Treatments

Chemical Peels Overview

Q: What types of chemical peels are available?

There are three main types:Superficial Peels – Mild exfoliation, little to no downtime.Medium Peels – Deeper penetration for sun damage and pigmentation.Deep Peels – Intense exfoliation is recommended for deep wrinkles and scars.

Q: Is there downtime after a chemical peel?

Downtime varies by peel type:Superficial Peels – Minimal redness, no downtimeMedium Peels – Mild peeling, recovery in 3–7 daysDeep Peels – More intense peeling, recovery in 7–14 days

Q: Who should avoid chemical peels?

Chemical peels may not be suitable for individuals with:Active skin infections or open woundsSevere rosacea or extremely sensitive skinRecent sunburnPregnancy or certain medical conditions These contra-indications will be discussed during your initial doctor's consultation at Skin Renewal.

Written by Skin Renewal Medical Board

Chemical peels are transformative skin treatments that address a range of aesthetic concerns, from subtle imperfections to more pronounced skin issues. Skin Renewal offers an in-depth look at various chemical peels, focusing on their benefits, suitability for different skin types, and expected outcomes. Whether you're considering a mild refresh with a superficial peel or seeking dramatic improvements with advanced techniques, understanding the nuances of these treatments can help you make informed decisions about skin health.

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Chemical Peel Treatments at Skin Renewal

Chemical Peels Overview at a glance

Best Results

6-8 Treatments
Anaesthetic

None
Duration of Results

6 Months (depending on the peel treatment)
Procedure Time

30-60min
Treatment Recovery

1-3 Days (depending on the peel treatment)
Skin Specialist

Doctor or Therapist (depending on the peel treatment)
Risks & Complications

Low-Medium
Back To Work

Same Day (depending on the peel treatment)

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Comprehensive Peel Options Available

Skin Renewal aesthetic clinics offer a range of chemical peels tailored to different skin needs and goals:

Doctor-only peels: Exclusive professional-grade treatments
Advanced peels: Target deeper skin layers for significant improvements
Combination peels: Balance between mild and deep peels for tailored outcomes
Superficial peels: Ideal for maintenance or as an introductory treatment
Fractionated resurfacing treatments: Includes laser peels and radiofrequency treatments for intensive skin rejuvenation.

What is a Superficial Chemical Peel Treatment?

Superficial chemical peels, the gentlest form, use mild acids such as AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) or Glycolic Acid, to name a few. These peels are designed to remove only the outermost layer of the epidermis, making them a non-invasive option with minimal recovery time.

Benefits of Superficial Chemical Peel Treatments

Superficial peels effectively improve:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin tone and texture
Dullness and lacklustre skin
Acne and mild acne scars
Age spots and minor sun damage

These peels are safe for almost all skin types and tones, although individuals with darker skin should be aware of the potential for hypopigmentation. Superficial peels are not recommended for those with active skin infections, open wounds, or recent sunburns.

Advanced Resurfacing Treatments

For more intensive needs, treatments like Skin Renewal Fractional Fusion, CO2 Laser, and Cutera Pearl™ Fractional Laser target:

Deep lines and wrinkles
Severe sun damage and pigmentation
Sagging skin and loss of volume

