Chemical Peels
Professional chemical exfoliation to renew your skin's tone and texture
Sometimes your skin simply needs a reset. A chemical peel is a professional, in-clinic treatment that refreshes a dull, uneven or tired-looking complexion and supports healthier-looking skin over time. At Dermapure, a chemical peel is not a one-off quick fix but a considered step in caring for the long-term quality, texture and tone of your skin.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a form of controlled chemical exfoliation. It uses acids, applied in a clinical setting, to remove the outermost layers of the skin and prompt its natural renewal. Chemical peels can use different active solutions, selected for the depth and the concern:
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid, for dullness, uneven tone and surface texture
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, for clogged pores, oily and acne-prone skin
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), for more corrective concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines and acne scars
- Phenol, the strongest agent, for deep concerns such as deep wrinkles and significant photodamage
Because they use medical-grade concentrations applied by trained professionals, professional peels go further than at-home acids while remaining a minimally invasive procedure.
Types of Chemical Peels
Not all chemical peels work at the same level. They are grouped by how deeply they reach into the skin, and the same acid can act at different depths depending on its concentration and the number of layers applied. Your skin care specialist recommends the right depth based on your skin type, your Fitzpatrick skin type, your concerns and the recovery time that suits your routine.
Light Peels
Light, or superficial, peels work on the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum and upper epidermis. They use gentle, low-strength formulations to brighten the complexion, refine the look of pores and smooth skin texture, with little to no recovery time. They are an ideal first step into professional exfoliation and can be repeated regularly, often every 2 to 5 weeks, including as a seasonal refresh.
Medium Peels
Medium-depth peels reach into the papillary dermis, roughly 0.45 to 0.60 mm below the surface, which is what lets them address more established concerns such as sun damage, uneven skin tone, acne scars and fine lines. They use higher-concentration or blended formulations, for example 35 to 50% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or blends such as TCA with glycolic acid (the Coleman peel) or TCA with Jessner's solution (the Monheit peel). A medium peel usually involves a few days of flaking and dryness and is often repeated every 4 to 6 weeks as part of a corrective plan.
Deep Peels
Deep peels reach into the reticular (mid to lower) dermis and are the most intensive form of chemical exfoliation, targeting advanced concerns such as deep wrinkles, deep scars and significant photodamage. They rely on the strongest formulations, such as high-concentration (50% and above) TCA or phenol-croton oil peels, where croton oil is the active agent that drives the deeper change. Because they involve a controlled injury to the deeper skin layers, deep peels require strict post-op instructions and a longer recovery time, and carry a higher risk of complications, particularly for darker skin tones and higher Fitzpatrick skin types.
Our Chemical Peels
Dermapure Signature Peel
The Dermapure Signature Peel, powered by Functionalab, is a medium-depth glycolic acid peel formulated with 20 to 30% glycolic acid and slow-release technology that delivers the active gradually. This supports effective exfoliation while limiting irritation, so even more sensitive skin can benefit from smoother texture, a brighter complexion and softer-looking fine lines, with minimal downtime.
SkinCeuticals Clarity Peel
The SkinCeuticals Clarity Peel is a professional, medical-grade peel for breakout-prone, oily and congested skin. It combines a gentle acid peel and exfoliation with targeted SkinCeuticals products to help unclog pores, manage excess oil and support a clearer, smoother-looking complexion. The face is the primary area, and the protocol can be extended to the neck, décolleté or back.
SkinCeuticals Line Refine Peel
The SkinCeuticals Line Refine Peel is a professional, medical-grade peel that exfoliates and renews the skin to soften the look of fine lines, refine texture and revive radiance. It pairs a gentle acid peel and exfoliation with targeted SkinCeuticals corrective serums to support healthy, long-term skin. The face is the primary area, and the protocol can be extended to the neck and décolleté.
Custom Chemical Peel
The Custom Chemical Peel is a light, personalized peel built around targeted acids such as beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). With little to no recovery time, it addresses dullness, uneven tone, clogged pores and early fine lines, and is adjusted to your skin's sensitivity and goals.
