter peels lift only the very top layer of the epidermis, while medium-depth peels penetrate slightly into the dermis. 

By removing a thin layer of old skin, peels stimulate your skin’s renewal process – encouraging collagen production and new cells to form – resulting in a brighter, smoother complexion sciencedaily.com. 

Different ingredients produce different depths and effects. 

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic or lactic acid, are water-soluble acids that exfoliate the surface and are commonly used for light and superficial peels. 

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid are oil-soluble, so they penetrate into pores – ideal for oily or acne-prone skin dermatologytimes.com. 

There are also retinoid peels using vitamin A derivatives (like retinol or retinoic acid) that work by speeding up cell turnover. Each peel is tailored to your skin’s needs, so you get the benefits of exfoliation without excessive irritation.

We classify peels by their depth and strength. Light and superficial peels are the gentlest – these include low-concentration AHAs or BHAs that generally only cause some flaking or no visible peeling at all. You can think of them as more intensive exfoliants that refresh the skin with virtually no downtime. Medium-depth peels, on the other hand, use stronger solutions (for example, higher-concentration trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, often around 20–35%) to reach the upper dermal layer for more dramatic results. Medium peels involve more peeling and a few days of recovery, but can significantly improve wrinkles and pigmentation. Deep peels (such as historic phenol peels) exist as well, but due to the risk of side effects and prolonged downtime, we do not typically perform those – instead, our focus is on modern superficial to medium peels that balance safety with effective results.    

How do peels work? The mechanism is essentially exfoliation and stimulation. The peel solution dissolves or loosens the “glue” that holds dull, dead cells on the skin’s surface paperity.org. Once those outer cells shed, the body replaces them with new epidermal cells that look fresher and feel smoother. Peels that penetrate a bit deeper also create a controlled injury in the upper skin layers, activating the healing process and prompting collagen remodeling in the dermis link.springer.com. 

This means after healing, the skin is not only more even in tone, but often firmer and with reduced fine lines. 

Studies have shown, for instance, that a series of peels can lead to measurable improvements in skin quality – one trial even found that periodic tretinoin (retinoic acid) peels achieved similar rejuvenation benefits to using a prescription tretinoin cream nightly jaad.org. 

In essence, chemical peels accelerate your skin’s natural renewal, helping to unveil healthier skin beneath.

Our light and superficial peels use mild alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid (often from sugar cane) or lactic acid (from milk) to refresh the complexion. These are generally quick “lunchtime” peels that brighten the skin with minimal to no downtime. Glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used peel agents worldwide – it has a very small molecule that penetrates easily, making it a powerful yet controllable exfoliant paperity.org paperity.org. At lower concentrations (typically 20–50%) and short application times, glycolic peels stay in the superficial epidermis. You might feel a mild tingling during the application as the solution works to dissolve dead skin cells. After neutralizing and rinsing the peel, you can often resume normal activities immediately, adding sun protection. These light peels give the skin a brighter, tighter look and a silky feel.

A bit stronger, these peels can cause actual visible peeling of your skin, as you might see after a moderate sunburn. Or, if not actual peeling, perhaps flaking.

Perhaps a bit uncomfortable to experience, a low-ish pH (=acidic) solution of a hydroxy-acid is spread over facial skin, then typically neutralised. Skin may be then pink. Once recovered, facial skin glows fresh, with "new" skin on the surface. Repeated, and dermal neocollagenesis and strengthening is stimulated, tending to diminish fine lines and prompt strengthening.

Alpha-hydroxy-acids are often called "fruit acids"  and here is a more detailed summary of what they are. 

Superficial AHAs are versatile and can be repeated as a series for cumulative benefits. For example, multiple sessions of a glycolic peel can help fade uneven pigmentation and sun spots over time, as well as smooth fine dry skin flakes. Research has documented that glycolic acid peels have therapeutic as well as cosmetic benefits in a range of conditions – they have been used successfully to treat mild acne, melasma (dark patches), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and early photoaging changes paperity.org. Because these peels only act on the top layers, they are considered very safe when professionally applied. Glycolic and lactic acids are also naturally occurring substances, so they are generally well tolerated by most skin types (even drier or sensitive skin can often handle a low-strength lactic acid peel). You’ll typically see an instant glow and softness after a superficial peel, and with repeated treatments, improvements in skin tone and texture become more pronounced.

