aesthetic services
Skin Peels
Gold Coast Dermatology stocks a range of peels which can be tailored to suit your skin type.
Chemical peels are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and have long been used for the treatment of disorders of pigmentation, acne, and fine rhytides. The procedure involves applying an exfoliating agent—such as an α-hydroxy acid (AHA)—to the skin to destroy the epidermis and/or dermis layer, which allows the skin to rejuvenate.
The Egyptians, and in particular Queen Cleopatra, were famously known to bathe in sour milk to improve the look and texture of the skin. Today, we know that sour milk contains lactic acid, a naturally occurring AHA.1
What exactly is a chemical peel?
A peel involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layers of dead skin cells and stimulate new, fresh skin cells to grow. The can be used to treat a variety of conditions and depending on the number of layers and your pre-peel preparation, can produce superficial to medium depth peeling.
What can a chemical peel do for me?
Improve general texture of the skin
Soften wrinkles
Unify skin tone
Lighten pigmented lesions
Reduce acne
Improved pore size.
Please see our fees page for more info on prices.
Cosmelan
Cosmelan is more than a peel. It is an investment in your skin. An intensive peel, followed by an at home maintenance plan, Cosmelan removes and then inhibits melanin (pigment in your skin). It is an excellent treatment for sun induced pigmentation as well as hormonally induced melasma.
Our Cosmelan treatment is like no other, you are reviewed by a specialist dermatologist to ensure this is the right treatment for you. Your skin is prepared with a gentle pre-peel, which improves the penetration and effects of Cosmelan. Cosmelan is then applied in rooms.
Your Cosmelan treatment pack includes:
Cosmelan 2 for at home use
Hydratonic cleanser and toner
Mesoestetic SPF50+
Hydravital factor K
Post procedure fast skin repair
2 x Healite (LED light) treatments.
Throughout the process you are reviewed by both our specialist registered nurse and consultant dermatologist.
No referral is required for this treatment.
Enerpeel
Jessner’s peel - Contains SALICYLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, RESORCIN to offer a superficial to medium depth peel. Through this combination, a Jessner’s peel can treat oily skin (hyperseborrhea), mild pigmentation and mild sun damage. It is often used as a pre- peel for the more intense TCA peels which treat more severe pigmentation.
Salicylic acid peel - This peel is specifically designed for mild - moderate and inflammatory acne. A series of 3 - 4 peels should be done to achieve desired effects. These can be done every 10 - 14 days.
Mandelic Acid peel – Perfect for rosacea and moderately inflamed skin, this peel has minimal down time and is safe during pregnancy. Combination with laser genesis gives the best results.
Trichloracetic acid peel - (pH 0.84-0.96) - 25% and 40% TCA peels are used for sun damage and pigmentation. It is a stronger peel offering medium depth chemoexfoliation. Often a 25% peel is applied to the whole face, with 40% TCA applied just to hyperpigmented areas. This gives an even results whilst lifting stubborn pigmentation.
Your questions answered below, click to expand and learn more.
+ What should I do for my pre-prep preparation (PPP)?
For 2 weeks before your peel you should use SPF50 suncream every day AHA cleanser AHA moisturiser + retinol or lightening agent. Wear no makeup, moisturiser, or sun cream on the day of the peel Make sure you let your practitioner know prior to the peel if you suffer for cold sores/HSV
+ A chemical peel sounds scary, does it hurt?
Whilst the peel is being applied your skin feels warm and tingles. Some patients do find this sensation uncomfortable, but this only last for a few minutes before the peel is neutralised.
+ What happens to my skin after application of the peel?
Straight after application, your face will be a bit red The next day your skin feels a bit tight. Over the course for the next 3 - 5 days, your face gently peel, leaving fresh new skin. It is imperative that you avoid the sun and frequently reapply suncream and moisturiser.
1. Rajanal, S, Vashi, N, (2017) Cleopatra and Sour Milk—The Ancient Practice of Chemical PeelingJAMA Dermatol. 2017, ;153(10)JA