Chemical Peels - Types & Benefits

Chemical peels are medically supervised exfoliation treatments designed to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity. Individuals with acne, pigmentation, uneven texture, or signs of ageing often explore this option when topical products provide limited results. 

At Leor, we offer clinically tested chemical peel treatments tailored to your skin’s unique concerns, ensuring both safety and visible results.

Read this blog to gain a detailed understanding of how chemical peeling treatments work, what they target, the types available, and important considerations for different skin types and concerns.

What Exactly Are Chemical Peels

A chemical peels treatment is a dermatological procedure where a carefully formulated chemical solution is applied to the skin to initiate controlled exfoliation. Once applied, the solution interacts with the upper layers of the skin, loosening dead or damaged cells and encouraging them to shed. As the skin regenerates, newer, healthier cells take their place.

While the name may imply harshness, the goal of a chemical face peel is measured repair. By removing what no longer serves the skin such as buildup, sun damage, or texture irregularities, it creates the right conditions for a clearer and more uniform surface.

Every patient’s peeling treatment is usually determined based on it’s depth and ingredients needed, which we’ll explore further in upcoming sections.

Understanding Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation is the mechanism by which chemical peels deliver their effects. It’s different from physical exfoliation, which uses friction to scrub away surface debris. Instead, this approach uses active compounds like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve cellular bonds and clear clogged pores.

This process removes dead cells and sends a signal to the skin to renew itself faster. And such response leads to increased cell turnover, smoother texture, and often, a subtle thickening of the dermis over time, thanks to boosted collagen activity.

Applications of Chemical Peels

Few skin types may not respond to surface level fixes. This is where chemical peels act as therapeutic exfoliators that reach deeper layers to tackle chronic and recurring issues. Their role is not just to polish the skin, but to trigger internal renewal. Below are specific concerns where peeling treatments have shown noticeable impact:

1. Breakouts and Pore Congestion

For individuals prone to frequent skin active acne or blackheads, certain chemical peeling treatments (especially those with salicylic acid) act like microscopic uncloggers. They penetrate oily skin, dissolve sebum buildup, and restore breathing space for your pores.

2. Acne Scars

Post-acne texture irregularities are often resistant to everyday skincare. Mild to moderate scarring, however, can be softened through peels that encourage fresh cell layers to surface and reduce contrast between scarred and healthy skin.

3. Early Signs of Ageing

Fine lines do not always require aggressive intervention. Light or medium chemical face peels encourage faster cell turnover and stimulate collagen, making fine creases near the eyes and mouth appear less defined over time.

4. Textural Irregularities

When your skin feels uneven to touch, exfoliating masks might fall short. A controlled peeling treatment dissolves damaged top layers, paving the way for smoother skin without physical scrubbing.

5. Pigmentation Patches

One of the most consistent use-cases for a face peel for pigmentation is in fading sun spots, injury marks, or stubborn dark patches. Multiple sessions of a chemical peel for hyperpigmentation help reduce melanin concentration in those areas for a more even skin tone.

6. Hormonal Pigmentation (Melasma)

In cases of melasma or hormonally triggered pigmentation, peels often play a supporting role, especially when paired with dermatologist-prescribed protocols. While not a standalone fix, they contribute to overall brightness and better tone distribution.

7. Skin That Looks Tired or Dull

Dullness usually indicates that your skin’s natural exfoliation process has slowed down. Glycolic face peels, with their small molecule size, lift the veil of fatigue by prompting the skin to regenerate more efficiently.

8. Enlarged Pores and Excess Oil

Peels do not shrink pores but help regulate what makes them look larger, for example - trapped oil and stretched skin. A few well-paced sessions can leave the area looking tighter and less prone to congestion.

9. Uneven Skin Tone

If your complexion appears patchy or lacks uniformity, glycolic chemical peels or blends containing lactic acid can refine the tone gradually. The result is not immediate lightening but consistent balancing of overall appearance.

10. Maintenance Between Advanced Treatments

Sometimes, chemical peels are used not as standalone treatments but to maintain results between new advanced treatments like microneedling or laser sessions. They serve as a bridge , keeping skin receptive and responsive without overloading it.

Benefits of Chemical Peels: Beyond Skin Deep

While smoother texture and brighter tone are the more obvious outcomes, the treatment’s biological influence often extends to areas we don’t see immediately in the mirror.

