Skin concerns can feel like a never-ending challenge—whether it’s acne, uneven tone, fine lines, sun damage, or dullness. Finding a solution that addresses all these issues can feel just as daunting. 

But at Dr Lauren’s Medical Aesthetics Clinic, we’re here to tell you: you don’t need to search any further. We bring you the best chemical peel treatments that are specially designed to rejuvenate your skin and restore its natural glow.

The term chemical peel might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective treatments you can give your skin. Whether you’re looking to refresh, repair, or restore, this transformative treatment offers visible results with minimal downtime. Here’s everything you need to know about how a chemical peel can help you achieve the complexion you’ve been dreaming of.

What are chemical peels?

A chemical peel is a dermatological treatment that improves skin texture and tone through the controlled application of acid ^[2][9]. This process lowers the skin’s pH, loosens dead skin cells, and promotes exfoliation, stimulating new cell growth and collagen production for firmer, smoother skin ^[2][9]. 

Chemical peels address multiple concerns, including wrinkles, scars, pigmentation issues, and texture irregularities, and are effective for conditions like acne, melasma, and actinic keratosis ^[1][8]. They can rejuvenate ageing areas like the face, neck, and hands, either as standalone treatments or alongside other procedures like laser therapy ^[8]. 

These peels come in light and medium depths, allowing for targeted treatment of the epidermis and dermis to achieve personalised results based on individual skin needs ^[3].

Science of Exfoliation and Cellular Turnover

Let’s take a deeper look into the fascinating science behind skin exfoliation and cellular turnover. Understanding these processes can illuminate how these chemical peels result in producing healthier skin.

Chemical peels exfoliate dead skin cells, accelerating cellular turnover and revealing newer skin while enhancing collagen production, resulting in smoother, clearer, and more even-toned skin ^[8]. They work by loosening bonds between dead cells, allowing for exfoliation and stimulating cell regeneration ^[1]. Here’s how they function:

• AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid): Loosen bonds between dead skin cells ^[6].
• BHAs (e.g., salicylic acid): Penetrate pores to reduce oil buildup ^[6].
• TCA (Trichloroacetic acid ): Coagulates proteins in the epidermis, stimulating dermal repair and collagen formation ^[6].

Chemical peels break down desmosomes (cell junctions), encouraging old skin layers to shed and regenerate new cells, enhancing skin health by improving absorption of skincare products ^[1].

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are categorised into three types based on the depth of skin penetration: light (superficial), medium, and deep peels ^[3][6][9]. Each type offers distinct benefits depending on the skin concerns being addressed, with deeper peels providing more intensive treatment for advanced issues ^[1][8].

	Superficial/Light Peels:	Medium-Depth Peels:	Deep Peels:
Target area	Targets epidermis	Targets epidermis	Targets deeper dermal
Applications	Fine lines Mild acne Hyperpigmentation Uneven skin texture	Acne scars Shallow wrinkles Sun damage	Deep wrinkles Scarring/Acne scars Extensive photodamage
Active Components	AHAs: Glycolic acid, Lactic acid & Mandelic acid) BHAs: Salicylic acid Jessner’s solution Fruit enzymes	Trichloroacetic acid (Combined with glycolic acid to enhance effects) Jessner’s solution: Resorcinol, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid	Phenol High-concentration trichloroacetic acid Croton oil
Advantages	Boosts moisture Improved skin texture Suitable for all skin types Unclog pores Reduced excess oil	Promotes collagen production Improved skin elasticity	Completely rejuvenated skin Long-lasting results with careful monitoring
Outcomes	Minimal downtime Mild redness Possible flaking, tingling or tightness	Minimal downtime Noticeable tone and texture improvements Collagen stimulated Enhanced elasticity	Significant downtime Dramatic improvements

Treatment Processes: What to Expect

Wondering what to expect when you come in for your chemical peel treatment with us, let us guide you through the process. First, we’ll choose the right peel depth based on your skin type and goals ^[8]. Prior to the chemical peel treatment, we may recommend using retinoids or hydroquinone creams to prepare your skin ^[8]. 

On the day of the chemical peel treatment, we’ll cleanse your skin with acetone or alcohol and apply protective measures like petroleum jelly to sensitive areas ^[8]. We’ll then evenly apply the peeling agent, which loosens dead skin cells ^[8]. Over the following days, the superficial layers will peel away, revealing fresh skin beneath ^[4][9]. This process stimulates new cell growth and boosts collagen production, improving skin tone, firmness, and texture ^[2]. Regular chemical peels can lead to long-term rejuvenation ^[2][9]. If you choose a deeper peel, it may require anaesthesia due to discomfort ^[8]. It’s as simple as that!

Solving Concerns

Chemical peels are effective treatments that target various skin concerns but one of the most frequent questions we receive from our patients is about the effectiveness of chemical peels for acne. Here’s how chemical peels work for different issues, particularly focusing on acne.

Acne and Oil Control

Chemical peels featuring salicylic acid are particularly effective for managing acne ^[6]. This BHA reduces sebum production, unclogs pores, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties ^[5]. Salicylic acid penetrates oily skin and clogged pores, effectively reducing blackheads and acne lesions ^[8][3]. Additionally, Jessner’s solution, which combines salicylic and lactic acids, is especially effective in treating acne ^[8].

Combination peels, such as those containing salicylic and mandelic acid, provide enhanced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, making them effective for treating active acne and improving scarring ^[1][8]. The synergistic effect of AHAs and BHAs helps address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while smoothing acne scars ^[1].

Pigmentation

For pigmentation issues, chemical peels featuring lactic acid and azelaic acid help lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation ^[6][8]. Kojic acid and mandelic acid provide additional brightening effects, particularly for darker skin tones ^[6][3]. 

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Chemical peels also target fine lines and wrinkles ^[3]. Glycolic acid is known to boost collagen production, effectively reducing the appearance of fine lines ^[6].

Post-Peel Care

After a chemical peel, we will provide you with detailed post-peel care instructions to promote proper healing ^[8]. It is recommended you avoid direct sun exposure, don’t use non-comedogenic moisturisers, apply sunscreen daily and avoid makeup. Use cold compresses to manage swelling and peeling ^[8]. 

Following the treatment, it’s common to experience redness and skin tightness for up to 24 hours, light peeling for 3-5 days, and mild tingling or heat that usually subsides quickly ^[3][7].

For the finest chemical peels near you, come to Dr Lauren’s Medical Aesthetics Clinic, where we cater to all your skin concerns with expert care. Discover the transformative power of our advanced treatments and take the first step towards radiant skin. Book your appointment today!