When it comes to skincare, we all want that radiant, youthful glow. But, if your clients have been struggling with dullness, fine lines, or acne scars, you may have considered the magic of a chemical peel. From Hollywood stars to everyday beauty enthusiasts, chemical peels are increasingly popular for their ability to rejuvenate skin and improve texture. But what exactly is a chemical peel? How does it work? And is it safe for all skin types?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this game-changing treatment!

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is an aesthetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the surface layers and encourages the skin’s natural repair process. Like microneedling, a chemical peel is a controlled injury which stimulates new skin growth, leading to smoother, younger-looking skin. This process reveals smoother, fresher skin and can address a variety of skin concerns.

Chemical peels can range from mild exfoliations to deep peels, depending on the strength of the acids used in the formula. The goal is to remove dead skin cells and encourage new, healthy skin to surface. It's often performed on the face, but chemical peels can also be applied to the neck, chest, and hands.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are three primary types of chemical peels, each with its own set of benefits and recovery times. Understanding these can help you choose the right one for your client’s skin goals.

1. Medium Peels

• What it is: Usually contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which penetrates deeper than a superficial peel.
• What it does: It targets the epidermis and part of the dermis, making it effective for treating uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and more visible sun damage.
• Best for: Moderate sun damage, age spots, and fine to moderate wrinkles.
• Downtime: Typically, 5–7 days of redness, peeling, and possible scabbing.

2. Deep Peels

• What it is: This type uses stronger acids like phenol to deeply exfoliate multiple layers of skin.
• What it does: It’s the most intense peel, providing dramatic results for severe skin issues like deep wrinkles, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
• Best for: Deep scars, sun damage, and advanced signs of ageing.
• Downtime: Around 10–21 days, with significant peeling, redness, and possible swelling. Redness, other discolouration and sensitivity can last for several months with final benefits only becoming apparent after this time. Recovery is painful and lengthy, often requiring pain medication and significant downtime.

3. Superficial (Light) Peels

• What it is: The mildest type of peel, typically using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like Salicylic acid.
• What it does: AHA based superficial peels remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production, draw moisture into the skin to target dehydration and certain AHAs reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation whilst protecting against future UV damage. BHA based peels also remove the outer layer of dead skin but also exfoliate inside the pores. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making them great for clients with acne, acne scarring, clogged pores and oily skin.
• Best for: Dull skin, fine lines, dehydrated skin, acne and moderate sun damage. It’s also a great, minimally invasive option for first timers looking to dip their toes into chemical peels.
• Downtime: Minimal—just some possible mild redness or dryness for a day or two.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

So why should you consider offering chemical peels? Here are some of the top benefits that make this treatment worth it for your clients:

1. Improved Skin Texture
   By removing layers of dead skin, a chemical peel can reveal smoother, more even skin. If your clients are struggling with rough patches or clogged pores, this treatment can work wonders.
2. Reduced Acne
   A chemical peel can help treat active acne by deep cleaning the pores and reducing oil production.
3. Faded Hyperpigmentation
   For clients with have dark spots, sun damage, or melasma, a chemical peel can help lighten the appearance of pigmentation and give a more even complexion.
4. Fine Lines and Wrinkles
   Over time, peels stimulate collagen production, helping to smooth out fine lines and improve skin elasticity, giving a youthful appearance.
5. Reduced Sun Damage
   If your clients have spent a little too much time in the sun, chemical peels can help reverse the signs of aging caused by UV exposure by exfoliating away damaged skin.

How to Prepare your clients for a Chemical Peel

Before scheduling appointments, here are a few tips for optimal results:

• Consultation: Assess your clients skin type and concerns so you can recommend the most suitable peel. Read the next section for which peels to use for a variety of skin concerns.
• Avoid certain skincare products: For a few days before the peel, advise clients to avoid products containing retinoids, exfoliants, or other active ingredients that can increase irritation.
• Stay hydrated: Also advise clients to drink plenty of water before and after the peel to support skin health.

