TREATMENTS

Chemical Peels And Skin Peeling Treatments

At Cosmetique®, we offer chemical peels as a way to help your skin look and feel its best. This rejuvenation procedure helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, scarring, acne, and uneven tones. If you are looking to brighten up your appearance with a dermatological peel, consider booking a consultation at one of our many locations in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Adelaide today.

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What Are Chemical Peels?

Our skin goes through a lot throughout our lives. Everyday activities can cause fine lines, wrinkles, acne and scarring, redness, or sun exposure that can result in an uneven tone. Chemical peels are one of the best ways to improve the look of skin safely and effectively.

This type of beauty treatment is used to remove damaged skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthier skin. It offers patients a renewed look with minimal invasiveness.

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are categorized by depth: light, medium, and deep. Light (superficial) peels target the epidermis (the outermost layer of your skin) and help with fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne, and pigmentation. Repeated treatments can often create the best results.

Medium and deep peels go further, removing skin cells from the surface and the dermis (the middle layer of skin) and targeting harsher wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths.

At Cosmetique®, we offer a light peel to transform your skin’s look and texture with minimal invasiveness.

Light 20% Glycolic Acid Peel

This peel uses glycolic acid as the primary chemical agent, which contains an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). The exfoliating properties are ideal for treating fine lines, acne, and pigmentation. Upon application, it removes dead skin cells and older, rougher, and dryer skin on the surface. Once removed and in due time, the final results yield a new layer of skin with a smoother, youthful glow.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have many benefits and are an excellent solution for different types of skin conditions, like acne, wrinkles, rosacea, and scarring. While this treatment can target your unique concerns, generally, the goal is to improve your complexion. This is accomplished through the unique ability of chemical peels to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells and allow your skin to heal and renew to a healthier-looking visage. Aside from this overall improved appearance, some other specific benefits of chemical peels include the following:

  • Reduces and smoothens fine lines and wrinkles
  • Corrects discolouration from sun damage
  • It helps with acne and breakouts
  • Addresses pigment issues and uneven skin tones and textures
  • Improves the appearance of scarring
  • Combats dryness by increasing your skin’s hydration
  • Maximizes the effectiveness of your skincare products by removing the top layer of dead skin cells and allowing serums, oils, exfoliants, and moisturizers to absorb deeper into your skin.

Before the Chemical Peel Treatment

If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of chemical peels, the first step is to have a consultation to determine if this treatment is right for you. If you’re an ideal candidate, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment, including the following tips:

  • Inform your cosmetic nurse about any medications you’re taking. You may need to pause certain ones before your appointment because they can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.

Three to Four Weeks Before

  • Use medical-grade skincare three to four weeks before your appointment. Speak with your cosmetic nurse about which products are the best for skin preparation.

Two Weeks Before

  • Limit sun exposure by wearing SPF and wide-brimmed hats.
  • Refrain from artificial tanning.

Two to Seven Days Before

  • Avoid exfoliating at least a week before your treatment.
  • Stay hydrated to maximize the effects of the chemical peel.
  • Keep your face dirt-free and allow your skin to stay fresh by avoiding makeup for a couple of days before your session.

During the Chemical Peel Procedure

Chemical peel treatments can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of peel. The cosmetic nurse will cleanse your face before applying the acid solution. Once applied, the chemical penetrates the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) and works to remove damaged cells.

The treated area might sting and whiten as the layer peels, promoting the growth of new skin. The cosmetic nurse will then apply a neutralizing compound to stop the chemical process and promptly remove the acid from your face. Redness will likely occur and take a few days to disappear.

The procedure is usually completed by applying sunscreen and balm to protect and soothe the treated area. The cosmetic nurse will then inform you of the specific steps to take during recovery.

