Chemical peel treatments
Types of Chemical Peels to Glow Proof Your Skin
Are you concerned with acne, ageing, dryness or pigmentation?
Or maybe your skin is dull, and you’re looking for rejuvenation.
Peels are touted by many as the secret to glowing skin.
And its actual rejuvenating effects can be evident after just one session.
But with so many available, there are specific nuances to be aware of
These include your skin type, conditions, and potential side effects.
So join us as we share our professional tips on the different types of chemical peels.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is a chemical peel?
A question we often get asked is, “What is a chemical peel? It is the controlled wounding of the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, for aesthetic improvement.
A professional chemical peel is a method in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin, penetrating the uppermost layers and reaching a specific depth, depending on the type of peel and the condition being treated.
This causes your skin to shed, targeting sun damage, lifting pigmentation, smoothing your skin, and treating acne and scarring.
The depth of penetration depends on the acid concentration and the timing of application.
Some skin-peeling ingredients include glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is water-soluble and naturally found in sugar cane.
Other AHAs include citric acid from citrus fruit, malic acid from apples, tartaric acid from grapes, and lactic acid from milk.
Beta-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, are lipid-soluble and target oil within the pores to clear breakouts.
The benefits of a chemical peel
- Improves the efficacy of other skincare products
- They remove the top layer of your skin to help other products penetrate more easily.
- This encourages natural exfoliation, weakening the intercellular glue that binds dead skin cells together.
- They help target acne breakouts.
- They remove debris, reducing clogged pores.
- Refines fine lines
Our article on exfoliation and collagen synthesis is an interesting read on the types of chemical peel, especially if premature ageing is a concern.
Light acids
These are typically used in superficial chemical peels to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, your stratum corneum.
They help lift dull, compacted dead skin cells, smooth rough texture, brighten uneven tone, and improve how well your skincare absorbs — without the intense downtime of deeper peels.
These are ideal if you want a visible glow and refinement with minimal irritation, especially when the right acid is chosen for the skin type and concern.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs, making it a brilliant option for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin.
It exfoliates by dissolving the bonds between dead surface cells to improve dullness, rough texture, mild pigmentation, and fine lines — but because it penetrates more slowly than glycolic acid, it tends to cause less irritation.
Bonus: Lactic acid also supports hydration, so skin often looks smoother and glowier without feeling stripped.
Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid isn’t a classic “peel acid” like glycolic or salicylic — it’s a pigment-correcting powerhouse. It works by calming the inflammatory pathways that trigger melanin production, which makes it especially helpful for stubborn pigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark marks.
Because it targets discolouration without aggressive exfoliation, tranexamic acid is often well tolerated in sensitive skin types. It can be used as part of professional peel protocols or post-treatment routines to support brighter, more even skin.
Recommended: GLO Lactic Acid Skin Shot
GLO is a gentle resurfacing skin shot formulated with tranexamic acid and lactic acid (AHA) to help smooth rough texture, brighten dull skin, and refine tone — without that harsh, stripped feeling.
Best for: Dullness, uneven texture, congestion, mild pigmentation, and dry or sensitive skin needing a softer AHA option.
Types of chemical peels
There are several types of chemical peels available:
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Glycolic acid is water-soluble and effective in treating fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
They work by removing the outer layer of the skin, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated.
Beta hydroxy acids
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid, are lipid-soluble and ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
They penetrate clogged pores, reducing inflammation and targeting acne-causing bacteria.
Medium chemical peels
Medium chemical peels offer more intensive treatment than superficial peels, penetrating deeper into your dermis, the second layer of skin, to address various skin concerns.
Unlike superficial ones that primarily target the stratum corneum, TCA peels penetrate deeper into the papillary layer of your dermis, resulting in more significant improvements in skin texture and appearance.
By creating a controlled wound similar to a sunburn, medium peels can help stimulate collagen production and effectively target pigmentation issues, signs of ageing, acne, and sun-damaged skin.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is commonly used for medium peels, typically at concentrations of 15% to 35%.
However, higher concentrations carry a greater risk of scarring and should be applied only by a qualified medical professional.
Medium peels offer substantial benefits but require a more extended downtime of around a week for optimal healing and recovery.
If you are keen to learn more, our complete guide is a valuable read.
Phenol peels
A phenol peel is one of the deepest and most intensive chemical peel treatments available.
It penetrates far into the dermis and is used to address severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and long-standing pigmentation.
Because of its depth, a phenol peel creates a controlled wound. Swelling, redness, and discomfort are expected.
Healing is slow. Recovery can take six weeks or longer before the skin fully settles and results become visible. Despite the downtime, many people feel the long-term skin rejuvenation is worth it.
If you are considering a phenol peel, consultation with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is essential. This treatment is not suitable for everyone and must be carefully assessed.
The Golden Rule for Peel Success
The single most important factor in successful professional chemical peel treatments is the expert who administers them.
A skilled practitioner conducts a thorough pre-peel assessment of your skin type, sensitivity, and goals to determine the correct peel, strength, and protocol.
This personalised approach transforms a powerful treatment into a precise, safe, and effective solution.
Always prioritise the clinician’s expertise over the product name. A qualified dermatologist or medical aesthetician will manage your entire journey, from realistic expectations and pre-care to in-clinic safety and precise post-peel instructions.
Especially for medium or deep peels, this professional oversight is non-negotiable to minimise risks, ensure optimal healing, and unlock the treatment’s true rejuvenating potential.
Meet the Skin Health expert.
Samantha Miller is the founder of The Naked Chemist and has over 30 years of hands-on experience working directly with skin.
She is a holistic skin therapist who specialises in anti-ageing, barrier repair, and sensitive, reactive skin — providing exceptional care through education and results-driven formulations that help return compromised skin to true health.
To Conclude: The Naked Truth
Chemical peels offer robust solutions for a wide range of skin concerns.
From acne and hyperpigmentation to fine lines and uneven texture, the right peel can significantly improve skin quality.
Superficial peels, such as glycolic and salicylic acid, work on the surface and require minimal downtime.
Medium-depth peels, including TCA, penetrate further and treat more advanced concerns, with longer recovery.
Phenol peels sit at the extreme end. They deliver dramatic results but demand serious consideration, expert skill, and patience during healing.
The key to success is professional guidance. Choosing the right peel for your skin type, concern, and tolerance level protects your skin and your long-term results.
FAQs
1) Who is a phenol peel suitable for?
Phenol peels are best suited to individuals with severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, or significant skin ageing. They are not appropriate for sensitive or reactive skin.
2) How long does recovery take after a phenol peel?
Initial healing can take several weeks, and full recovery often takes 6 weeks or longer.
3) Are phenol peels more effective than other peels?
They are more aggressive, not necessarily better. Results depend on the concern being treated and whether a deep peel is genuinely needed.
4) What are the risks of a phenol peel?
Risks include prolonged redness, swelling, pigmentation changes, scarring, and infection. This is why strict medical supervision is required.
5) Can phenol peels be done outside a medical setting?
No. Phenol peels should only be performed by qualified medical professionals in a controlled clinical environment.
One reply on “Types of Chemical Peels to Glow Proof Your Skin”
It’s hard to come by experienced people on this
topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks