Chemical peels remain one of the most versatile treatments in aesthetic practice. Choosing the right agent and depth for each patient is the difference between a glowing result and an avoidable complication.
Start with assessment
A thorough consultation should cover the patient's concerns, medical history, medications, previous treatments and lifestyle. Classify the skin using recognised scales such as Fitzpatrick (skin phototype) and Glogau (photoageing), and look closely at pigmentation, texture, acne activity and sensitivity.
Understanding peel depth
- Very superficial and superficial peels — for example glycolic, lactic, mandelic or salicylic acid. Ideal for dullness, mild pigmentation, congestion and maintenance programmes, with little downtime.
- Medium-depth peels — for example TCA at appropriate concentrations, or combination peels. Used for more pronounced photoageing, pigmentation and textural concerns, with more downtime and greater need for careful patient selection.
- Deep peels — reserved for specialist medical settings and outside the scope of most aesthetic practice.
Darker skin types
Patients with higher Fitzpatrick types have a greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin priming, conservative agents, test patches and strict sun protection are essential parts of the plan.
Preparation and aftercare
Many protocols benefit from two to four weeks of skin preparation. After the peel, gentle cleansing, barrier-supporting moisturisers and broad-spectrum sun protection are non-negotiable. Give written aftercare instructions and schedule a review.
Learn it hands-on
Our Chemical Peels Professional course takes you from skin science to supervised application on models, and is open to both healthcare professionals and aestheticians.
