Chemical peels are a go-to treatment for many dermal therapists. It is among the most effective clinical treatments for diverse skin concerns, able to address everything from persistent wrinkles and acne scarring to uneven pigmentation and sun-related damage.
To perform a peel, professional dermal therapists utilise controlled chemical formulations to remove damaged skin cells and deliver measurable improvements in skin texture, tone, and clarity.
Treatments are often tailored to meet individual client needs and they vary significantly based on their intensity. Lighter acids are used for more superficial skin concerns and can heal within a day, while the most intensive options address deeper issues and can necessitate up to 21 days to completely heal.
In this guide, we will explore the essentials of chemical peels, including its benefits, how to prepare for a treatment and apply post-care, and why it is trending in 2025, equipping you with valuable insights for your skincare decisions.
Chemical peel treatments provide substantial benefits for recipients. There are of course the visible skin improvements, which are the primary benefits and why clients seek out this treatment, but medical research shows there are also therapeutic advantages both physically and psychologically.
Chemical peels work by creating controlled damage to skin layers, which stimulates your natural regeneration processes. Immediately and in the next few days after treatment, clients experience such notable improvements as:
As can be confirmed by a professional evaluation post-treatment, you will experience smoother skin emergence and a measurable reduction in surface irregularities. The exfoliation effect also promotes new epidermal development and balanced melanin distribution.
There are additional improvements in skin health markers that can be attained through regular chemical peel treatments beyond the immediate benefits. For instance, medical studies confirm when skin grows back after a chemical peel, it triggers increased collagen and elastin production to enhance skin elasticity and strength.
Additional long-term clinical benefits include:
Enhanced Cellular Function: Professional treatments optimise cell renewal cycles, supporting youthful skin characteristics. This medical-grade process strengthens natural barrier function.
Deeper Therapeutic Effects: Clinical applications can effectively treat multiple conditions, from persistent acne to early-stage actinic keratosis. Treatment can improve over time as the benefits reach multiple skin layers.
Sustained Improvements: Professional maintenance programs show cumulative benefits as client skin responsiveness increases progressively, optimising daily skincare efficacy.
Studies of treatment recipients reveal that beyond the physical improvements, there are also significant psychological benefits following chemical peels.
Perhaps this is not too surprising though, as you can likely relate to having a positive emotional reaction from changing or improving on an aspect of your appearance. If a haircut can bring such added confidence, then why not a chemical peel?
Professional assessments have identified several key psychological benefits:
Increased Self-Confidence: Client surveys show enhanced self-image and social engagement following successful treatments. These improvements positively affect both personal and career relationships.
Stress Reduction: Clinical programs help clients overcome appearance-related anxiety. Treatment success correlates with increased emotional well-being.
Therapeutic Self-Care: Regular treatments establish positive self-care patterns. Professional guidance helps clients develop structured wellness routines.
Medical research confirms the connection between improved skin appearance and enhanced self-perception, which is why testimonials consistently highlight chemical peels as valuable tools for both physical and emotional wellness.
Ultimately, these treatments deliver measurable benefits across multiple dimensions of patient health.
Proper preparation is the foundation for a successful chemical peel. By following the correct medical protocols, you ensure optimal results while minimising potential complications. Our clinical guidelines outline essential preparation steps for you to follow when seeking this treatment.
You should make sure that you schedule your initial consultation with a qualified professional who is experienced in chemical peel procedures. Whether using Google reviews, word of mouth, or other testimonials, it is a good idea to check for advice on your provider.
Once chosen, your provider will conduct a thorough skin assessment, review treatment goals, and determine appropriate peel formulation strength. They should evaluate your medical history to identify any potential contraindications affecting treatment success. For instance, if you have recurring cold sores then you should take prescribed antiviral medication before treatment.
In the week before your treatment, you should cease all facial waxing, hair removal treatments, exfoliating products, and other aggressive skincare items.
Products to avoid:
Additionally, it is recommended to not engage in any strenuous exercise in the 24 hours prior to your appointment. If you have any active skin infections or lesions, you should delay treatment until full healing occurs.
On the day of your treatment, you should arrive with thoroughly cleansed skin, avoid facial shaving, and remove cosmetic products completely.
For optimal success, you should undertake some specific lifestyle modifications before treatment. Two easy things you can do are ensure you are properly hydrated and protected from sun damage.
Good skin hydration through consistent water consumption and gentle moisturising helps you achieve optimal outcomes as well-hydrated skin demonstrates a superior response to treatment.
Avoiding direct sunlight exposure and tanning services for at least two weeks before your treatment will help guarantee the best results. Daily application of sunscreen, ideally SPF 50 or higher, will give you the necessary UV defence for spending time outside.
Recovery is not immediate, so you should ensure careful adherence to aftercare protocols. Dermal professionals emphasise these essential care elements:
Cleansing: Cool or tepid water cleansing will help prevent any inflammatory response. Gently pat-dry and only use mild cleansing products.
Hydration Management: Use dermatologist-approved moisturisers for optimal healing. Deep peel patients require unscented emollient application 3-5 times daily on treated areas.
Sun Protection Strategy: You should strictly avoid UV damage for six weeks following treatment. Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to offer minimal irritation.
Activity Modifications: Avoid vigorous exercise, especially cardiovascular workouts, for 2-3 days post-treatment to prevent complications from excessive perspiration. You should also not use any saunas, hot tubs, or other high-temperature environments.
The value of proper aftercare compliance on the success of your treatment cannot be overstated, so make sure to follow all the advice given by your dermal therapist. Communication is essential, particularly regarding unusual healing responses or recovery concerns.
The chemical peel market had its value estimated at USD 3.14 billion in 2024 and this growth is expected to continue in 2025 and beyond. It reflects the strong confidence that clients have in these clinical treatments and an increasing preference for non-surgical aesthetic procedures and results-focused skin rejuvenation options.
By examining patient demographics, distinct patterns in chemical peel adoption are revealed. The historic stereotype of a chemical peel recipient is a woman middle-aged or older. Data from 2011 showed that 94% of the near 400,000 treatments performed were for women, and nearly 70% were for women over the age of 35.
More recently, men and younger people are taking a more substantial segment of the market, highlighting that chemical peels have wide-ranging appeal. One particular demographic is early-career professionals in their 20s who are choosing chemical peels for proactive skin health management. This preventative approach helps preserve youthful skin qualities before ageing signs emerge.
Key market growth indicators include:
Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate a 5% rise in skin resurfacing treatments, including chemical peels, from 3,322,292 in 2022 to 3,501,696 in 2023.
The basic concept of chemical peels, using acidic compounds as a facial treatment, has not changed but advances in formulations are continually happening which enhance clinical outcomes.
Some current treatment advances include:
Another innovation is the successful integration of chemical peels with complementary skin therapies. These combined approaches enable precise treatment of individual patient concerns.
The market is emphasising various developments, including medical-grade organic formulations, LED therapy integration protocols, and enhanced delivery system technology.
Chemical peel efficacy peaks when combined with prescribed medical treatments. This clinical approach enables superior topical agent absorption and improved management of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels are a preferred tool that every dermal therapist has in their belt, and as interest in receiving this treatment continues to grow, so will the demand for more professionals able to perform it.
The Australasian College of Health and Wellness is the nation's leading educator for everything to do with skin and its care. Our programs are designed by dermatological and clinical aesthetic experts, we partner with manufacturers to ensure our students train with the latest and most advanced technology, and our undergraduate degrees set the standard for applied health science education.
If you want to be one of the experts providing exceptional chemical peels and similar advanced beauty treatments, we encourage you to learn more about our higher education programs:
