Chemical peels are among the most established skin resurfacing treatments available in clinical practice. If you’re considering a medical-grade chemical peel, it’s important to understand what the procedure involves, the different types available, the potential benefits and risks, and what recovery looks like. So you can make an informed decision in consultation with a qualified practitioner.
This guide provides general educational information about medical-grade chemical peels. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified, registered health practitioner to discuss whether a chemical peel is appropriate for your individual skin type, concerns, and medical history.
What Is a Medical Grade Chemical Peel?
A medical-grade chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment performed by a qualified and registered health practitioner, such as a doctor, dermatologist, or appropriately trained cosmetic clinician. During the procedure, a chemical solution containing one or more active acid ingredients is applied to the skin (typically the face, neck, or other areas of concern) to promote controlled exfoliation. This process removes damaged outer layers of skin, encouraging the regeneration of new skin cells.
Medical-grade peels differ from over-the-counter skin care products in that they use higher concentrations of active ingredients, allowing for deeper penetration into the skin layers. Due to their strength, these treatments carry greater potential for both benefit and risk, which is why they must be performed under professional care in a clinical setting.
Why Are Chemical Peels Used?
Chemical peels have a long history of use in both cosmetic and medical dermatology. The treatment accelerates the skin’s natural exfoliation process, helping to clear the build-up of dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria that can contribute to a range of skin concerns.
Chemical peels may be used to help address concerns such as sun damage and uneven skin tone, pigmentation irregularities, fine lines and wrinkles, acne and acne scarring, and changes in skin texture. The resurfacing process may also help to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, though individual results will vary depending on factors such as the type of peel used, the patient’s skin type, and their overall skin health.
It is important to understand that results are not guaranteed, and outcomes differ from person to person. A thorough consultation with your practitioner is essential to set realistic expectations.
The Types of Medical Grade Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels are generally categorised into three types based on their depth of penetration. The most appropriate option for any individual patient depends on their skin type, specific concerns, medical history, and the clinical judgement of their treating practitioner.
Superficial Peels
Superficial peels are the mildest option. They typically use gentle acid solutions (such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or low-concentration salicylic acid) to treat the outermost layer of skin. They may be suitable for patients with mild pigmentation, minor texture concerns, or those new to chemical peel treatments. Recovery is generally minimal, though some patients may experience temporary redness or sensitivity. Superficial peels are often performed in a series of sessions, with the treatment plan tailored to the individual.
Medium Peels
Medium peels penetrate deeper into the skin using stronger acid agents such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA). They may be recommended for moderate concerns such as acne scarring, sun damage, deeper pigmentation, or fine wrinkles. Patients can typically expect several days of noticeable peeling, redness, and sensitivity following the application, with full recovery generally taking one to two weeks. Medium peels carry a greater risk of side effects than superficial peels, and careful post-treatment care is essential.
Deep Peels
Deep chemical peels use potent solutions such as phenol to affect the deeper layers of the skin (dermis). This type of peel is typically reserved for more significant skin concerns (such as deep wrinkles, pronounced scarring, or severe sun damage) and is usually performed only once. Deep peels carry the highest level of risk, including potential complications such as infection, scarring, and changes in skin colour. Recovery can take several weeks, and the procedure may require sedation or anaesthesia. Deep peels should only be performed by an experienced doctor or specialist and require thorough pre-procedure assessment and informed consent.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Before Your Peel
Every medical-grade chemical peel should begin with a comprehensive consultation. Your practitioner will assess your skin type, discuss your concerns and goals, review your medical history, and explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives available to you. You should receive both verbal and written information about the procedure in plain language, so you can provide fully informed consent. In the days or weeks leading up to treatment, you may be asked to prepare your skin using specific products or to avoid certain ingredients to help reduce the risk of complications.
During the Application
Your skin is cleansed, and the chemical solution is carefully applied to the treatment area. You may feel a tingling, warming, or mild stinging sensation during the application. The solution is left on for a specific period (which varies depending on the type and depth of peel) before being neutralised or removed. The process generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
After the Peel
Recovery time and experience vary depending on the depth of the peel performed, as well as individual patient factors. Superficial peels may result in mild redness for a day or two, while medium and deep peels can involve more significant peeling, redness, and sensitivity over the following days and weeks.
Post-Care Treatment for Chemical Peels
Appropriate aftercare is essential to support healing, reduce the risk of complications, and help achieve the best possible outcome for your skin.
In the days following your peel, keep your skin hydrated with gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers as recommended by your practitioner. Avoid direct sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Freshly treated skin is significantly more vulnerable to UV damage. Do not pick or peel flaking skin, as this may increase the risk of scarring or uneven healing. Your practitioner may recommend specific post-peel products to support your recovery.
Patients should avoid using active skincare ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C serums, or exfoliating acids until their skin has fully healed. If you experience any unusual or prolonged redness, swelling, blistering, or signs of infection, contact your treating clinic or doctor promptly.
