Chemical peels have been around for decades, but there’s still a lot of confusion about what they actually do, how intense they are, and whether your face is going to look like it’s falling off for a week afterwards.
Let’s clear that up.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a controlled exfoliation. A solution is applied to the skin that causes the outermost layers to shed over the following days. As those old, damaged cells come away, the fresh skin underneath is smoother, more even, and less congested.
Think of it as a deep reset for your skin’s surface. Your skin naturally sheds cells on its own, but that process slows down as you age. A chemical peel speeds it up in a precise, controlled way.
The products we use at BLAAH are professional-grade formulations that aren’t available over the counter. That matters because the concentration, pH levels and application technique all affect how the peel works and how your skin responds. You can read more about what we offer on our chemical peel treatment page.
Types of chemical peels
Not all peels are created equal. The main difference is depth.
Superficial peels
These work on the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). They typically use ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid at controlled concentrations.
Superficial peels are the mildest option. You might notice some light flaking for a day or two, but many people can go back to their normal routine straight away. They’re good for general skin maintenance, mild congestion and refreshing dull skin.
Medium-depth peels
These penetrate deeper, reaching the upper part of the dermis. They use stronger acids, often trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at specific concentrations, sometimes combined with other agents.
Medium peels produce more visible peeling. You’ll likely see noticeable flaking or sheets of skin coming away over 3-5 days. The trade-off is more significant results, particularly for pigmentation, sun damage, textural concerns and deeper congestion.
We don’t perform deep peels at BLAAH. Deep peels carry considerably higher risks and are typically performed in surgical settings. For most skin concerns, superficial and medium-depth peels deliver meaningful results with a much more manageable recovery. Peels also pair well with other treatments — we cover this in detail on our LED light therapy page.
What concerns can a chemical peel address?
Peels can help with a range of skin issues, though results vary depending on the type of peel, your skin type and the specific concern.
Chemical peels may help reduce the appearance of:
- Uneven skin texture — roughness, bumpy skin, enlarged pores
- Pigmentation and sun damage — brown spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Congestion — blackheads, clogged pores, milia
- Dull skin tone — that flat, tired look that comes from sluggish cell turnover
- Fine lines — particularly around the eyes and mouth (medium peels)
- Mild acne scarring — shallow, textural scarring responds better than deep ice-pick scars
A single peel won’t fix everything. For most concerns, we recommend a series of treatments. Typically 3-6 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart for superficial peels, or 2-3 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart for medium peels.
What happens during treatment
Here’s what a typical appointment looks like:
- We cleanse your skin thoroughly and apply a pre-peel solution to degrease the skin and ensure even penetration.
- The peel solution is applied in layers. You’ll feel a tingling or stinging sensation. This is normal. For superficial peels, it’s mild. For medium peels, it’s more noticeable.
- The solution sits on your skin for a set time, usually between 2-10 minutes depending on the type and your skin’s response. We monitor your skin throughout.
- The peel is neutralised or removed, and a soothing product and SPF are applied.
The whole appointment takes about 30-45 minutes. There’s no anaesthesia required for superficial peels. Medium peels can be uncomfortable during application, but the sensation passes quickly once the solution is neutralised.
Recovery timeline
This is what most people want to know, and it’s fair enough.
Superficial peel recovery
- Day 1-2: Skin may feel tight, slightly pink. Some people notice nothing at all.
- Day 2-4: Light flaking, if any. Easily managed with moisturiser.
- Day 5: Back to normal. Fresh, smoother skin showing through.
Medium peel recovery
- Day 1-2: Skin feels tight and looks darker or bronzed. Mild swelling possible.
- Day 3-5: Peeling begins. This can range from patchy flaking to larger sheets of skin. Don’t pick at it.
- Day 5-7: Most peeling has finished. Skin underneath is pink and fresh.
- Day 7-14: Pinkness fades. New skin continues to settle.
The temptation to pick or pull at peeling skin is real. Don’t do it. Pulling skin before it’s ready to come away can cause scarring or pigmentation issues. Let it shed naturally.
Aftercare
Good aftercare is non-negotiable. Your fresh skin is more sensitive and more vulnerable to damage, especially from the sun.
The essentials:
- SPF 50+ every single day. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors. This is the most important thing you can do. Skipping sunscreen after a peel can cause hyperpigmentation that’s worse than what you started with.
- No active ingredients for 7-10 days. That means no retinol, no vitamin C serums, no AHAs or BHAs, no exfoliating products. Your skin has just been exfoliated significantly. Adding more is too much.
- Gentle cleanser and moisturiser only. Fragrance-free, simple formulations. We’ll recommend specific products during your appointment.
- No hot water on your face. Lukewarm only.
- No saunas, steam rooms or intense exercise for 48 hours (or until peeling has stopped for medium peels).
- No picking, scratching or rubbing peeling skin.
Who should avoid chemical peels
Chemical peels aren’t suitable for everyone. You may need to wait or choose a different treatment if you:
- Have active cold sores or herpes simplex (a peel can trigger an outbreak)
- Are using isotretinoin or have used it in the past 6 months
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis on the treatment area
- Have recently had significant sun exposure or sunburn
- Have a history of keloid scarring (medium peels)
Darker skin tones need careful assessment. Some peel types carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin. This doesn’t mean peels are off the table, but it does mean the type, strength and aftercare protocol need to be tailored specifically.
Possible risks and side effects
Common side effects include redness, tightness, peeling (expected), and temporary sensitivity. These are part of the normal healing process.
Less common but possible side effects include prolonged redness, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, infection, and scarring. These risks increase when aftercare isn’t followed, when peels are performed too frequently, or when the wrong peel type is chosen for a particular skin type.
We assess your skin thoroughly before recommending a peel type and strength. Honest advice about what’s appropriate matters more than selling you the strongest option available.
Getting started
If you’re dealing with dull skin, congestion, uneven tone or texture concerns, a chemical peel might be worth exploring. We offer consultations at our Penrith clinic where we assess your skin, discuss your goals and recommend a treatment plan that makes sense for you.
No pressure, no upselling. Just a proper look at what’s going on with your skin and honest advice about what might help. Book a consultation to get started, or check our pricing page for treatment costs.