Post-Care Treatment

It is important to follow your aftercare instructions so your skin can fully heal and reflect the best results. The treated area will be sensitive during this time, and you may see peeling or flaking a few days after. These experiences are normal and require a routine application of protective ointment to soothe the area. Avoid harsh cleansers or exfoliants, and don’t pick or scrub. Skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so try to limit exposure and apply the correct amount of SPF as recommended by our dermal therapists.

What are the Risks of a Chemical Peel Treatment?

Generally, deeper peels are associated with more risks, which is why we’re happy to offer light treatments to ensure your well-being. Some short-term side effects to be aware of include the following:

  • Redness can last a few days after the treatment.
  • Swelling (more common with deeper peels) can last a few days.
  • Discomfort that lasts a few hours.
  • Itchiness
  • Acne breakouts

Longer-term side effects may include:

  • Hyperpigmentation (dark patches)
  • Hypopigmentation (loss of pigmentation)

Here are other rare occurrences associated with deeper peels:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Bacterial, fungal, or viral infection
  • Scarring
  • Eye injury

Who is Not Suitable for a Chemical Peel?

You may not be a good candidate for chemical peel procedures if you have:

  • A history of herpes simplex virus (cold sores) or current infection.
  • Taken oral acne medication or used specific treatments in the past six months.
  • A personal or family history of keloids.
  • Inflamed acne or sunburn.

A consultation with a cosmetic nurse can help determine if you are an ideal candidate to receive a chemical peel procedure. This session will take into account your current skin conditions, and it will be the opportunity to discuss any personal health history relevant to the treatment, like allergies and medications.

How Long Do Improvements Last?

How long your results last depends on the type and depth of the peel, as well as your individual habits and skin characteristics. Light peel results, for example, can last one to two months, while you can reap the benefits of deeper ones for years after.

Additionally, the more you take care of your skin, the longer these improvements will be noticeable. We recommend you do your best to protect your skin from the sun and wear a minimum of SPF 30.

Chemical Peel FAQs

How long does it take to recover from a chemical peel?

Generally, it can take up to two weeks for your skin to completely heal. Within the first day, you can expect some redness, which you can soothe with an approved moisturizer or ointment.

You’ll notice flakiness, dryness, and peeling in the following days — this is a natural process. Try to refrain from scrubbing or picking, as peeling the skin before it’s ready to shed can slow down healing and potentially cause damage.

During the first week, it’s a good idea to stay indoors, avoid makeup, gently rinse with cold water, and continue applying your ointment for the best results. Most peeling should cease within seven days.

After one to two weeks, your skin will be completely healed, and you can resume your normal skincare routine and begin to wear makeup again. Keep in mind that for long-lasting results and to support the general health of your skin, continue limiting direct sun exposure and apply SPF.

Chemical peels are usually not painful, but you may experience some sensations like stinging, tingling, or sensitivity. These feelings typically subside when the treatment finishes. After the procedure, we advise you to avoid exfoliating and drink lots of water to prevent irritation or discomfort.

Whether or not you need multiple sessions depends on your skin condition, goals, and treatment plan. For example, if you experience acne or sun damage, repeated sessions may help improve results. Depending on the type of peel, you can return for more sessions after one to six months to maintain your face’s healthy, fresh look. However, one appointment can often yield long-lasting benefits, so speak with your cosmetic nurse to see when a follow-up might be right for you.

Why Choose Cosmetique®

At Cosmetique®, we are passionate about delivering professional and safe chemical peels and other aesthetic treatments to help you feel and look your best. That’s why all our Cosmetic Nurses are AHPRA Registered and must complete comprehensive training and up-to-date certification from the Aesthetic and Skin Institute (ASI) in Australia. We are also industry leaders in compliance and safety to ensure you always receive best-in-class treatments with the latest techniques and tools. Above all, we care. We will provide expert advice to find the right solutions for your unique aesthetic goals.

Book a Dermatological Peels consultation today

Ready to redefine your appearance? We look forward to meeting with you. Fill out the form on this page or book an appointment online to begin your Cosmetique® journey.

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