Chemical Peels in Dubai

A chemical peel is one of the most clinically versatile skin treatments available - addressing a broad range of concerns from surface brightening and mild texture improvement through to significant correction of deep sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. The treatment works by applying a carefully selected acidic solution to the skin, which breaks down and removes the outer damaged layers to reveal fresher, more evenly structured skin beneath. As the skin heals, new cell turnover and collagen stimulation produce continued improvement in the weeks following the peel.

At Vilafortuny, chemical peels are performed under the medical supervision of Dr. Mario Trelles - a board-certified plastic and laser surgeon and President of the European Society of Laser Aesthetic Surgery. The selection of peel type, acid, concentration, and application technique is made clinically for each patient - not from a standard menu. The depth of the peel and the degree of change achievable are discussed honestly at consultation so patients understand exactly what to expect and can make an informed decision.

3 depths superficial, medium, and deep - each with a different outcome and recovery
Medical-grade peel selection and application supervised by a board-certified surgeon
Since 2006 aesthetic skin treatments trusted by Dubai patients
The Three Peel Depths - Which Is Right for You?

The depth of penetration of the chemical peel determines the degree of skin change achieved, the intensity of the peeling process, and the length of recovery required. The right depth depends on the concern being addressed and the patient's tolerance for downtime. As Dr. Trelles explains: deeper peels take more time to recover from but produce more profound results. The consultation establishes the most appropriate depth for each patient's skin and goals.

Minimal downtime Superficial Peel

Exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum and epidermis) using mild acids - typically glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, or low-concentration salicylic acid. Produces a brightening and smoothing effect, improving skin tone and early fine lines. Recovery involves mild redness and light flaking for two to five days - most patients return to normal activity immediately or the following day. Well-suited for skin maintenance, early sun damage, mild hyperpigmentation, and patients who cannot accommodate significant downtime. Most effective as a series of sessions spaced two to four weeks apart.

Balanced correction Medium Peel

Penetrates to the upper dermis - producing more significant skin remodelling alongside the surface renewal. Typically uses TCA (trichloroacetic acid) at 20 to 35%, or a combination agent. Addresses moderate sun damage, uneven pigmentation, melasma, acne scarring, and deeper fine lines. Recovery involves visible peeling over five to seven days - the skin appears red, then darkens, then peels in sheets over the first week. New skin is visible by day seven to ten. Most patients are socially presentable by day seven to ten with appropriate aftercare.

Maximum transformation Deep Peel

Penetrates to the mid-dermis using phenol-based agents or high-concentration TCA. Produces the most significant skin transformation available with a chemical peel - addressing deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and significant textural irregularity. Recovery requires ten to fourteen days before the skin is presentable, with continued pink/redness for several weeks. Requires thorough pre-treatment preparation and careful post-treatment management. The most powerful non-surgical skin resurfacing option available. Recommended only after full medical assessment - not appropriate for all patients or all skin types.

Selecting the right depth

The right peel depth is not simply determined by the severity of the skin concern - it also depends on the patient's skin type (Fitzpatrick classification), lifestyle and recovery availability, and the specific acids their skin is known to respond well to. At Vilafortuny, no peels is recommended without a face-to-face assessment by Dr. Mario Trelles. A peel that is too deep for the skin type carries a real risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring. The consultation is where this is established safely.

What Chemical Peels Treat
Sun damage and photoageing

Accumulated UV damage causes pigmentation, dullness, and textural changes. Medium and deep peels remove the damaged layers and stimulate fresh skin to replace them - significantly improving tone and clarity.

Uneven skin tone and pigmentation

Brown spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and general unevenness respond well to chemical peels - the exfoliation removes pigment-containing cells from the surface and inhibits melanin transfer in deeper layers.

Fine lines and wrinkles

Medium and deep peels stimulate collagen remodelling in the dermis, progressively softening fine to moderate wrinkles - particularly around the mouth and eyes where superficial skin ageing is most prominent.

Acne and oily skin

Superficial peels using salicylic acid are effective for active acne - exfoliating within the follicle to clear blockages, reducing sebum production, and calming inflammation. A series of sessions significantly improves acne-prone skin quality.

Acne scarring

Medium and deep peels improve the texture and tone of acne-scarred skin - smoothing surface irregularity and reducing pigmentation. Often used in combination with microneedling for a more comprehensive result.

Dull or congested skin

A series of superficial peels is one of the most effective maintenance treatments for skin that looks flat, congested, or lacks clarity - clearing dead skin cell accumulation and improving light reflection for a consistently brighter complexion.

What to Expect
01
Consultation and Skin Assessment

Dr. Mario Trelles assesses your skin type, sun damage level, pigmentation history, and current skincare regime. The most appropriate peel type and depth is recommended. For medium and deep peels, a pre-treatment preparation regime is usually prescribed - typically including retinol, a skin-brightening agent, and SPF - to optimise the skin for the peel and reduce complications. The expected recovery process and timeline is explained in full before any treatment is agreed.