Skin Concerns and which product to use:

For clients who have not previously had a chemical peel it is always best to air on the side of caution and start out with a superficial peel. The good news about this type of peel is that the milder acids can be combined to create a formula that addresses multiple skin concerns in one treatment.

• Active acne and post acne scarring – reaching your adult years and still be battling with acne or scarring left behind by acne can be stressful and have a huge impact on confidence. To treat active acne using chemical peels, focus on products containing high concentrations of Salicylic acid (BHA) which reduces redness and inflammation whilst unclogging pores. The Hyalual Clarifying Peel was formulated specifically for oily, combination and acne prone skin. It is comprised mostly of salicylic acid but also contains AHAs (lactic, citric and madelic) which gently remove the top layer of dead skin. This clears debris from pores, targets pigmentation caused by acne and stimulates collagen production in the skin reducing the appearance of scarring and promoting skin healing.
• Dark spots and uneven skin tone – even with perfect spf application, as we age, the effects of sun damage will start to appear as dark spots and pigmentation which can make the skin tone look uneven. To treat pigmentation using chemical peels, opt for a formula with higher concentrations of AHAs like Glycolic, Mandelic, Citric and Lactic acid. These acids remove the outer layers of dead skin by breaking down the bonds between skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to fade dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation. Hyalual’s Brightening Peel contains all of these acids plus Kojic acid, a lesser known AHA which inhibits the tyrosinase protein's ability to make melanin. Kojic acid is able to prevent future skin pigmentation, leading to longer lasting results.
• Fine Lines and wrinkles - A superficial chemical peel treatment can be a great way to address the earliest signs of aging before they become more pronounced. Look for peels containing lactic acid (12% or higher), lactic acid exfoliates the top layer of skin revealing healthier skin beneath. It also increases cell turnover and boosts collagen production leading to firmer, thicker skin. As a result, there is an overall smoother appearance and fewer fine lines and deep wrinkles. Hyalual Advanced Resurfacing Peel packs in 20% lactic acid, amongst other beneficial AHAs for youthful glowy skin.
• Dry and dull skin - For dry and dull skin in need of a hydration boost, choose peels containing humectant ingredients that draw moisture from the environment into the skin. Several AHAs are humectant, however we recommend peels with higher concentrations of Mandelic acid which also promotes healthy sebum production which is very beneficial for dry and dull skin.  Hyalual Glow Enhancing Peel contains 35% Mandelic acid in addition to Lactic and Glycolic acid which also draw and retain moisture for hydrated and radiant skin.

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Is a Chemical Peel Safe for all skin?

While chemical peels are generally safe, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• Skin Type: People with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema should consult a dermatologist before undergoing a peel. Certain skin types may react more aggressively to the chemicals, leading to irritation or hyperpigmentation. Clients with sensitive skin should stick to superficial peels as these have minimal side effects and reactions compared to deeper peels.
• Sun Protection: After a chemical peel, the skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Always advise clients to wear sunscreen to prevent further damage and to protect the new skin.
• Aftercare: The recovery period varies depending on the depth of the peel. Clients may experience redness, peeling, or scabbing, especially after medium and deep peels. Following proper aftercare instructions (such as moisturising, avoiding harsh products, and staying out of the sun) is key to a successful outcome.

Conclusion: Are Chemical Peels Right for Your Clinic?

Chemical peels offer a fantastic way to refresh the skin and tackle common concerns like acne, sun damage, and wrinkles. Whether you’re looking for a mild refresh or something more intensive, there’s a peel that can fit your needs. As with any treatment, it’s important to consult with clients to ensure you’re choosing the right one for your client’s skin type and goals.

While the downtime can vary, the results are often well worth it - radiant, smooth skin that looks and feels rejuvenated. So, if you're ready to give your clients the glow-up they deserve, a chemical peel might just be the answer!