A facial peel is an aesthetic medicine treatment designed to improve skin texture, promote cell renewal and restore a brighter, more even complexion. Depending on the type of peel and the ingredients used, it can help address concerns such as acne, pigmentation, fine lines and enlarged pores.
At Clínica Planas, facial peels are tailored to each patient’s skin type and individual needs. The key is choosing the right treatment following a personalised assessment.
What is a facial peel?
A facial peel is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses specific active ingredients to exfoliate the skin and encourage its natural renewal process.
By removing damaged surface cells, chemical peels can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation, and restore radiance.
Some formulations also stimulate collagen production, contributing to smoother and more even-looking skin.
There are different types of facial peels, ranging from superficial treatments to more intensive procedures. The most suitable option depends on the patient’s skin condition, concerns and desired results.
What is a facial peel used for?
Chemical peels are used in aesthetic medicine and dermatology to address a variety of skin concerns.
Their main purpose is to promote skin renewal and improve the overall appearance and quality of the skin.
Facial rejuvenation and fine lines
As we age, the skin’s natural renewal process gradually slows down. This can contribute to a dull complexion, uneven texture and the appearance of fine lines.
Facial peels help remove damaged surface cells and encourage cell turnover. Certain formulations, particularly those containing retinoic acid or its derivatives, can also stimulate collagen production.
The result is smoother, brighter-looking skin with a more even texture.
Depending on the patient’s needs, chemical peels may also be combined with other treatments, including laser procedures, IPL or light therapy.
Acne and acne-prone skin
Chemical peels can complement dermatological acne treatments, particularly when excess sebum, blocked pores and inflammatory lesions are present.
Salicylic acid is commonly used because of its ability to penetrate oily areas of the skin and help clear congested pores.
By promoting exfoliation, these treatments can help reduce blackheads, improve skin texture and support the management of acne.
They may also be incorporated into a broader treatment plan for acne scars, depending on their type and severity.
When necessary, chemical peels can be combined with appropriate topical or oral dermatological treatments.
Dark spots and uneven pigmentation
Sun exposure, ageing and other factors can contribute to the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Depigmenting peels use combinations of active ingredients to encourage cell renewal and help reduce superficial pigmentation.
They can improve the appearance of certain types of dark spots while promoting a more uniform complexion and smoother skin texture.
However, not all pigmentation concerns respond to the same treatment. A dermatological assessment is essential to determine the cause and select the most appropriate approach.
Enlarged pores and uneven skin texture
Chemical peels can also help improve the appearance of enlarged pores by removing dead skin cells and reducing surface congestion.
By encouraging skin renewal, they can contribute to a smoother, more refined complexion.
Skin hydration and radiance
The accumulation of dead skin cells can leave the skin looking dull and feeling rough.
By exfoliating the outermost layers, facial peels help improve the skin’s surface and prepare it for the application of suitable skincare products.
Some formulations also include hydrating ingredients to support skin comfort and softness.
Types of facial peels: which treatment is best for your skin?
There is no single facial peel suitable for everyone. Different formulations can be selected according to the patient’s skin type, sensitivity and specific concerns.
Anti-acne facial peel
Anti-acne peels are designed to help regulate excess oil, reduce blocked pores and improve the appearance of acne-prone skin.
Different acids may be used depending on the patient’s needs:
- Lactic acid: A relatively gentle exfoliating ingredient that may be suitable for mild skin concerns and patients requiring a less intensive treatment.
- Glycolic acid: Helps promote cell renewal, improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Salicylic acid: Particularly useful for oily and acne-prone skin, helping to address blackheads and clogged pores.
The choice of acid and its concentration must be adapted to the condition of the skin.
Depigmenting facial peel
Depigmenting peels are intended to improve uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of certain pigmentation concerns.
They typically combine different active ingredients to exfoliate superficial skin layers and support the action of depigmenting agents.
In addition to addressing dark spots, these treatments may help improve fine lines, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture.
Regenerating facial peel
Regenerating peels are designed to encourage skin renewal and improve overall skin quality.
They may be considered for skin showing signs of ageing, dullness or uneven texture, with the formulation selected according to individual sensitivity and treatment goals.
They can also complement other facial rejuvenation procedures when appropriate.
