Overview | Types of chemical peels | Treatment steps | Candidates for chemical peels | Conditions not suited to peels

Chemical Peel Treatments – Types, Side Effects, Benefits

The chemical peel treatment is a professional skincare procedure and a popular form of skin peel treatment that uses medical-grade chemical solutions to exfoliate and remove damaged skin layers, revealing a smoother, youthful, and glowing complexion.

Chemical peels are generally used to treat the skin on the face, below the eyes, neck, underarms, back, and sometimes, hands. There are also full body chemical peels. Chemical peeling for face, chemical peel for pigmentation, and chemical peel for acne scars are some of the most sought-after applications of this treatment. The best chemical peel varies depending on skin type, concerns, and desired outcomes, but rest assured, we, at The Bombay Skin Clinic, take immense pride in being one of the leaders in chemical peel treatment for many different skin conditions.

What is Chemical Peel Treatment?

A chemical peel treatment is a popular non-invasive procedure that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. This treatment stimulates the skin’s natural regeneration process, revealing smoother, more youthful skin underneath. The primary benefit of a chemical skin peel is its ability to address various skin concerns, such as acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.

Chemical peels work by using specific acids that target different layers of the skin. For instance, glycolic acid is often used for superficial peels to remove the outermost layer, while salicylic acid is beneficial for treating acne-prone skin by penetrating deeper to clear pores. Other acids like lactic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used for more intensive treatments depending on the skin issue being addressed.

Overall, chemical peel treatments are a great option for individuals looking to refresh their skin and restore a radiant glow while targeting specific skin concerns. With minimal downtime and noticeable results, it’s a popular choice for smoother, clearer skin.

Types of Chemical Peels and Their Benefits

Let us take you through some important information on understanding the concept of chemical peel and chemical peel benefits. We offer a variety of chemical peel types at The Bombay Skin Clinic, each targeting specific skin concerns to deliver visible results:

Glycolic peel – A glycolic acid peel provides amazing exfoliation. It is also sometimes known as a fruit peel. This peel is usually used to treat skin conditions such as mild scarring , wrinkles, and fine lines and also chemical peel for blackheads white heads and uneven skin texture. It is a medium depth peel. At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we also use this peel to effectively treat skin discoloration in our patients. The glycolic acid peel used in our clinic ranges from 25% to 35% to 70% .What’s more is that the peels used are liposomal and gel-based. So they are very safe to use with very little side effects or downtime.
Salicylic acid peel – A salicylic skin peel is one that is usually of a superficial depth and has a gentle exfoliating action. As these peels are relatively gentle, they can be used on patients whose skin is not suitable for other types of peels. Post-treatment, our patients do notice visible glow, shrunken pores, and improved skin texture. The best chemical peel for acne, a salicylic acid peel is especially effective on inflammatory acne and blackheads.
Lactic acid peel – Derived from milk, lactic acid peels fight wrinkles and pigmentation. They come in light (superficial), medium, and deep variants. While a lot of lactic acid peels can be bought over the counter, it is best to opt for a professional lactic acid peel. At The Bombay Skin Clinic, our patients have benefitted from reduced pore size and brighter skin with the use of lactic acid peel. We do not recommend this peel to patients who have eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. We also recommend this peel to patients who are seeking a quick and safe party peel for an instant glow. This peel is ideal for individuals with dry skin and pigmentation issues. It’s a fantastic option for chemical peel for dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Mandelic acid peel – A mandelic acid skin peel is very similar to glycolic and lactic acid skin peels. The perfect choice for anyone undergoing chemical peel treatment for the first time, a mandelic acid peel has antibacterial properties that make it a great remedy for acne-prone skin. A mandelic peel can also be used to treat fine lines and sun damage. We recommend this peel for its gentle properties that heal without damaging your skin. At our clinic, our patients have benefitted from this skin peel for active acne and acne mark treatments as it helps tackle inflammation and pigmentation. A mild yet effective peel, especially for sensitive skin, mandelic acid peel works wonders for acne treatment and pigmentation.
Cosmelan Peel – Cosmelan chemical peel is an advanced skin peel treatment effective for treating stubborn pigmentation issues like melasma that has failed to resolve after the topical application of traditional skin lightening products.
TCA peel – The trichloroacetic acid peel is a peel of medium depth. It is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as acne scars and melasma. A TCA chemical peel works by getting rid of dead skin cells and stimulating the growth of new, healthier cells. A TCA chemical peel can be used on the face and the body safely. At our clinic, we use the TCA peel for amazing results while treating back and shoulder acne and acne marks. There is peeling present for around seven to eight days but the skin reveals itself to be brighter than ever.
Azelaic acid peel – Azelaic acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it the ideal chemical peel for acne. It is known to suit all skin types. In particular, azelaic acid is known to improve cell turnover, which is the best way to limit scarring left behind by severe acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it the ideal treatment for rosacea. At the clinic, our patients love this leave-on peel that can be left on the skin for around four to six hours for the best results.
Pyruvic acid peel – This is the best choice of peel for anti-aging treatment. It is also used as a chemical peel for acne. Our patients have experienced amazing results that include reduced fine lines and hyperpigmentation on being treated with a pyruvic acid peel.
Yellow peel (retinal) – This Yellow Peel treatment is one of the most-effective skin peels when it comes to anti-aging treatment. Through the effects of the yellow chemical peel treatment, our patients have seen significant results in the treatment of wrinkles, acne, fine lines, and melasma. This peel works to remove discolorations and also encourage oxygen circulation to the skin. At the clinic, this peel is combined with microneedling treatment to promote a deeper penetration of the peel. This helps stimulate collagen and reduce scar tissue for acne scars and stretch marks.
Black peel – Based on ingredients including black vinegar, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid, a black peel is known to successfully tackle a host of skin problems including acne, acne scars, aging, and pigmentation. This peel is one of our preferred choices for patients with oily skin and active acne.
Kojic acid peel – Kojic acid peel is widely known for its skin brightening ability. We recommend this peel for any individual with sensitive skin. A kojic acid peel is the perfect line of treatment for skin problems such as sun damage, scars, and signs of aging. It also has antifungal properties. This peel is especially recommended for peri orbital pigmentation, dark circles, and puffiness around the eye.
Argilac peel – This skin peel is noted for its suitability to sensitive skin. Argilac peel can successfully tackle a variety of skin conditions such as spots, redness, and mild to moderate acne with fabulous results.
Ferulac peel – The ferulac skin peel is a truly revolutionary product that works to reduce photoaging while evening out the skin tone. An antioxidant, this peel helps fight the effects of free radicals on your skin while protecting it from UVA and UVB radiation.