Retinol peels are an innovative option that harnesses the power of Vitamin A to revitalize the skin. Retinol is a precursor to retinoic acid (the active form of Vitamin A used in prescription creams). In a retinol peel, a high-strength retinol or retinoic acid formulation (usually 3–10%) is applied to the skin and left on for a prescribed period (several hours up to overnight) before washing off. Unlike acid peels which work by instant chemical exfoliation, retinoid peels work a bit differently: the retinol is absorbed into the skin where it boosts the rate of cell turnover from within. The next day or two, you typically develop a modest amount of peeling or flaking as the old skin sheds away, revealing fresher skin.

One big advantage of retinol peels is that they tend to cause little to no stinging at the time of application – the solution feels more like a cream going on, because retinoids are almost neutral in pH. This makes the treatment quite comfortable. Over the following days, you may experience some redness and light peeling, but it’s usually very manageable (similar to the peeling from starting a retinoid cream). Retinol peels are great for overall rejuvenation: they can help refine fine lines, improve skin firmness, and even out pigmentation irregularities. They are also sometimes used for treating acne or sun damage, although most evidence for retinoids in acne comes from daily use rather than intermittent peels. Still, anecdotal reports and small studies find that retinoic acid peels can improve acne and post-acne marks, likely because of the anti-inflammatory and exfoliating effects of Vitamin A.

Scientific research is building on the benefits of retinoid peels for photoaged skin. In one clinical trial, a series of 5% retinoic acid peels combined with microdermabrasion was tested on patients with moderate-to-severe photodamage. After three peel sessions, the retinoic peel group showed statistically significant improvements in signs of photoaging compared to placebo paperity.org. The improvements included smoother texture and a reduction in fine wrinkles, with minimal adverse effects reported. The authors concluded that the retinoic acid peels were a safe and effective treatment for photoaging when used in this way paperity.org. These findings echo what dermatologists have long observed – retinoids can stimulate collagen and new blood vessels in the skin, leading to healthier, younger-looking skin over time. Our retinol peel is a wonderful option for patients who want the proven anti-aging benefits of Vitamin A with a bit more “oomph” than a nightly cream, but still with minimal downtime. Typically, we have you leave the peel on for several hours; you’ll go home looking like you have a yellow-tinted mask (some brands call it a “Yellow Peel”). After washing it off per instructions, expect some light peeling in the days to follow. The end result, especially after a few sessions, is often a brighter complexion, smoother tone, and reduced fine lines.

We also offer beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) peels, most notably salicylic acid peels, which are excellent for oily or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark (and is related to the active ingredient in aspirin), and it has some unique properties that make it a star for treating acne and clogged pores. Being oil-soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate into the oily follicles of the skin, clearing out excess sebum and exfoliating inside the pores dermatologytimes.com. It essentially unglues the buildup of dead cells within the pore, helping to prevent and treat comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Salicylic acid also has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects dermatologytimes.com, which means it can calm redness and reduce the bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts. Another advantage is that salicylic peels are safe for a wide range of skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I–VI) because salicylic acid itself has a gentle coagulating effect on proteins that limits how deep it goes, lowering the risk of pigment changes if used properly dermatologytimes.com.

In a typical BHA peel session, we apply a 20–30% salicylic acid solution. You might notice a mild stinging or warmth, and often a white frost forms briefly as the salicylic acid crystallizes on the skin. This is normal and indicates the peel is working on the surface. After a few minutes, the peel is neutralized or washed off. There’s minimal downtime – you may have some light peeling or flaking after a day or two, but many people just experience a little dryness. Salicylic peels not only help clear existing blemishes, but by keeping the pores clear, they also help prevent new acne lesions. Scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of BHA peels for acne. For example, in a blinded clinical trial comparing 30% salicylic acid peel to a 30% glycolic acid peel, both treatments significantly reduced acne lesions, with over 90% of patients showing improvement after a series of peels sciencedaily.com. The salicylic acid peel had slightly fewer side effects and the improvement tended to last longer compared to glycolic acid sciencedaily.com. This means BHA peels are at least as effective – if not more so – than the traditional glycolic peels for managing acne, with the added benefit of less irritation in many cases. In our practice, we often recommend salicylic peels for patients struggling with persistent breakouts or visible blackheads, as part of a comprehensive acne treatment plan.

