If your skin is looking dull, uneven, or tired, a chemical peel may be the perfect reset it needs. Chemical peels have been used for decades to rejuvenate the skin, and today’s advanced formulas are gentler, safer, and far more effective than ever before. Designed to remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and brighten your complexion, chemical peels are a popular non-surgical option for patients seeking visible results with minimal downtime.

At Dr Cosmetist, we offer medical-grade peels tailored to different skin types and concerns. Here’s everything you need to know about how chemical peels work, the types available, and what results you can expect.

What Are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses a specialised solution to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin. As the top layer sheds, fresher, healthier skin emerges — revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Peels come in different strengths and formulations, allowing us to customise your treatment based on your unique concerns.

What Do Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels are highly versatile and treat a wide range of skin issues:

✔ Dull or uneven skin tone
✔ Sun damage (common in Australia’s harsh climate)
✔ Pigmentation and dark spots
✔ Fine lines and early wrinkles
✔ Rough or uneven texture
✔ Enlarged pores
✔ Mild acne or acne marks
✔ Dry, flaky skin

Whether your concerns are cosmetic or age-related, peels offer a gentle yet effective way to refresh and restore your skin.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels use active acids to gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. This controlled exfoliation stimulates cell turnover and encourages collagen production.

The science behind it:

Light peels exfoliate the epidermis
Medium peels reach the upper dermis
Deep peels penetrate further for significant resurfacing

At Dr Cosmetist, we focus on light to medium medical-grade peels, which balance excellent results with minimal downtime.

Types of Chemical Peels at Dr Cosmetist

1. Light / Superficial Peels

These are gentle, refreshing peels suitable for regular skin maintenance.

Best for:

Dull skin
Mild discoloration
Early signs of aging
Enlarged pores

Downtime:

Virtually none — slight pinkness for a few hours.

Common ingredients include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid.

2. Medium Peels

These penetrate deeper, offering a more dramatic improvement in tone and texture.

Best for:

Sun damage
Pigmentation
Textural concerns
Acne scarring
Fine lines

Downtime:

A few days of flaking and dryness.

These often include TCA (trichloroacetic acid) or blended solutions.

3. Brightening / Pigmentation Peels

Designed to target stubborn pigmentation such as melasma, PIH, and sunspots.

Best for:

Uneven tone
Hormonal pigmentation
Sun-induced pigmentation
Dark marks after breakouts

Why it works:

These peels suppress melanin production and brighten dull, uneven skin.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

✔ Brighter, more radiant complexion

Peels remove dead skin buildup, revealing fresh, glowing skin underneath.

✔ Smoother texture

Fine lines, rough patches, and uneven areas are visibly reduced.

✔ Pigmentation correction

Discoloration lightens with consistent treatment.

✔ Boosted collagen production

Helps skin remain youthful and firm over time.

✔ Works for all skin types

When properly selected and performed by a professional.

What to Expect During Your Peel

Your skin is thoroughly cleansed.
The peel solution is applied for a set amount of time.
You may feel a mild tingling or warmth — completely normal.
The peel is neutralised or left to self-neutralise depending on the formula.
A soothing post-peel serum and SPF are applied.

The entire treatment takes around 20–30 minutes.

Aftercare: How to Maximise Your Results

Following a chemical peel, your skin is more sensitive. Proper aftercare ensures beautiful results:

✔ Avoid sun exposure
✔ Wear SPF 50 daily
✔ Avoid harsh exfoliants for 1 week
✔ Keep the skin moisturised
✔ Do not pick or peel flaking skin
✔ Use gentle, non-irritating skincare

If you follow these instructions, your results will be smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin.

How Many Peels Do You Need?

Most patients see improvement after just one peel, but optimal results often come from a series of 3–6 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart.

At Dr Cosmetist, your practitioner will recommend the ideal course based on your skin’s condition and goals.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Chemical peels are suitable for nearly all skin types and ages — especially those looking to:

Reduce pigmentation
Brighten dull skin
Minimise fine lines
Improve texture
Maintain youthful skin

It’s a gentle but highly effective option for anyone wanting noticeable results without downtime.

Chemical peels are one of the most reliable, time-tested ways to rejuvenate the skin naturally and safely. Whether you’re treating pigmentation, dullness, early aging, or uneven texture, peels deliver a refreshed, brighter, and more youthful appearance with minimal disruption to your routine.

✨ Ready to renew your skin?
Book a personalised chemical peel consultation at Dr Cosmetist and discover the perfect peel for your skin type.