At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we advise our patients to always consult a qualified chemical peel dermatologist to help select the right peel suited to their skin needs.

Chemical Peel Treatment Procedure at The Bombay Skin Clinic

There are three main types of peels used. Superficial peels penetrate the epidermis, medium-depth peels affect the entire epidermis and papillary dermis, and deep peels allow for controlled tissue injury to the level of the mid-reticular dermis. With the availability of new technology, deep peels are hardly used these days. Do note that a light , superficial, or medium chemical peel does not require any painkillers whereas a deep chemical peel is administered only under anesthesia and sedation. However, in our clinic, we do not perform deep peel.

At The Bombay Skin Clinic, the chemical peel treatment procedure begins with a thorough skin analysis to ensure the right peel is chosen for your skin type. Here’s how the treatment works:
A thorough examination of the skin is performed
The skin is cleansed with a gentle Vitamin A cleanser to remove makeup and dirt
Next, we perform a unique double cleansing of the skin with a jet of water to deeply wash the skin for a better penetration of the peel
Petroleum jelly is now applied to corners of the eyes, lips, nose to protect these areas
The peel is gently applied with a gauze piece in specific directions
The number of coats and time depends on the skin condition and the percentage of the peel
We perform a unique way of full neutralization of the peel with a cold paper mask to uniformly cool the areas
A brightening mask is applied containing natural ingredients from spirulina, sea weed and sea plants to bring a glow to the skin

Our clinic’s advanced methods ensure the chemical peel treatment in Mumbai’s procedure is safe and highly effective for a wide range of skin conditions, such as dark spots, scars, and uneven skin tone.

Chemical Peel Treatment Benefits

The chemical peel treatment benefits are truly remarkable, helping patients achieve smoother, brighter, and rejuvenated skin. Whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, treat melasma, or achieve a more even skin tone, chemical peels offer several key advantages:

Brighter and Youthful Skin – Chemical peel treatments provide an instant glow by removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production, leading to healthier, more youthful skin.
Reduction of Pigmentation – Peels like glycolic acid peel and salicylic acid peel can significantly reduce the appearance of pigmentation, including melasma, dark spots, and sun damage.
Improved Texture and Acne Treatment – Peels effectively treat acne scars, blackheads, and uneven skin texture, leaving the skin clearer and smoother.
Collagen Stimulation – By exfoliating the skin’s surface, peels promote new cell turnover and collagen production, which are the key benefits of chemical peel treatment for anti-aging benefits.

At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we tailor our chemical peel treatments to address specific skin concerns such as pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scars for customized results.

Potential Side Effects of Chemical Peels

Like any other treatment, a chemical peel is not without its share of side-effects. In some cases, patients have experienced a slight redness pigmentation on the treated areas. This can be handled with antibiotic medication. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, some patients might also experience a reactivation of cold sores.

Furthermore, we take great care to advise our patients on aftercare methods to be followed for the best results. These include applying the prescribed ointments to the treated skin and avoiding extreme temperatures. Johns Hopkins Medicine goes on to specify that patients should avoid sun exposure immediately after treatment.