For patients with more advanced skin concerns – such as deeper wrinkles, pronounced sun damage, or certain types of acne scarring – we offer medium-depth peels. These peels penetrate further into the skin (reaching the upper layers of the dermis) to provoke a more intensive renewal. The classic agent for a medium-depth peel is trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations around 20–35%. At our clinic, we customize the approach, sometimes combining TCA with other peeling agents to enhance results while maintaining safety. For example, one common formula is Jessner’s solution(a mix of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol) applied before TCA – this combination helps to uniformly remove the epidermis so the TCA can penetrate evenly. A straight TCA peel or a combination medium peel will cause a noticeable “frosting” (the skin temporarily whitens as proteins in the skin coagulate). This indicates that the peel has reached the intended depth.

Medium peels achieve more dramatic improvements in skin texture and tone. They can significantly reduce brown spots, blotchy pigmentation, and fine to moderate wrinkles. The trade-off is a longer downtime compared to light peels. After a medium TCA peel, your skin will typically be red and swollen initially (similar to a sunburn). Over the next few days, the skin will darken and then peel in larger sheets or flakes. Recovery usually takes about a week. During this time, diligent aftercare is required – we will guide you to keep the skin moisturized with ointment, avoid picking or rubbing the peeling skin, and strictly protect yourself from sun exposure as the new skin is fragile. Despite the recovery, the results can be very rewarding. Medium-depth peels prompt the dermis to regenerate new collagen and glycosaminoglycans (the building blocks of firm, hydrated skin) as part of the healing process link.springer.com. In fact, TCA peels have been used for decades as an effective method to rejuvenate photoaged skin. Clinical observations and studies have shown that a 35% TCA peel, for example, can noticeably improve skin tone, reduce sun-induced pigmentation, and smooth wrinkles in appropriate candidates link.springer.com. One study on melasma patients even noted that TCA peels (15% applied repeatedly) produced significant pigment lightening, attributing their effect to the controlled injury reaching the upper dermis and stimulating tissue renewal link.springer.com.

Our approach to medium peels prioritizes safety. We do not exceed certain strengths or areas – for instance, stronger TCA (over 35%) or phenol peels are generally reserved for hospital settings or very severe cases due to higher risks dermatologytimes.com. Instead, we achieve meaningful results through carefully repeated medium peels if needed, rather than a single overly aggressive treatment. During your consultation, we will evaluate your skin type, discuss your goals, and determine if a medium-depth peel is appropriate. When it is, you can be confident that you’re in skilled hands and that we’ll take every precaution to ensure proper healing. The outcome after healing is skin that looks fresher, tighter, and more evenly colored – similar to turning back the clock on sun damage.

Truly deep chemical peels are, today, rarely done in any cosmetic medical practice. Such peels involve strong formulations of trichloroacetic acid, or carboxylic acid (= phenol). 

Down-time can last for weeks.

Phenol peels can require a general anaesthetic to perform, and because phenol can irritate cardiac function and cause arrhythmias, phenol peels should be done under the care of an anaesthetist and with cardiac monitoring.

Suffice to say, this is not the sort of skin peel we offer at Peach Cosmetic Medicine

Chemical peels are versatile and can be tailored to target specific skin issues. Here are some of the common concerns we manage with peels, backed by scientific evidence:

