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.

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.

• Removal of blackheads and whiteheads (comedones)
• Brighter skin
• Smoother skin
• Even skin tone
• Improvement in acne
• Lessen pigmentation
• Less fine lines and wrinkles

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.

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.

Chemical peels are generally safe with low risks of complications such as burns if performed safely by an experienced doctor.

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.