Chemical Skin Peels
Skin Peels
What Does a Skin Peel / Chemical Peel Aim to Do? How Do They Work?
Chemical peels, or skin peels, are a cosmetic treatment aimed at managing the characteristics of the skin. Using a chemical solution, they exfoliate the top layers of the skin, which then peel away. This process reveals skin that may appear refreshed, with changes in texture and tone. Chemical peels are used to address a variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, pigmentation, fine lines, and acne-prone skin.
Popular Types of Skin Peels
AHA Fruit Peels
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) peels, derived from fruit acids, are superficial peels used for exfoliating the top layer of the skin. This approach focuses on skin quality and texture. Examples include glycolic and lactic acid peels.
Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A) Peel
Retinoic acid peels increase the skin's cell turnover rate to address skin changes over time. This peel is used for sun damage, acne-prone skin, and for managing overall skin texture.
BHA Peel
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) peels, typically using salicylic acid, are oil-soluble, making them suitable for oily skin types. These products are used to address debris within the pores.
TCA Peels
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peels are medium-depth peels that address skin texture, lines, and pigmentation. They are used to manage the appearance of enlarged pores and acne scarring and often involve a recovery period of 7-10 days.
Jessner's Peel
Jessner's peel combines lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. It is used for oily skin and hyperpigmentation. This peel can also reach deeper skin layers as part of a regenerative approach to skin quality.
What Are the Potential Clinical Outcomes?
AHA Fruit Peels
Changes in skin texture and tone.
Management of fine lines and pigmentation.
Refreshed skin appearance.
Retinoic Acid Peels
Changes in skin texture and fine lines.
Management of acne-prone skin and scarring.
Addressing skin changes over time.
BHA Peel
Management of oily skin.
Addressing congestion and blackheads.
Addressing the appearance of pores.
TCA Peels
Changes in skin texture and pigmentation.
Addressing lines and acne scarring.
Focus on skin quality.
Jessner's Peel
Changes in skin clarity.
Management of hyperpigmentation and acne-prone skin.
Changes in overall skin tone and texture.
Treatable Areas of the Body
Skin peels are most commonly applied to the face but can be used on other areas such as the neck, décolletage, back, and arms to address skin texture and appearance.
What to Expect During Treatment
AHA Fruit Peels
Mild tingling sensation.
Discomfort varies between individuals.
Recovery varies.
Retinoic Acid Peels
Application of peel, followed by peeling that typically begins after 2-3 days.
Peeling often lasts 4-5 days.
Discomfort varies between individuals.
BHA Peel
Tingling or slight heat sensation.
Recovery varies, often around five days.
Post-peel purging is possible.
TCA Peels
Moderate discomfort.
7-10 days of peeling and recovery.
Significant skin exfoliation.
Jessner's Peel
Tingling sensation.
The skin may appear white initially (frosting).
Peeling typically begins 2-5 days after treatment.
Duration of Treatment
Most chemical peel treatments take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type and area, and are performed in clinic.
Recovery and Aftercare
AHA Fruit Peels
Minimal recovery period.
Moisturise and use sunscreen.
Retinoic Acid Peels / BHA Peel / Jessner's Peel
2-5 days of peeling.
Avoid sun exposure.
Use prescribed aftercare products.
TCA Peels
7-10 days of peeling.
Follow specific aftercare instructions from your clinician.
Duration of Results
The duration of results varies between individuals, depending on the peel type and individual skin characteristics. Regular maintenance treatments may be discussed as part of a long-term management plan.
Typical Cost of Chemical Peels
The cost of chemical peels can range from $250 to $1650 per session, depending on the type of peel and the specific requirements of the patient.
Conclusion
At Beauty by Doctor (BBD) in Bondi Junction, Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, we offer a range of chemical peels tailored to your individual skin assessment. Our team, led by Medical Director Dr Phoebe Jones, focuses on ensuring each treatment plan is customised. To discuss treatment suitability, contact Beauty by Doctor to book a consultation.
Suitability for treatment is determined during consultation. All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. While complications are uncommon, it is important that potential risks, including rare adverse events, are understood. For more information, please refer to our Treatment Complications page: https://beautybydoctor.com/pages/concerns/treatment-complications