• Acne & Congestion: Peels are a well-established adjunct therapy for acne. By clearing out dead cells and oil from pores, peels help reduce the formation of new pimples and blackheads. Salicylic acid peels in particular have demonstrated excellent results for inflammatory acne and comedonal acne (clogged pores). In a clinical study, both salicylic (BHA) and glycolic (AHA) acid peels significantly reduced acne lesions within just two weeks of the first treatment sciencedaily.com. By the end of a series of peels, 94% of treated areas showed noticeable improvement sciencedaily.com. Importantly, salicylic acid had slightly fewer side effects (like redness and flaking) and more sustained benefits in the weeks following treatment compared to glycolic acid sciencedaily.com. This means even mild, superficial peels can make a meaningful difference for acne-prone skin. Patients often report fewer breakouts and a smoother texture after a peel program, especially when combined with a good home skincare regimen. Peels can also help fade the reddish or brown marks that linger after acne lesions heal, leading to a clearer overall complexion.
• Pigmentation & Melasma: For uneven skin tone, sun spots, and melasma, chemical peels offer a valuable exfoliating approach to lighten unwanted pigment. Melasma (the blotchy brown pigmentation often seen on cheeks or forehead) can be stubborn, but peels can help by removing melanin-packed skin cells from the epidermis link.springer.com. We typically use a series of superficial peels (like glycolic acid 35–50% or Jessner’s solution) to gradually brighten pigmentation without causing strong irritation. Studies confirm that chemical peels are effective for melasma when used alongside other skin-lightening measures: they lift away pigment through accelerated exfoliation link.springer.com, allowing topical fading creams to penetrate better. It’s important to note that melasma is a chronic condition with tendencies to recur, so we approach it by combining peels with maintenance therapies (like prescription creams and diligent sunscreen use) for best results. One trial in patients with melasma found that a glycolic acid peel (50%) used in a series produced significant improvement in melasma severity and quality of life, especially when compared to a milder lactic acid peel link.springer.com. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels have also been shown to lighten melasma patches effectively link.springer.com – though we use medium peels cautiously in melasma to avoid post-inflammatory darkening. Overall, chemical peels can be a great adjunct for hyperpigmentation. They work best in conjunction with topical therapies (like hydroquinone, retinoids, or vitamin C), rather than as a standalone cure link.springer.com. Our doctors will often recommend a priming period with a brightening cream before starting peel treatments for pigmentation, which research shows can enhance peel results and reduce the risk of side effects link.springer.com. With each session, you can expect gradual lightening of dark spots and a more even-toned glow.
• Photoaging & Wrinkles: Sun damage over the years leads to fine lines, rough texture, enlarged pores, and discoloration – collectively known as photoaging. Chemical peels are a proven method to rejuvenate sun-damaged skin. Even light peels help by sloughing off the dull surface layer, giving an instant brightness and softness. Over time, repeated peels stimulate new collagen in the dermis, which can diminish fine lines and improve skin firmness link.springer.com. Medium-depth peels go further to reduce coarse wrinkles and blotchy pigmentation from chronic sun exposure. For example, a TCA medium peel can significantly smooth crow’s feet and smoker’s lines and fade age spots. Clinical research supports these benefits: patients who undergo a series of medium-depth peels often see visible improvement in wrinkles, skin tightness, and tone. In one study, as mentioned earlier, intermittent retinoic acid peels achieved comparable anti-aging results to daily retinoid cream – indicating that peels can jump-start similar remodeling processes in the skin jaad.org. Another study of middle-aged women with photodamage found that combining microdermabrasion with retinoic peels led to statistically significant improvement in skin texture and fine wrinkles within 1–2 months paperity.orgpaperity.org. Peels have also been noted to increase dermal collagen; when the skin heals after a controlled peel injury, it lays down new collagen fibers that help plump and smooth the skin. While deep phenol peels were historically used for severe wrinkles, today we can often achieve excellent rejuvenation with lighter peels done in a series, or with medium peels plus modern skincare – avoiding the prolonged downtime of older techniques. The end result for our patients is skin that not only looks younger and healthier, but actually has fresher, less damaged skin on a microscopic level.

Before your peel: You’ll have a consultation and possibly a test patch if you have sensitive skin or a darker skin tone. We may recommend prepping your skin with certain products (like a vitamin A cream or fading cream) in the weeks leading up to the peel, especially for medium peels or pigmentation issues. This priming step can improve results and reduce the chance of post-peel complications link.springer.com. On the day of the peel, we’ll cleanse your face thoroughly and protect your eyes and hair. It’s important that you’ve avoided any recent tanning and that you’ve informed us of any medication (like isotretinoin) or treatmen ts you’ve had, as these can affect how your skin responds.

During the peel: The procedure is generally quick. For a light/superficial peel, the solution is brushed onto the skin and left for just a few minutes. You might feel sensations ranging from a mild tingling or warmth to a more intense stinging or prickly feeling, depending on the peel strength. We use fans or cool air to keep you comfortable. Our staff closely observes your skin for certain cues (like the development of frosting with stronger peels) to know when to stop the process. Once the time is up or the desired level of exfoliation is achieved, we will neutralize the acid (if required) and gently cleanse the skin. A soothing balm or cold compresses may be applied to calm any irritation. With superficial peels, pain is minimal – you’ll just feel a bit of heat. Medium peels can be a bit more intense; however, we can use topical anesthetic or analgesics if needed, but most patients tolerate it well with our techniques. The whole process can take around 20–30 minutes for a full-face peel. After neutralization, your skin might appear pinkish or slightly frosted white. We’ll apply sunscreen before you leave, as your skin will be temporarily more sensitive to light.

