Chemical Peels
Professional-strength superficial peels used for pigmentation, skin texture and acne, chosen for your skin at a St Kilda consultation.
- Registered medical practitioner
- Standardised 3D imaging
- A written, personalised plan
What are chemical peels?
A chemical peel is a treatment in which a professional-strength acid solution is applied to the skin for a set time. Dr Marie-Claire uses peels from the Synergie Skin range, an Australian cosmeceutical brand.
The peels offered at the practice in St Kilda are superficial. This means they act on the outer layers of the skin rather than reaching deeply.
Peels are one part of a wider skin health plan that also includes a daily regimen and sun protection. Individual results vary, and a peel is only planned after Dr Marie-Claire has assessed your skin.
What are they used for?
How do they work?
The acids in a peel are designed to loosen the bond between cells on the surface of the skin. The loosened cells then lift away over the following days, often as light flaking.
As the outer layer sheds, the skin beneath is exposed. Over a course of treatments, this may help support a more even-looking tone and smoother-feeling texture.
Peels are usually given as a course spaced over several weeks. Dr Marie-Claire chooses the peel, the strength and the timing for your skin, and may adjust the plan as your skin responds.
- Superficial peels act on the outer layers of the skin.
- A course of peels is usually considered, rather than a single peel.
- Skin is prepared beforehand with a tailored home regimen.
- Daily sun protection is an essential part of every peel plan.
Who are they for?
Peels may be considered by adults who have concerns about uneven pigmentation, rough or dull-looking skin texture, or acne. Dr Marie-Claire will assess whether a peel is a suitable option for you.
Some people are advised to start with skin health and a home regimen before any peel is planned. Treatment is not provided to anyone under 18.
A peel may need to be deferred, or may not be suitable, in some situations. These include an active cold sore or skin infection, a recent tan or sun exposure, pregnancy, certain medications including some acne medicines, very sensitive skin, and a history of pigment change after skin inflammation. Dr Marie-Claire will go through these with you at consultation, and the list is not complete.
What to expect
Skin is usually prepared with a regimen in the weeks before a peel, and Dr Marie-Claire tailors this to you at consultation.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning, and use sun protection daily.
- Start the Synergie Skin regimen as directed at your consultation.
- Tell Dr Marie-Claire about any cold sore history, medications or recent skin treatments.
- Follow any instructions about pausing exfoliating products before your appointment.
Timelines and recovery vary between individuals. Individual results vary.
Your skin is checked and cleansed, and the plan agreed at consultation is confirmed before the peel is applied.
- The peel is applied for a set time, and your skin may feel warm or tingling.
- The peel is then neutralised or removed, depending on the product used.
- Your skin is soothed and protected at the end of the visit.
Timelines and recovery vary between individuals. Individual results vary.
Your skin may look pink or feel tight afterwards, and it may flake or peel over the following days. Dr Marie-Claire will explain what to expect for your peel.
- Do not pick or pull at flaking skin, and let it shed naturally.
- Use the regimen and a gentle moisturiser as directed.
- Apply sun protection daily and avoid direct sun while your skin settles.
- Contact the practice if redness, swelling or discomfort is more than described.
Timelines and recovery vary between individuals. Individual results vary.
Frequently asked questions
How much do chemical peels cost in Melbourne?
The cost of a peel depends on the type of peel, your skin and the number of sessions in your plan. Your costs are set out in a written plan after consultation with Dr Marie-Claire, so you can consider them before deciding on any treatment. The plan also covers any home regimen products that are recommended for your skin.
How many peels will I need?
The number of peels depends on your skin, your concerns and how your skin responds. Peels are usually considered as a course spaced over several weeks, rather than as a single treatment. Dr Marie-Claire will discuss a suggested plan at consultation and review it with you over time. Individual results vary.
Will my skin flake or look red after a peel?
Some redness, tightness and light flaking are common after a superficial peel, and they usually settle over several days. The amount varies between people and between peels. Following the aftercare instructions, not picking at flaking skin and using sun protection daily all help the skin heal. Dr Marie-Claire will explain what to expect for your peel.
Are chemical peels safe for darker skin tones?
Peels can be considered across a range of skin tones, but any treatment that causes skin inflammation carries a risk of pigment change, and this risk can be higher in some skin. Suitability, peel selection and risk are assessed individually. Dr Marie-Claire will explain what is appropriate for your skin before any plan is made.
Is a chemical peel right for me?
It depends on your skin, your medical history and what you would like to address. A peel is one of several approaches Dr Marie-Claire may discuss, alongside skincare, sun protection and energy-based treatments. A consultation in St Kilda is where suitability, risks and alternatives are discussed before any treatment is planned.
Commonly treated concerns
Pigmentation and Sun Damage
A clear guide to sun damage and pigmentation, why a changing spot needs a skin check first, and the options considered.
Learn more
Melasma
A clear guide to melasma, what influences it, and the careful approaches a doctor may consider after assessment.
Learn more
Skin Texture and Enlarged Pores
How roughness, visible pores, fine textural lines and dullness develop, and the approaches a doctor may discuss with you.
Learn more
Acne
A clear guide to active acne in adults, what drives it, and the approaches a doctor may consider after assessment.
Learn moreImportant information
All medical and aesthetic procedures carry risk. Suitability, risks, recovery and expected outcomes are discussed in a private consultation with Dr Marie-Claire before any treatment is planned. Consultations are not available to anyone under 18. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
Treatment is planned only after a full consultation, and options are discussed after assessment, only where clinically appropriate.
Start with a consultation.
Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin, talk through your options and explain the risks before any treatment is planned.