Chemical Peels — Which Type Is Right for Your Skin?
Chemical peels sound scary — 'acid on face' doesn't exactly inspire confidence. But they're one of the safest, most effective treatments in dermatology.
Consult Dr. AnkitaWhat Chemical Peels Actually Do
A chemical peel applies a controlled acid solution to the skin surface, causing the top layers to exfoliate and peel off over several days. Underneath, fresher, less damaged skin is revealed. It's controlled destruction followed by regeneration — like pruning a plant so new growth comes in healthier.
Peels are categorized by depth: superficial (affects epidermis only), medium (reaches upper dermis), and deep (reaches mid-dermis). At Gomti Clinic, we primarily use superficial and medium peels — deep peels carry higher risk and require longer recovery, making them suitable only for specific cases.
Peel Types at Gomti Clinic
| Peel Type | Best For | Depth | Downtime | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glycolic acid (30-70%) | Overall brightening, mild pigmentation, texture | Superficial | None to mild (1-2 days) | ₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Salicylic acid (20-30%) | Acne, oily skin, blackheads | Superficial | Minimal | ₹2,000–₹2,500 |
| Lactic acid (30-50%) | Sensitive skin, mild pigmentation | Superficial | Minimal | ₹2,000–₹2,500 |
| Modified Jessner's | Melasma, stubborn pigmentation | Medium | 3-5 days peeling | ₹3,000–₹4,000 |
| TCA (15-35%) | Acne scars, deep pigmentation, photoaging | Medium | 5-7 days | ₹3,500–₹5,000 |
How to Choose Your Peel
For Acne-Prone Skin
Salicylic acid is your peel. It's lipophilic (fat-soluble) — meaning it penetrates INTO the pore and dissolves the oil and debris clogging it. Glycolic acid sits on the surface. Salicylic works from inside. For active acne, it's the clear winner. A series of 4-6 peels, 2-3 weeks apart, combined with proper topical acne treatment, produces dramatic improvement.
For Pigmentation and Melasma
Modified Jessner's or glycolic acid, combined with topical depigmenting agents. Melasma requires a careful approach — too aggressive a peel on melasma-prone skin triggers post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (making it worse). We start mild and increase gradually based on skin response.
For General Anti-Aging and Glow
Glycolic acid peels are the classic choice. They stimulate collagen, improve texture, reduce fine lines, and produce a visible "glow" within 48 hours. The popular "pre-wedding glow peel" — schedule 2-3 glycolic peels in the 6 weeks before your event.
The Peel Process
- Cleansing — skin is thoroughly cleaned and degreased
- Application — acid applied evenly. You'll feel tingling, mild burning — normal and controlled
- Neutralization — acid neutralized after the appropriate duration (typically 3-7 minutes depending on type)
- Soothing — calming mask or cream applied
- Sun protection — SPF applied before leaving clinic
Post-Peel Care
The most critical 7 days:
- SPF 50 religiously — fresh post-peel skin is extremely photosensitive. One afternoon without sunscreen can cause pigmentation worse than what you started with.
- Don't peel the flaking skin — let it fall off naturally. Pulling it causes patches and uneven healing.
- Gentle moisturizer only — no retinol, no acids, no active ingredients for 5-7 days post-peel.
- No gym, no swimming — sweat and chlorine irritate freshly peeled skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many peels do I need?
For most concerns: 4-6 peels, spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Maintenance peels every 6-8 weeks after the initial series. One peel gives temporary brightness. A series produces lasting structural improvement.
Can chemical peels thin my skin?
No — superficial and medium peels actually thicken the dermis over time by stimulating collagen. They remove the dead epidermis (which regenerates) and trigger dermal remodeling. The "thinning skin" myth comes from confusion with steroid cream damage, which DOES thin skin.