Skin renewal

Choosing a chemical peel depth without the guesswork

Studio scene illustrating the article

Choose the lightest peel that addresses your main concern. Light peels suit dullness and congestion with little flaking; medium peels treat texture and fine lines but need about a week of recovery.

Light, medium and why it matters

Peel depth describes how far the acids work into the skin. Light peels loosen the outermost layer, so recovery is quick and results are subtle but add up over a series. Medium peels reach a little deeper, give a stronger change in texture and tone, and bring several days of visible peeling.

  • Light: brightness, clearer pores, mild flaking
  • Medium: texture, fine lines, some pigment
  • Deep peels are outside what we offer

A quick guide to choosing

Use this as a starting point for your consultation, not a prescription.

Main concernUsual starting peelDowntime
Dull, tired skinLactic or blended light0 to 2 days
Breakouts, oily skinSalicylic light1 to 3 days
Uneven tonePigment-focused series2 to 4 days
Texture, fine linesMedium depth5 to 7 days
Inside the studio

Skin tone and safety

Deeper skin tones can develop dark marks after irritation, so we choose slow-acting acids like mandelic, prep the skin for a few weeks and step strength up gradually. It takes a little longer and keeps the process safer.

A gentle series often gets further than one aggressive peel.

The week after

Expect tightness on day two, flaking around the mouth and nose on days three to five, and fresh skin by the end of the week. Moisturize, leave the flakes alone and wear sunscreen every day for at least two weeks.

Quick questions

Can I peel if I use retinoids?

Yes, but pause them three to five days before and after the peel to avoid extra irritation.

How often can I repeat a light peel?

Every four weeks in a series of three to six, then as maintenance.

Will a peel help melasma?

Some pigment-focused peels can help as part of a wider plan, alongside strict sun protection. Results vary.

Illustrative demo. Individual results vary. Pricing shown is illustrative. This article is general information, not medical advice.

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