After the peel: The post-peel experience varies by peel depth. With a light peel, you may have some redness for a few hours and subtle flaking over the next few days (often not noticeable to others). You can usually cover any redness with light makeup the next day if needed. For a retinol peel, you typically see redness the day after and then light peeling on days 2–3. With a medium-depth TCA peel, expect a more dramatic process: redness and possibly swelling on day 1–2, then browning of the skin as it prepares to shed, followed by significant peeling from about days 3–7. During this time, strict aftercare is crucial. We will give you detailed instructions, which generally include: gentle cleansing, frequent moisturizing with a bland emollient (like petroleum jelly), and sun avoidance. Sun protection is absolutely vital after any peel – new skin is delicate and prone to sunburn or pigmentation if exposed too soon dermatologytimes.com. You’ll be asked to stay indoors or wear a broad-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen if you must go out. Do not pick or peel the flaking skin, as that could lead to scars or dark spots. Let it come off naturally. We may schedule a follow-up to monitor your healing progress, especially for medium peels.

By the end of the peeling process, you’ll notice the fresh skin revealed is smoother and more radiant. Results will depend on the type of peel and your skin concern. Many patients see an immediate brighter tone and softer texture even after one light peel. For issues like acne or melasma, improvements tend to be incremental – for example, a reduction in active pimples or a slight evening of pigmentation after each session. A series of 3–6 peels is often recommended to achieve the best result in those cases. With medium peels, a single session can yield a noticeable difference in wrinkles, spots, and overall skin tightness once healed, and these results can last months or years (though of course, skin continues to age and be exposed to sun, so maintenance treatments are helpful). We will guide you on a personalized maintenance plan, which might involve periodic peels or at-home skincare to prolong your results.

 Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. All our chemical peels are performed by or under the supervision of medical professionals who understand how to choose the right peel for your skin type and goals. Adverse reactions from properly administered peels are uncommon. Superficial peels have a very low risk profile – at most, some temporary redness or mild pigmentation changes in rare cases, which typically resolve. Medium peels carry slightly more risk (such as prolonged pigment changes or, very rarely, scarring), but these are mitigated by careful patient selection and adherence to pre- and post-care instructions dermatologytimes.com. We take precautions like priming the skin beforehand for those with darker complexions to minimize any chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation dermatologytimes.com. During the procedure, we use timed application and visual indicators to ensure the peel does exactly what it’s supposed to, no more, no less.

It’s also worth noting that chemical peels can be an affordable and less invasive alternative to laser treatments for many patients. They don’t involve injections or surgery – it’s a topical treatment that works with your body’s natural healing. Many individuals choose peels as a stepping stone before considering more aggressive procedures, or as a way to maintain results from other treatments. Peels can be combined with other modalities too: for example, doing a series of peels in between laser sessions, or alternating peels with microdermabrasion, can yield synergistic benefits for skin rejuvenation. Our practitioners will create a comprehensive plan that might include a peel as one component of your skincare journey.

In summary, facial skin peels at our practice are a customizable, scientifically-backed method to renew your skin. Whether you’re looking to clear up acne, fade stubborn pigmentation, or simply restore a youthful glow, we have peel options – from light fruit acid peels to medium-strength TCA peels – to safely achieve noticeable improvements. The experience is comfortable and efficiently done in our clinic. You’ll be greeted by our friendly team who will explain each step and ensure you feel at ease. We love seeing our patients’ excitement when that dull layer peels away to uncover fresh, radiant skin. With proper sun protection and skincare maintenance, the results of a chemical peel can be long-lasting and truly revitalizing.

If you’re considering a peel or have questions about what might be right for your skin, we invite you to come in for a consultation. Our medical professionals will assess your skin and design a treatment plan that meets your needs and respects Australian cosmetic medical guidelines. We believe in enhancing your natural beauty in the most safe and effective way. A professional skin peel can be the perfect boost to help you look and feel your best, with the confidence of clear, glowing skin backed by medical expertise and research-based care.