Chemical Peels
For dull skin, pigmentation, acne, comedones and wrinkles
Chemical peels are a type of non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that for treatment of dull skin, pigmentation, acne, comedones and fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels gently remove the superficial layer of skin cells through a process called exfoliation and allows newer, regenerated skin to be revealed. This new skin is brighter, smoother and less wrinkled than old skin.
what
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels consist of acids such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid and salicylic acids to exfoliate the top layers of the skin in order to remove dead and dull skin, pigmentation, comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and this allows newer and smoother skin to be revealed.
FAQs
What are Chemical Peels for?
Chemical peels are an effective way to treat signs of aging such as pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and rough skin by promoting the growth of new skin with an smoother texture. Additionally, chemical peels also reduce discoloration resulting from skin insults (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or from melasma and they work by producing limited and controlled injury to the skin.
What are the types of Chemical Peel in Singapore?
There are a variety of chemical used for chemical peels. They can be classified according to the depth of the chemical peel performed.
- Superficial Chemicall Peels (e.g Alpha Hydroxy Acids, AHA or Beta Hydroxy Acids, BHA): Superficial chemical peels penetrate the top most layer of the skin (epidermis) to gently exfoliate the skin. Superficial chemical peels cause no downtime and are very useful in treating a variety of conditions including acne, blackheads and heads, pigmentation fine lines and dull skin. Superficial chemical peels are the one of the most common type of chemical peels performed in Singapore.
- Medium Depth Chemical Peels (e.g. Trichloroacetic acid, TCA): Medium depth chemical peels penetrate a deeper layer of the skin called the dermis. This allows medium depth chemical peels to treat conditions that affect the deeper parts of the skin such as pigmentation. Medium depth chemical peels also deliver more significant results as compared to superficial chemical peels.
- Deep Chemical Peels (e.g.Phenol Peel): Deep chemical peels penetrate deeper in the skin and are the most aggressive type of chemical peel. Deep chemical peels can address more severe skin conditions such as severe sun damaged skin, wrinkles, scars and even pre-cancerous skin growths.
How is a Chemical Peel performed?
Step 1: The face is cleaned
Step 2: The chemical is applied to the skin
Step 3: The chemical peel is neutralised to terminate the chemical peel.
What are the benefits of a Chemical Peel?
- Removal of blackheads and whiteheads (comedones)
- Brighter skin
- Smoother skin
- Even skin tone
- Improvement in acne
- Lessen pigmentation
- Less fine lines and wrinkles
Is it effective to treat acne & acne scars with Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are especially useful in treating acne. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin to get rid of comedones and unclog pores to reduce acne severity and recurrence. At the same time, chemical peels also reduce the appearance of dark marks from acne called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What to expect after a Chemical Peel?
There is no downtime with superficial chemical peels and you can resume your usual skincare, makeup and daily activities after the chemical peel.
During the treatment, acids lift away dead cells and signals are sent to the living cells below to multiply and move up, to increase collagen production – Overall, to reveal radiant and younger skin. Moreover, your skincare products perform better after a chemical peel because there are no dead cells impeding their penetration.
How safe are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are generally safe with low risks of complications such as burns if performed safely by an experienced doctor.
Are Chemical Peels painful?
Chemical peels do not feel painful. You might experience warmth and itch during the chemical peel but these are very transient and disappear immediately after the chemical peel has been terminated.
Dr Rachel Ho
MBBS, MMed (ENT)
Dr Rachel Ho is an aesthetic doctor in Singapore known for her evidence based approach to advanced aesthetic medicine and skincare. Her rigorous clinical skill is complemented by her calm bedside manner and detailed patient consultations.
Dr Rachel’s ability to translating complex dermatologic science into clear insights has also made her a go-to expert for international media outlets—The New York Post, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Channel News Asia- a trusted strategy consultant to leading beauty brands.