We, at The Bombay Skin Clinic, do believe that knowledge is power. Here is a quick look at some good-to-know things about chemical peels.

Long-Term Results: With proper aftercare, you can expect smooth, clear skin with reduced acne scars, pigmentation, and fine lines.

We recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment for a comprehensive skin check to ensure the treatment is progressing as expected.

Ideal Candidate for Chemical Peel Treatment

Almost anyone can do a chemical peel treatment. A chemical peel treatment can be done for a wide range of skin conditions that include active acne, chemical peel for acne scars, chemical peeling for face, chemical peel for hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, chemical peel for dark circles, chemical peel for dark underarms, body acne, chemical peel for buttocks, and sun damage. A lot of our patients come to us for chemical peels for acne treatments, chemical peels for scars as this is one of the most common uses of these peels. Chemical peels can also be used to treat signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. They can also be used for hand and feet brightening.

At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we have a wide variety of special skin treatments to suit every skin type. Our qualified team of chemical peel dermatologist experts will recommend the best chemical peel treatment suited to your requirements.

List of conditions not suited to chemical peels

It is also important to note which conditions and types of patients are not suited to chemical peels. These include:

Patients who are impacted by cold sores
Patients who need treatment for very deep wrinkles and scars
Patients with very sensitive skin and rosacea

The American Academy of Dermatology cautions patients with darker skin tones to visit professional dermatologists only for chemical peels as not doing so can lead to pigmentations on the skin.

At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we take great care to customize diagnosis and treatment based on each patient’s medical history so that you get the right care with the best results. Apart from this, we only use the best peels available today. The high standard of peel choice and selection ensures that our patients get the newest and most advanced peels with safety. For instance, we use gel-based peels as they have lesser side-effects. Also, we have a complete and unique set of steps for performing the peel that allows the skin to truly heal and repair. Each patient is advised on the use of the peel that suits them the best.

How Much Does Chemical Peel Treatment Cost?

The chemical peel treatment cost can vary depending on several factors such as the type of peel used, the treatment area, and the severity of your skin condition. For example, a superficial peel with glycolic acid may cost less than a deeper, more intensive treatment with trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Additionally, the size of the area being treated can influence the price – smaller areas like the face may be more affordable compared to full-body treatments.

On average, the chemical peel treatment cost in India can range from INR 3,000 to INR 15,000 per session, with chemical peel treatment cost in Mumbai slightly varying based on the clinic’s location and expertise.

At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we offer personalized consultations where we assess your skin’s needs and create a customized treatment plan. This helps in providing a more accurate pricing structure for your specific requirements. For those seeking multiple treatments or package deals, we also offer attractive packages to make the treatment more affordable. Please contact us for more details on customized pricing options based on your unique needs.

Chemical Peel for Specific Skin Concerns

Chemical peels are incredibly versatile treatments that can address a variety of skin concerns, from acne scars to pigmentation issues. Below, we delve into how chemical peel treatments can be used to target specific skin conditions, providing real results and a refreshed appearance.

Chemical Peel for Acne Scars

For those struggling with acne scars, a chemical peel for scars can be highly effective. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production, which helps to heal and smooth out scar tissue. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels are particularly effective for acne-prone skin, as they help to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of scars over time.

Chemical Peel for Pigmentation

A chemical peel for pigmentation is a fantastic option for treating melasma, dark spots, or sun damage. Ingredients like glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) work by exfoliating the skin and fading discolored areas. This helps to even out skin tone and brighten the complexion, giving you smoother, more radiant skin.

Chemical Peel for Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can be lightened with specific chemical peel treatments that target skin pigmentation and stimulate skin renewal. Mild peels, like lactic acid peels, can help reduce the appearance of dark circles by promoting better blood circulation and collagen production in the delicate skin around the eyes.

Chemical Peel for Stretch Marks and Scars

For stretch marks and other scars, chemical peel for stretch marks uses stronger exfoliating agents that help to break down scar tissue and promote skin regeneration. These peels can significantly improve the texture and color of stretch marks, making them less noticeable over time.

Chemical Peel for Hands, Buttocks, and Full-Body Treatment

Chemical peels aren’t just for the face—they can also be used on the hands, buttocks, and even the entire body to treat uneven skin tone, scars, and pigmentation. Full-body treatments with mild acids help to exfoliate and rejuvenate, leaving skin smoother and more even.

At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we provide targeted best chemical peel treatments tailored to your specific needs, ensuring maximum results for your skin concerns. Whether you’re treating acne scars, pigmentation, or stretch marks, we use the most effective peels to address your unique skin type.

References

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/chemical-peels
Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/otolaryngology/specialty_areas/facial-plastic-reconstructive/cosmetic/chemical-peels.html
American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/chemical-peels-faqs
Dr. Batul Patel Chemical Peels: https://www.drbatul.com/treatments-procedures/chemical-peels/