Summary of Chemical Peel Treatments at Skin Renewal

Peel Type	Benefits	Indication	Category
Beta Peel (Salicylic Acid)	The benefits include reducing acne, providing congestion relief, improving overall skin texture, and addressing superficial pigmentation.	- Acne - Congested skin - Rough skin texture	Superficial Chemical Peel
Glutathione Peel	This chemical peel offers skin-lightening benefits and reduces the appearance of medium to deep wrinkles.	- Pigmentation - Lines and deep wrinkles	Intermediate Chemical Peel
Azelaic Acid	This chemical peel effectively addresses acne, rosacea, and pigmentation while possessing anti-inflammatory properties.	- Acne - Rosacea - Pigmentation - Sensitive skin	Intermediate Chemical Peel
Glycolic Acid	Glycolic Acid reduces the appearance of acne scars, deep lines and wrinkles, and photo-ageing. Glycolic Acid 70% is ideal for acne, rough texture and pigmentation on the body.	- Acne scars - Deep lines and wrinkles	Intermediate Chemical Peel
Lifting Peel	Made of Lactic Acid and DMAE, this peel moisturises and refreshes mature, dry skin, softening fine lines and rough texture. It also stimulates cell renewal and provides a lifting effect.	- Mature skin - Dry skin	Intermediate Chemical Peel
Flash Peel	This gentle peel, consisting of Lactic Acid, Allantoin, and Agireline, is ideal for dry skin and upcoming events.	- Dry Skin - Before events or functions	Intermediate Chemical Peel
Pyruvic Peel	Pyruvic Acid addresses mature skin with fine lines and wrinkles, as well as scars and acne scars.	- Mature skin - Fine lines and wrinkles - scars - Acne scars	Intermediate Chemical Peel
Radiance Peel	This is a combination of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid for improving mild acne, PIH and sun damage. It also smoothens out rough skin texture.	- Mild acne - PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) - Sun damage - Rough skin texture - Dull skin	Combination Superficial Chemical Peel
Mandelic Peel	Mandelic Acid is ideal for treating oily skin, superficial pigmentation and deep wrinkles.	- Oily skin - Pigmentation - Deep wrinkles	Intermediate Chemical Peel
SA+MA Peel	The SAMA Peel combines Salicylic and Mandelic Acids and addresses oily skin, pigmentation, acne, and rough texture.	- Oily skin - Pigmentation - Acne - Rough skin texture	Combination Chemical Peel
TCA Peel	This is done as an overlay and is ideal for treating acne, sun spots and mild wrinkles.	- PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) - Acne - Sunspots	Advanced Chemical Peel
T50 T35	T50 T35 is a combination chemical peel (Tranexamic Acid and thioglycolic Acid) that reduces the appearance of dark circles, pigmentation, and fine lines around the eye and mouth area.	- Dark circles - Pigmentation - Fine lines and wrinkles	Superficial Chemical Peel
Mesobrite™	This treatment is best suited for resistant dermal pigmentation and Melasma.	- Dermal Pigmentation - Melasma	Advanced Chemical Peel
Uber Pro Peel	A combination peel using multiple chemical acids to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, treat acne and pigmentation, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.	- Fine lines and wrinkles - Acne - Pigmentation -Scars - Stretchmarks	Combination Doctors-Only Chemical Peel
Medi A Solution	This chemical peel uses Retinoic Acid to enhance cell turnover. It is an add-on treatment ideal for skin resurfacing treatments.	- Ageing skin	Doctors-Only Chemical Peel

frequently asked
questions

Are chemical peel treatments available at all Skin Renewal clinics?

Chemical peel treatments are available in Gauteng at the Morningside, Parkhurst, Rosebank, Bedfordview, Fourways, West Rand, Irene, Waterfall, Irene, Lynnwood and Brooklyn clinics, as well as in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Century City, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Willowbridge clinics, and Kwa-Zulu Natal at the Ballito, Durban and Umhlanga clinics.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a resurfacing treatment that uses acids to exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and stimulate cell renewal, improving skin texture, tone, and clarity.

What types of chemical peels are available?

There are three main types:

Superficial Peels – Mild exfoliation, little to no downtime.
Medium Peels – Deeper penetration for sun damage and pigmentation.
Deep Peels – Intense exfoliation is recommended for deep wrinkles and scars.

Are chemical peels safe?

Yes, chemical peels are safe when performed by a trained professional. However, certain skin types, medical conditions, or medications may require a consultation before treatment.

How long does a chemical peel take?

