Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a professionally applied solution that prompts the skin to shed in a controlled way, revealing fresher-looking skin beneath. At The Skin Doctors Clinic, peels are used thoughtfully for concerns like dullness, uneven tone, congestion, superficial pigmentation and some fine textural changes—always matched to your skin, your medical history and your goals.
How Chemical Peels Work
A peel uses carefully selected acids to loosen the “glue” between dead surface cells. Depending on the formula and contact time, peels can be:
• Superficial (epidermal) – often using acids like AHAs, BHAs or fruit enzymes to brighten and smooth with minimal downtime.
• Medium-depth – doctor-performed treatments that reach the upper dermis for more noticeable resurfacing and pigment softening, with a longer recovery.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Your clinician will assess your skin, lifestyle and any medications to recommend if a peel is appropriate—or if another option will serve you better.
Types of Chemical Peels Offered
We offer a carefully selected range of superficial and medium-depth peels, tailored to your skin type, goals and tolerance. All peels are prescribed or performed under medical governance, ensuring safety and suitability are prioritised at every step.
Superficial Peels
These light peels target the uppermost skin layers, supporting smoother texture, refined pores and refreshed tone—generally with minimal downtime.
They’re often chosen for early signs of congestion, dullness or uneven texture, and are suitable for most skin types when professionally assessed.
Enzyme Hydro Peel
A gentle combination of papaya enzymes and lactic acid designed to lift surface buildup while supporting hydration. Often suitable for sensitive or reactive skin, this peel delivers a mild exfoliation and freshened appearance without visible peeling.
Milk Peel
A lactic acid-based peel focused on hydration, tone and overall luminosity. It’s ideal for skin that feels dry or lacklustre, or as a gentle maintenance peel between more active treatments.
Tetracid 50
A balanced blend of four fruit-derived acids, formulated to smooth uneven texture and encourage more uniform cell turnover. This peel is typically recommended for those seeking general revitalisation or an introduction to chemical exfoliation.
TCA 10–20% Peel
A light trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel that reaches slightly deeper within the epidermis to refine surface irregularities and promote brighter skin tone. The strength is selected based on your skin’s resilience and response.
Jessner Peel
A combination peel using salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol, applied in controlled layers to help manage congestion and uneven pigmentation. This peel may produce visible flaking and requires careful aftercare, which we guide you through step-by-step.
All superficial peels are performed by our trained clinicians under the supervision of Dr Jimmy Wang (MED0001663746), Cosmetic Physician.
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Medium-Depth Peels
These peels reach into the upper dermis and are designed for more significant resurfacing, such as in the management of acne scarring, textural irregularities and advanced photoaging.
Due to their depth and potential downtime, they require a thorough in-person consultation with Dr Jimmy Wang, who performs these procedures personally.
TCA 20–35% Peel
This doctor-only peel uses trichloroacetic acid at higher concentrations to achieve deeper renewal. It’s applied in precise, graded layers depending on the skin’s thickness and target areas. Healing may involve several days of redness and peeling, with aftercare closely monitored by our medical team.
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Who It May Suit (and When We Defer)
Peels may be considered for adults (18+) with:
• Dull or rough skin, clogged pores, early photoaging or patchy tone
• Superficial pigment (such as post-inflammation marks)
• Mild acne congestion (as part of a broader plan)
We’ll defer or choose alternatives if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (depending on the agent), have a history of abnormal scarring, active cold sores, open wounds, active dermatitis/rosacea flare, recent isotretinoin use or recent sunburn/tanning.
If you have a deeper skin tone or a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, we’ll take extra care with priming, agent choice and aftercare—or recommend a different pathway.
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What to Expect
Before Your Peel
• Comprehensive consultation and medical history
• Photos for records, and a discussion of benefits, limitations and risks
• Pre-treatment preparation (e.g., sunscreen diligence, pausing certain actives)
During Your Peel
• Cleansing and degreasing of the skin
• Solution applied in layers or passes, depending on peel type
• Tingling or warmth that settles within minutes
• Neutralisation (where applicable), followed by soothing care and SPF
After Your Peel
• Superficial peels: mild redness/tightness for 24–48 hours, light flaking from day 2–4
• Medium-depth peels: more obvious peeling from days ~3–7, settling over 7–10+ days
• Strict sun protection, gentle skincare and no manual peeling are essential
You’ll receive written aftercare instructions and follow-up support from our team.
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Risks and Possible Side Effects
All medical skin treatments carry risk. With peels these can include:
• Redness, stinging or swelling
• Temporary darkening or lightening
• Breakout purging, infection or delayed healing
• Scarring (rare)
• Cold sore reactivation in susceptible individuals
Changes to pigmentation can occur, especially with sun exposure or picking. We’ll discuss these in detail and provide instructions on what to do—and who to contact—if something doesn’t feel right.
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Results and Maintenance
You may notice a fresher, smoother look once flaking settles, with tone and clarity improving progressively. Maintenance depends on your skin, lifestyle and sun habits—daily broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable.
Results vary between individuals and are not permanent. If a peel isn’t likely to meet your goals, we’ll discuss alternatives such as skincare programs, energy-based treatments or prescription pathways where clinically appropriate.
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Booking and Suitability
Chemical peels are offered to adults 18+ following an in-person consultation. If you’re considering treatment, we’ll start with a skin assessment to determine if a peel is appropriate and outline the plan, downtime and costs so you can make an informed decision.
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Important Information to Support Informed Choice
• This page provides balanced, general information and does not replace a consultation.
• Outcomes and recovery differ between individuals; no result can be guaranteed.
• Risks, downtime and post-care requirements are clearly discussed before treatment.
• No altered or testimonial content is used to promote medical procedures.
• We avoid language that trivialises care or implies an “ideal” appearance.
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Ready to Chat?
If a chemical peel sounds like it could fit your skin plan—or you simply want professional advice on where to start—book a consultation with our team.
We’ll talk through your options, including non-peel approaches, so you can choose what feels right for you.