Here are a few ways chemical peeling treatment benefits both the skin and its underlying structure:

• Cell Renewal Gets a Push: Peels accelerate how quickly skin cells shed and regenerate, helping your skin stay in a constant cycle of self-improvement rather than stagnation.

• Improved Product Absorption: Once buildup is removed, skincare products penetrate more effectively, allowing actives like niacinamide or retinol to deliver better results.

• Reduced Appearance of Scars: With consistent sessions, minor acne scars and post-inflammatory marks start to fade as newer layers take their place.

• Smoother Surface Over Time: Texture becomes more even, not just by removing dead skin but by subtly encouraging collagen production in the deeper layers.

• Pore Clarity and Balance: By keeping pores free of blockages and helping regulate oil, peels can support longer-term skin balance.

These chemical peel benefits accumulate gradually. The changes may be quiet, but over time, they add up to a clearer, calmer, and more responsive skin barrier, which is the foundation for any skincare goal.

Type of Chemical Peels: Choosing the Right Peel for Your Skin

Every skin concern doesn’t need an intense peel  and every peel doesn’t fit every face. The real power of chemical peels lies in customisation. 

Instead of labelling one as better than the other, it's more useful to know how they behave and who they’re best suited for. Let’s unpack the three types based on depth and strength and what results they actually deliver.

1. Superficial Peels – For a Subtle Reset

Think of these as light nudges to your skin's natural rhythm.

• Targets: Dullness, rough texture, early breakouts, minor pigment issues

• Ingredients often used: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid

• What happens: These peels work on the outermost layer, gently ungluing dead cells without triggering visible peeling in most cases.

• Downtime: Practically none, maybe mild redness for a few hours

• Who it suits: Beginners, sensitive skin types, or anyone prepping for an event

2. Medium Peels – For Deeper Correction

These aren’t weekend glow-ups. They're corrective, structured treatments with more intent.

• Targets: Face peel for pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, uneven tone

• Ingredients used: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), sometimes blended with AHAs or Jessner’s solution

• What happens: These peels reach the middle layer of the skin. You may see visible peeling, dryness, and tightness for a few days.

• Downtime: Around 5–7 days depending on skin response and aftercare

• Who it suits: People managing stubborn skin concerns or prepping for larger treatment plans

3. Deep Peels

These are clinical-strength peels designed to address long-term, deep-rooted concerns, often used where superficial treatments may no longer be enough.

• Targets: Deep wrinkles, sun damage, coarse texture, stubborn pigmentation, and visible signs of skin aging

• Ingredients used: High-concentration phenol or carefully compounded trichloroacetic acid (TCA) blends

• What happens: These peels work below the skin’s surface layers, encouraging structural renewal from within. Recovery is more involved, but the transformation can be significant.

• Downtime: Two to three weeks of visible peeling, sensitivity, and close aftercare monitoring

• Who it suits: Individuals with medically assessed skin conditions, suitability is based more on skin behavior than on skin ton

Is a Chemical Peel Good for All Skin Types? Considerations

The appeal of a chemical face peel lies in its versatility, but does that mean it's suitable for everyone? The short answer is: yes, but with conditions.

Chemical peels can be adapted for almost every skin type and tone, but the formula, strength, and application method must be tailored to your skin’s history and sensitivity. Let’s have a look at the key considerations that determine whether a peeling treatment is ideal for you:

1. Skin Tone Isn’t a Limitation

Earlier, certain peels were discouraged for darker skin due to higher risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. But today, with newer formulations and refined protocols, even chemical peel for hyperpigmentation is safely used across skin tones, including deep and rich complexions. What matters is controlled exfoliation and expert judgment.

2. Sensitive Skin Needs a Softer Approach

If you’re prone to redness, irritation, or conditions like rosacea, that doesn’t exclude you. You may not be suited for medium or deep peels, but milder options such as a glycolic face peel or mandelic acid-based peel can gently refresh without triggering flare-ups. Always start slow and let your skin guide the pace.

3. Active Breakouts or Open Wounds?

While chemical peeling treatment is great for acne-prone skin, it’s best done when there’s no broken skin or cystic inflammation. Peeling over raw or cracked areas can lead to more irritation or delayed healing.

4. Medical Conditions and Medication Matter

Certain medications like isotretinoin or steroids may make your skin more reactive. Hormonal conditions, recent cosmetic procedures, or autoimmune issues should also be discussed in advance. A good clinic will always take your full history before recommending any skin peel facial.