The treatment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of peel and skin concerns. At Skin Renewal, we combine chemical peels with other treatments like laser treatments, Carboxytherapy and PDT, increasing the treatment time.

Is there downtime after a chemical peel?

Downtime varies by peel type:

Superficial Peels – Minimal redness, no downtime
Medium Peels – Mild peeling, recovery in 3–7 days
Deep Peels – More intense peeling, recovery in 7–14 days

What should you expect after a chemical peel?

Temporary redness, flaking, or peeling (varies by peel strength).
The skin may feel tight or sensitive.
Results improve over several days as new skin emerges.

Who should avoid chemical peels?

Chemical peels may not be suitable for individuals with:

Active skin infections or open wounds
Severe rosacea or extremely sensitive skin
Recent sunburn
Pregnancy or certain medical conditions

These contra-indications will be discussed during your initial doctor's consultation at Skin Renewal.

When will you see the results?

You will notice brighter, smoother skin within a few days, and as collagen production increases, improvements will continue over the next few weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Are chemical peel treatments available at all Skin Renewal clinics?

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a resurfacing treatment that uses acids to exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and stimulate cell renewal, improving skin texture, tone, and clarity.

What types of chemical peels are available?

There are three main types:

Superficial Peels – Mild exfoliation, little to no downtime.
Medium Peels – Deeper penetration for sun damage and pigmentation.
Deep Peels – Intense exfoliation is recommended for deep wrinkles and scars.

Are chemical peels safe?

Yes, chemical peels are safe when performed by a trained professional. However, certain skin types, medical conditions, or medications may require a consultation before treatment.

How long does a chemical peel take?

Is there downtime after a chemical peel?

Downtime varies by peel type:

Superficial Peels – Minimal redness, no downtime
Medium Peels – Mild peeling, recovery in 3–7 days
Deep Peels – More intense peeling, recovery in 7–14 days

What should you expect after a chemical peel?

Temporary redness, flaking, or peeling (varies by peel strength).
The skin may feel tight or sensitive.
Results improve over several days as new skin emerges.

Who should avoid chemical peels?

Chemical peels may not be suitable for individuals with:

Active skin infections or open wounds
Severe rosacea or extremely sensitive skin
Recent sunburn
Pregnancy or certain medical conditions

These contra-indications will be discussed during your initial doctor's consultation at Skin Renewal.

When will you see the results?

You will notice brighter, smoother skin within a few days, and as collagen production increases, improvements will continue over the next few weeks.

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Reviewed on 27 September 2014 by Simone Naidoo

Skin Renewal Parkhurst | Chemical Peels Overview

My therapist is an excellent therapist. Very kind and caring she knows the product range so well and never force sells products I don't need. She's helped my skin transition through its different stages perfectly. I will not change salon or therapists.

Reviewed on 24 September 2014 by TM from Skin Renewal Fourways

Skin Renewal Fourways | Chemical Peels Overview

I had struggled with hyperpigmentation for as long as I could remember until I started the Skin Renewal hyperpigmentation treatments. is a wonderful therapist. Knows her stuff and takes the time to explain treatments and makes me feel comfortable

Reviewed on 21 September 2014 by EC from Skin Renewal Irene

Skin Renewal Irene | Chemical Peels Overview

Ilona is honest and realistic about the results that can be expected and she is a very good massage therapist. She has a pleasant and humorous disposition.

Reviewed on 19 September 2014 by Constance Mabela

Skin Renewal Morningside Sandton | Chemical Peels Overview

My skin has really improved since undergoing the treatments. I'm very happy with the results and very lucky to have such a wonderful consultant (Bianca)

Reviewed on 18 September 2014 by Patience Sithole

Skin Renewal Fourways | Chemical Peels Overview

The service is very good, Beverley, the therapist is efficient friendly and professional. Questions are concisely answered. Would definitely recommend my friends and anyone interested in the treatment not to hesitate to book themselves for whatever skin treatment.