TCA Peel
The TCA Peel uses trichloroacetic acid to renew the skin at a medium depth. By removing damaged outer layers, it targets pigmentation, sun damage, acne scars and uneven skin texture, with the concentration and number of layers adjusted to your skin and your goals.
MeLine Peel
The MeLine Peel is a medium-depth resurfacing peel designed to target stubborn pigmentation disorders, including melasma, sun spots, liver spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Formulated for both fair and richly pigmented skin, it works by regulating the overactive melanocytes involved in an uneven skin tone.
Jessner Peel
The Jessner Peel is a medium-depth peel that uses Jessner's solution, a blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol. It exfoliates the outer layers to support cell turnover and is well suited to acne-prone skin, including acne vulgaris, as well as uneven tone and rough or congested texture.
Blue Peel
The Blue Peel is a physician-led, medium-depth chemical peel that combines trichloroacetic acid with a blue-tinted solution for precise, even application. As our deepest chemical peel option, it is suited to more pronounced concerns such as marked pigmentation, deeper scars and visible signs of aging, and is performed under close medical supervision.
Follow-up and Maintenance
Chemical peel results build progressively, and the right rhythm depends on the depth of your peel and your goals. Light peels can be repeated every 2 to 5 weeks for radiance and maintenance, often as a seasonal refresh; medium-depth peels are typically spaced every 4 to 6 weeks in a corrective series; and deeper peels are performed far less frequently, under medical supervision. Between sessions, a consistent skin care regimen, daily broad-spectrum SPF and supportive products help maintain and extend your results. Because the skin is especially receptive right after a peel, an at-home exosome serum such as EXO-GF by Functionalab, powered by plant-based exosomes, can support renewal, hydration and resilience between visits.
Side Effects & Contraindications
As with any skin resurfacing treatment, a chemical peel can cause side effects, most of which are mild and temporary.
- Common side effects: Redness, a feeling of tightness, mild tingling and some flaking or dryness are common in the days following a peel, as the skin renews itself. These typically resolve on their own, with deeper peels involving more visible peeling and a longer recovery time.
- Less frequent side effects: Temporary changes in pigmentation, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can occur, particularly on darker skin tones and higher Fitzpatrick skin types. Less frequently, infection, prolonged redness or, rarely, scarring may develop, mainly with medium and deep peels.
- Who should postpone or avoid a peel: A chemical peel may need to be delayed or avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in the presence of a sunburn, active skin infection or open wounds in the treatment area, with isotretinoin use within the past six months, or after a recent laser treatment or deep exfoliation. If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), antiviral medication may be recommended beforehand, and a history of keloids should be discussed with your specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a chemical peel?
A chemical peel supports a controlled reset of the skin. By exfoliating the outer layers and accelerating cell turnover, it can smooth rough skin texture, brighten an uneven skin tone, soften fine lines, fade sun spots and other pigmentation, decongest pores and support collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin over time. It can also improve how well your skin care products absorb. Benefits build gradually and depend on the type of peel and your skin.
Are chemical peels safe for all skin types?
Chemical peels can be adapted to a wide range of skin types and tones, but the right depth matters. Lighter, superficial peels are generally well tolerated across Fitzpatrick skin types, while medium and deep peels carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, on richer or darker skin tones. Targeted options like the MeLine Peel are designed with pigment-prone skin in mind. Your specialist will assess your skin type and history to recommend the most appropriate option for you.
Can I do a chemical peel at home?
Light, low-strength exfoliating acids are widely available for home use, but a professional, in-clinic peel is different: it uses medical-grade formulations applied and monitored by a trained professional. Even with gentle at-home options, it's best to have your skin assessed first, so your specialist can recommend what suits your skin and show you how to use it safely.
How should I prepare for a chemical peel?
Preparation helps your peel go smoothly. In the days or weeks before, your specialist may ask you to pause retinoids, exfoliating AHAs and BHAs and other active ingredients (such as benzoyl peroxide or vitamin C), and to avoid sun exposure and treatments like waxing or threading that can sensitize the skin. Hydrating and protecting your skin barrier beforehand is also recommended. If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), antiviral medication may be prescribed before a medium or deep peel.