Potential Benefits of Medical Grade Chemical Peels
When performed by a qualified practitioner on a suitable candidate, a medical grade chemical peel may help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation, including melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; improve skin texture and tone through deep exfoliation and cell turnover; reduce the frequency and severity of acne breakouts and soften the appearance of acne scars; and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It is important to note that individual results vary, and not all patients will experience the same degree of improvement. The potential benefits of a chemical peel should always be weighed against the risks during your consultation. Chemical peels are one option among several skin resurfacing treatments (including laser resurfacing and other cosmetic procedures), and your practitioner can advise on the most suitable approach for your individual needs.
Risks and Possible Complications
As with any clinical procedure, chemical peels carry risks. Potential side effects and complications may include temporary or prolonged redness, swelling, and sensitivity; peeling, flaking, or crusting of the skin; changes in skin colour (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation), particularly in patients with darker skin tones; infection; scarring; and allergic or adverse reactions to the chemical solution used.
The risk of complications increases with the depth of the peel. Your practitioner should explain all relevant risks to you before the procedure, and you should feel comfortable asking questions before providing consent. If you have a history of cold sores, keloid scarring, or certain skin conditions, make sure to disclose this during your consultation, as these factors may affect your suitability for treatment.
Best Practices for Different Skin Types
Choosing the right chemical peel for your skin type is essential to both safety and effectiveness. Not every peel is suitable for every patient, and a professional assessment is the best way to determine the appropriate treatment.
Patients with sensitive skin may find a gentle superficial peel with lactic acid to be the most suitable starting point. For oily or acne-prone skin types, salicylic acid peels may be effective at helping to manage congestion. Patients with darker skin tones should seek a practitioner experienced in treating deeper skin types, as certain peels carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation if not selected and applied correctly.
Regardless of your skin type, always disclose your full medical history, current skincare products, and any medications to your practitioner before undergoing a chemical peel. This allows them to tailor the treatment appropriately and minimise the risk of complications.
Is a Medical Grade Chemical Peel Right for You?
Medical-grade chemical peels may be suitable for a range of skin types and concerns, but they are not appropriate for everyone. A chemical peel may not be recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active skin infections or open wounds, have a history of abnormal scarring, or are taking certain medications.
The only way to determine if a medical-grade chemical peel is appropriate for you is to have a thorough, in-person consultation with a qualified and registered health practitioner. During this consultation, your practitioner will assess your suitability, explain the procedure, discuss realistic expected outcomes, and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a medical-grade chemical peel?
A medical-grade chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment in which a concentrated acid solution is applied to the skin to promote controlled exfoliation. Unlike over-the-counter products, medical-grade peels use higher-strength ingredients and must be performed by a qualified, registered health practitioner in a clinical setting. They penetrate deeper into the skin layers, which may make them more effective at addressing concerns such as pigmentation, acne, scarring, and signs of ageing (though results vary between individuals).
What types of medical-grade chemical peels are available?
There are three main types of medical-grade chemical peels, classified by their depth of penetration. Superficial peels use gentle acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid to treat the outermost skin layer. Medium peels use stronger agents such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to reach deeper layers. Deep peels use potent solutions like phenol for more significant skin resurfacing. Each type carries different benefits, risks, and recovery requirements, and the right choice depends on the individual patient’s skin and concerns.
How does the procedure for a chemical peel work?
The procedure begins with a thorough consultation to assess your skin type, medical history, and concerns. On the day of treatment, your skin is cleansed before the chemical solution is carefully applied to the treatment area. You may feel a tingling or warming sensation during the application. The solution is left on for a set period depending on the type of peel, then neutralised or removed. The entire process generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
What can I expect during recovery after a chemical peel?
Recovery depends on the depth of peel performed and individual patient factors. After a superficial peel, you may experience mild redness for a day or two. Medium peels typically involve noticeable peeling and sensitivity for one to two weeks. Deep peels require a longer recovery period of several weeks, with more significant peeling and redness. During recovery, it is essential to keep the skin hydrated, avoid sun exposure, apply sunscreen daily, and follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions carefully. Contact your practitioner if you experience any unexpected or concerning symptoms.
Who are ideal candidates for medical-grade chemical peels?
Suitable candidates are generally patients who wish to address concerns such as uneven skin texture, pigmentation, acne or acne scarring, or visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, suitability varies from person to person and depends on factors including skin type, medical history, current medications, and individual health. Chemical peels may not be recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with active skin infections, or patients with a history of abnormal scarring. A professional, in-person consultation with a registered health practitioner is the best way to determine whether a chemical peel is appropriate for you.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results from chemical peel treatments vary and are not guaranteed. Always consult a qualified, registered health practitioner for personalised advice regarding your skin concerns and treatment options. Chemical peels carry risks, including but not limited to redness, sensitivity, pigmentation changes, infection, and scarring. This content complies with AHPRA advertising guidelines and TGA requirements for the advertising of regulated health services in Australia.