5. Your Skin’s Resilience Changes Over Time

One session you might handle a glycolic chemical peel well, and the next time, seasonal dryness might make your skin more reactive. That’s why most clinicians assess your skin in real-time.

Chemical Peel Procedure: What to Expect During Your Treatment

A chemical peeling treatment isn’t just about applying a solution and waiting. It’s a methodical, medically-guided process that follows a precise rhythm , from prepping your skin to ensuring it’s protected post-procedure.

Here’s how a typical chemical face peel unfolds in a clinical setting:

1. Skin Assessment: Your skin is examined to identify concerns, texture issues, and sensitivity levels. This determines the type of acid, peel depth, and session strength.

2. Cleansing the Canvas: The face is gently but thoroughly cleansed to remove oils, debris, or residual products. A clean base allows the peel to work more evenly.

3. Prepping Solution (if needed): In some treatments, a prepping solution may be applied to balance pH and prepare the skin to receive the active agents more efficiently.

4. Applying the Peel Solution: The chosen acid, be it glycolic, salicylic, TCA, or a blend, is applied using a brush, cotton, or gauze. You might feel a mild tingling or warmth as it settles in.

5. Monitoring the Reaction: The clinician watches your skin’s response in real-time. The solution may stay on for just a few minutes depending on the type of peeling chemical peel used.

6. Neutralisation and Rinse: Some peels are self-neutralising; others require active neutralisation. Once complete, your skin is gently rinsed and dried.

7. Soothing + Sun Protection: A calming serum or hydrating mask may be applied. Sunscreen is non-negotiable post-peel, your skin is more photosensitive right after.

This entire session may take 30 to 45 minutes. You leave with a refreshed face, and if you're considering this treatment, don't hesitate to book an appointment and consult with a skincare expert for personalized advice.

Chemical Peel Aftercare: Ensuring Optimal Healing and Results

Once your chemical peeling treatment is complete, what you do next is just as important as the peel itself. Your skin enters a repair phase where it sheds old cells and slowly reveals newer, healthier layers underneath. Here’s how to care for your skin in the days following a peel:

1. Let Your Skin Do Its Job

Avoid the temptation to pick at peeling skin. Shedding is natural, interrupting it can lead to scarring or patchy texture. Be patient and hands-off.

2. Moisturise Generously

Your skin may feel tight or dry as it heals. Use a plain, hydrating moisturiser with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid to restore comfort and support the skin barrier.

3. Wear Sunscreen Religiously

Freshly peeled skin is more sensitive to light. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even indoors or on cloudy days. Reapply every few hours if you’re outdoors.

4. Skip Strong Skincare Products

Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, or active serums for at least one week or until your skin feels stable again. Keeping your routine simple helps speed up healing.

5. Expect Mild Redness or Flaking

This is part of the process. Slight peeling or pinkness is common and temporary. It usually subsides within a few days, depending on the peel’s depth.

Aftercare is what turns a treatment into transformation. Skip this step, and you might not see the full benefits of your chemical peel for pigmentation or texture concerns.

At Leor Clinics Pune, our dermatology experts ensure you receive the right guidance before and after every treatment. Aftercare is what turns a treatment into transformation. Skip this step, and you might not see the full benefits of your chemical peel for pigmentation or texture concerns.

If you're ready to experience visible skin improvements, don’t hesitate to book an appointment and get personalized advice from our specialists.

FAQs

1.  Is chemical peeling good for skin?

Ans. Yes, it can be. By lifting away dull surface cells, chemical peels help refine texture, unclog pores, and brighten the complexion, all while encouraging your skin to renew itself.

2. What are 3 benefits of a chemical peel?

Ans. It clears out surface buildup, fades uneven pigmentation, and improves fine lines. Together, these benefits give your skin a smoother, healthier appearance that looks more even and refreshed over time.

3. How long does a chemical peel last?

Ans. The effects vary, but most people notice clearer skin for several weeks. With consistent care, the improvements from each peel can last longer and build up gradually with time.

4. Do dermatologists recommend chemical peels?

Ans. They do, especially when treating stubborn skin concerns like acne, sun spots, or dullness. Peels are often part of larger treatment plans tailored to your individual skin goals.

5. Can you see results after one peel?

Ans. Yes. Even after one session, skin often appears brighter and smoother. Deeper changes like reduced pigmentation or fine lines tend to show after a few treatments spaced apart.