Does a chemical peel hurt, during and after the procedure?
Comfort depends on the type of peel. During a light peel, most people feel a mild tingling or warmth that fades quickly. A medium-depth peel can feel warmer or more intense for a short time, and a protective approach is used to keep you comfortable. Deep peels are more intensive and are performed under appropriate medical supervision. Afterward, light and medium peels usually feel like mild tightness or a light sunburn for a day or two, while deep peels involve more discomfort and a longer recovery. Your specialist will explain what to expect for your peel.
How long does it take to recover from a chemical peel?
Recovery time depends on the depth. Light peels usually involve little to no downtime, with mild redness that settles quickly. Medium-depth peels often involve a few days of flaking, dryness and redness. Deep peels involve the longest recovery, with more pronounced peeling and strict post-op instructions. Your specialist will explain the recovery time for the peel chosen.
What skin care products should you use after a chemical peel?
After a peel, the goal is to support healing and protect freshly exfoliated skin. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and a hydrating moisturiser, and apply daily broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 30 or higher). Pause active ingredients such as retinoids, exfoliating acids and vitamin C until your skin has fully recovered. To support renewal, an at-home exosome serum such as EXO-GF by Functionalab, powered by plant-based exosomes, can help reinforce hydration and resilience between visits. Your specialist will tailor a skin care regimen to your skin.
Can I use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) after a chemical peel?
After a medium-depth peel, a thin layer of white petrolatum, such as Vaseline, is often the standard recommendation: it acts as an occlusive that protects vulnerable, healing skin. It is typically applied a few times a day for the first few days, after which a lighter emollient may be suggested. Aftercare depends on the depth of your peel, so always follow the specific post-care your specialist gives you.
Can I shower after a chemical peel?
It's best to avoid hot water and steam for a while after a medium-depth peel, since heat can irritate healing skin, often for the first week or two. Lukewarm showers may be possible within a few days if the treated area is kept out of the direct stream. Your specialist will tell you when to resume your usual routine.
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
It depends on the peel. After a light, superficial peel, makeup is sometimes fine, and some light peels are even designed to be done before an event. When possible, giving your skin a break helps it absorb post-treatment serums and avoids a flaky, cakey look while it exfoliates. After medium or deeper peels, makeup is paused longer. Let your specialist know if wearing makeup soon matters to you.
How often should you get a chemical peel for optimal results?
There is no single rule. Light peels can be repeated every 2 to 5 weeks for radiance or maintenance, often between seasons; medium-depth peels are typically done every 4 to 6 weeks in a corrective series; and deep peels are performed far less frequently, under medical supervision. Your specialist will build a personalized plan based on your skin and your goals.
Does a chemical peel remove facial hair?
No. A chemical peel dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells and does not affect hair, which has a different composition. That said, dermaplaning, which removes fine vellus hair, is sometimes combined with a light peel in the same visit for a smoother result.
What are the possible side effects or risks of deep chemical peels?
Because they reach the deeper skin layers, deep peels carry more significant risks than lighter peels. These can include prolonged redness, more pronounced peeling and a longer recovery time, a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially on darker skin tones and higher Fitzpatrick skin types), and, more rarely, infection or scarring. For this reason, deep peels are physician-led and performed under close medical supervision, with detailed post-op instructions. Your specialist will review the specific risks with you before treatment.
Is a phenol peel stronger than a TCA peel?
Phenol-based peels are the deepest, most intensive chemical peels, and within them the croton oil drives much of the deeper change. High-concentration TCA (around 50 to 75%) can also reach a deep level, though it is generally less predictable.
Why Choose Dermapure?
At Dermapure, every chemical peel is delivered by our trained team. Our experts keep their clinical expertise sharp through ongoing training, from peel formulations and acids to evolving best practices in skin health. And as the largest network of medical aesthetic clinics in Canada, we share knowledge and patient cases across our teams, so your plan draws on the strength of professionals across the country.
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