Hydrating facial peel
Hydrating peels combine gentle exfoliation with ingredients intended to improve skin softness and comfort.
They can be adapted to different skin types, including dry, combination and sensitive skin, provided the formulation is suitable.
By removing accumulated dead skin cells, they help restore a smoother and more radiant appearance.
Which active ingredients are used in facial peels?
The effectiveness of a chemical peel depends largely on the active ingredients selected, their concentration and how they are combined.
Some of the most commonly used ingredients include:
- Salicylic acid: Often used for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Glycolic acid: Promotes exfoliation and improves skin texture.
- Lactic acid: Provides gentle exfoliation and can be incorporated into treatments for dry or dull skin.
- Retinoic acid and retinoids: Encourage skin renewal and may help address signs of ageing.
- Pyruvic acid: Used in selected formulations for skin renewal and oil-related concerns.
- Kojic acid, azelaic acid and other depigmenting agents: Help address certain types of uneven pigmentation.
Other ingredients, including vitamin C, resveratrol and hyaluronic acid, may be incorporated into complementary skincare protocols.
The best results depend on selecting the right combination of ingredients for each patient’s skin.
Proper skin cleansing and preparation before treatment are also important to ensure even application.
Can facial peels be combined with light therapy?
Chemical peels may be combined with low-level light therapy as part of a personalised dermatological treatment plan.
Advances in active ingredients and their delivery systems have made it possible to develop formulations that work at different levels of the skin.
Depending on the treatment, low-level light therapy may be used to support skin recovery and help manage inflammation.
Different wavelengths can serve different purposes. For example, red light is commonly associated with anti-inflammatory effects, while blue light may be incorporated into certain acne treatment protocols.
The suitability of combining these technologies depends on the patient’s skin condition and the type of chemical peel performed.
What results can you expect from a facial peel?
Results vary according to the type of peel, the patient’s skin characteristics and the concerns being treated.
In general, chemical peels can help achieve:
- Brighter, more radiant-looking skin.
- A smoother and more even skin texture.
- Reduced appearance of superficial pigmentation.
- Improvement in fine lines.
- Less visible enlarged pores.
- Improved overall skin quality.
Some patients notice improvements after a single session, while others may require a series of treatments to achieve their desired results.
The effects also depend on the depth of the peel and the skincare routine followed afterwards.
Personalised aftercare is essential for maintaining and optimising results.
Are there any side effects of chemical peels?
Like any aesthetic treatment, chemical peels can cause side effects, particularly when deeper layers of the skin are treated.
The most common temporary reactions include redness, sensitivity, dryness and peeling.
More intensive peels may involve additional risks, such as:
- Prolonged redness or irritation.
- Crusting or changes in skin texture.
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
- Bacterial infections or reactivation of herpes simplex in susceptible patients.
- Scarring, although this is uncommon with appropriately selected and performed treatments.
The deeper the peel, the greater the potential risk of complications.
For this reason, treatment should always be selected and performed by appropriately qualified professionals, following an individual skin assessment.
Aftercare instructions, including suitable skincare and sun protection, are particularly important.
When is the best time to have a facial peel?
Autumn and winter are often considered suitable periods for certain chemical peels because sun exposure is generally lower.
These treatments can be particularly beneficial during the colder months.
However, the ideal timing depends on the depth of the peel, the patient’s skin characteristics and their ability to follow the recommended sun protection measures.
How long does a facial peel take and how much does it cost?
The duration of a facial peel depends on the treatment selected and whether it is combined with complementary procedures.
As a general reference, a chemical peel combined with low-level light therapy may take approximately 30–45 minutes.
The price varies according to the type of peel, the ingredients used and the treatment protocol.
An individual assessment is necessary to establish the most appropriate treatment and provide an accurate quotation.
Facial peels at Clínica Planas: the importance of personalised treatment
Every skin type has different needs, and the same treatment will not necessarily produce the same results for every patient.
At Clínica Planas, the first step is to assess the condition of the skin, identify the concerns to be addressed and determine which active ingredients and techniques are most appropriate.
Whether the aim is to improve acne, reduce pigmentation, refine skin texture or restore radiance, a personalised approach helps achieve results adapted to each patient’s skin.
If you are considering a facial peel, discover our facial peeling treatments at Clínica Planas and find out which option may be most suitable for you.
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