02
Pre-treatment Preparation

For medium and deep peels, a preparation phase of two to four weeks is typically recommended before the procedure. This may include daily application of a retinoid to accelerate cell turnover, a depigmenting agent (particularly for darker skin tones) to reduce hyperpigmentation risk, and strict SPF use. The preparation phase improves the evenness of the peel's effect and significantly reduces the risk of complications. For superficial peels, preparation requirements are minimal.

03
The Peel Session

The skin is cleansed and degreased before the peel solution is applied. The acid is applied evenly across the treatment area and left for a precisely controlled time before neutralisation (for AHA/BHA peels) or natural neutralisation (for TCA peels). A warming or stinging sensation is normal during the application. For deeper peels, oral analgesia or sedation may be used for comfort. The session itself takes thirty to sixty minutes depending on the peel type and areas treated.

04
The Healing Process

The skin's response depends on the peel depth. After a superficial peel, mild redness and light flaking over two to five days is typical. After a medium peel, the skin darkens, tightens, and peels in sheets over five to seven days - the new skin visible beneath is typically pink and fresh. After a deep peel, significant swelling and oozing in the first two days settles into a heavy peeling process over ten to fourteen days. The clinical team provides detailed aftercare instructions and a prescribed moisturiser and SPF regime before the patient leaves.

05
Final Result

The result of a superficial peel is visible immediately after healing - brighter, smoother, more even skin. The result of a medium or deep peel continues to improve for three to six months after the session as new collagen matures and skin remodelling progresses. The fresh skin produced is initially more sensitive and must be protected carefully with SPF and appropriate skincare during the post-peel period.

Before and After Your Peel
Before treatment
  • Follow the prescribed pre-treatment regime exactly - this preparation is not optional for medium and deep peels
  • Avoid sun exposure and fake tan for at least two weeks before any peel - treated skin must not be tanned
  • Stop retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide three to five days before superficial peels - stop retinoids one week before medium and deep peels
  • Inform the clinical team of all medications, including isotretinoin (Accutane) - this must be stopped for at least six months before any medium or deep peel
  • Do not wax, thread, or use depilatory creams on the face for one week before treatment
  • Plan your recovery window before scheduling - be realistic about the downtime required for your chosen peel depth
After treatment
  • Apply SPF 50 every day from the day after treatment - without exception. Sun exposure on post-peel skin is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation and must be avoided completely during the healing period
  • Keep the skin well moisturised with the prescribed post-peel product - do not allow the skin to dry out during healing
  • Do not pick, peel, or forcibly remove any peeling skin - allow it to shed naturally. Premature removal causes scarring
  • Avoid all active skincare ingredients - retinol, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C serums - until the skin is fully healed and cleared to resume by the clinical team
  • Avoid heat, steam, saunas, and strenuous exercise during the peeling phase
  • Contact the clinic immediately if you notice any signs of infection, blistering beyond what was expected, or unexpected hyperpigmentation

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a chemical peel work?

A chemical peel applies an acidic solution to the skin surface that breaks down the bonds holding dead and damaged skin cells together, causing the outer layers to exfoliate and shed. As the treated skin peels away, it is replaced by newer, fresher skin that has been stimulated to regenerate. Deeper peels penetrate into the dermis and trigger a more significant wound-healing response - producing new collagen and more substantial skin remodelling alongside the surface renewal. The depth of the peel determines the degree of change, the intensity of the peeling process, and the length of recovery required.

What is the difference between a superficial, medium, and deep peel?

A superficial peel exfoliates only the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), producing a mild brightening and smoothing effect with minimal downtime - typically two to five days of mild flaking. A medium peel penetrates into the upper dermis, producing more significant improvement in skin texture, pigmentation, and fine lines - with five to seven days of visible peeling. A deep peel reaches the mid-dermis and produces the most profound skin transformation - significant improvement in deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and uneven skin texture - but requires ten to fourteen days of recovery and carries more considerations in terms of pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care.

Is a chemical peel safe for darker skin tones?

Chemical peels require careful selection for darker skin tones - some peel types and strengths carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. At Vilafortuny, peel type, concentration, and pH are selected specifically for each patient's skin type by Dr. Mario Trelles. Superficial peels using appropriate agents are generally safe for all skin types. Medium and deep peels require more careful assessment. Pre-treatment with a skin-lightening agent (such as hydroquinone or kojic acid) is often recommended for darker skin tones before a medium peel to reduce hyperpigmentation risk.

How many sessions are needed?

A single deep peel can produce significant improvement as a standalone treatment. Medium peels typically require two to four sessions for optimal results, spaced four to six weeks apart. Superficial peels are most effective as a series - typically four to six sessions spaced two to four weeks apart. The right approach is determined at consultation based on your skin concerns, skin type, and the depth of improvement desired.