Skin, aesthetics and hair
Facial peel care begins with skin assessment, preparation, risk discussion and aftercare planning so patients understand whether a peel is suitable.
Start here if
Use this page for texture, congestion, dullness, selected pigmentation concerns or maintenance planning where a clinician needs to check suitability before treatment.
Who this is for
A service category is a starting point, not a diagnosis. The clinician may recommend a different appointment, referral, follow-up or preparation step after review.
Facial peels exfoliate the outer skin layers in a controlled way, smoothing rough texture, lifting congestion (blackheads and clogged pores) and refreshing dull skin tone. They are often used as part of a maintenance plan rather than a single intervention.
Selected pigmentation concerns — including sun-related pigment, post-inflammatory pigment after acne, and melasma — can be addressed with carefully chosen peels. Patients with darker skin types need a more conservative approach to reduce the risk of pigment worsening.
Mandelic acid and similar peels can help patients with active acne, blackheads or post-acne marks. Peels are usually combined with medical acne management rather than used alone.
A regular peel programme is one of the simpler, lower-cost ways to maintain skin quality over time, supporting collagen turnover, cell renewal and an even skin surface.
Treatment journey
Each treatment session follows the same staged sequence so patients understand what to expect at every step.
The clinician reviews your skin type (including Fitzpatrick classification), concerns, current products, prescription history, sun exposure and recent treatments. Suitability for a peel — and which strength of peel — depends on this assessment.
A peel is selected from a range of alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, lactic acid or combination peels. Each suits different concerns and skin types. Stronger peels are reserved for patients who have prepared their skin in advance.
After cleansing, the peel is applied to the treatment area. A mild tingling or warmth is expected. The peel is timed carefully and neutralised when appropriate. The session typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Mild redness for a day or two is common. Light flaking or peeling may occur over the following three to seven days, depending on peel strength. Skin underneath looks fresher, smoother and more even.
Stop retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, AHA/BHA toners and physical exfoliants for about a week before your appointment unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning in the days before treatment. Tanned or sunburned skin increases the risk of pigment change after a peel.
List your current skincare, prescription creams, recent procedures, allergies and any planned events. This shapes peel choice and timing.
Safety and expectations
Read the limits and aftercare notes before booking so the next step matches your concern and urgency.
Hyper- and hypopigmentation are possible, particularly in darker skin types or with sun exposure during recovery. Conservative peel choice and careful sun protection reduce this risk.
Temporary stinging, redness, dryness and peeling are expected. Excessive irritation can occur if active skincare ingredients are not paused before the peel, or if sun exposure occurs during recovery.
Peels are generally avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding (depending on agent), active infection, recent oral retinoid use and broken or barrier-impaired skin. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.
A single peel produces a refreshed look. Significant change in texture, pigment or congestion usually needs a planned series of treatments with skin care support between sessions.
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection with high SPF is the most important aftercare step. Sun exposure during recovery is the main cause of unexpected pigment change.
Use a gentle cleanser and bland moisturiser. Avoid actives such as retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid and physical exfoliants until your clinician advises that you can resume them.
Some light peeling or flaking can occur. Let skin shed naturally — picking can cause pigment changes or scarring.
Contact the clinic for severe pain, blistering, signs of infection, marked pigment change or symptoms that do not match what you were told to expect.
Booking and fees
Book directly when the pathway is clear, or use the booking page if appointment type, timing or provider fit is uncertain.
Booking pathway
Book consultation-first so suitability, preparation, aftercare and expected costs can be discussed before treatment.
Urgent concerns
For urgent concerns that cannot wait for routine booking, call the clinic during opening hours, or seek urgent medical care by calling 000 for emergencies, CALMS after-hours general practice on 02 6260 3300 or attend the GP urgent care clinic at Woden.
Use the booking page if you are unsure whether your concern is acne, rosacea, pigmentation, collagen change or general skin planning.
Fees for this pathway
These fee rows come from current clinic fee records. Medicare rebate, out-of-pocket and bulk billing details are shown only where they are supported by the published fee record.
30 minutes
Free (refundable deposit)
Deposit secures the appointment and may be credited towards products or services or refunded on the day.
60 minutes
From A$245
Deposit for peels with light-emitting diode treatment where clinically suitable.
40 minutes
From A$195
Returning-patient peel or product-review deposit listed in current clinic fee information.
Frequently asked questions
Texture, congestion, blackheads, post-acne marks, dull tone, fine lines and selected pigment concerns can all benefit from a well-chosen peel. Strong concerns are usually treated as a series with skincare support between sessions.
Usually yes. Active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids are paused for about a week before a peel. Patients with pigment risk may need a few weeks of preparation skincare.
Mild redness lasts one to two days and light flaking can occur over three to seven days. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Stronger peels have longer recovery, discussed at consultation.
Some pigmentation concerns can be improved, especially when paired with sun protection and topical maintenance. For darker skin types a more conservative approach is used to reduce the risk of pigment worsening.
Most chemical peels are avoided in pregnancy and several are avoided during breastfeeding. Suitability is discussed individually at consultation.
Often yes, but timing matters. Some prescription creams need to be paused before a peel. Bring a list of your current products and prescription history to the appointment.
A single peel produces a refreshed look. Real change in texture, pigment or congestion usually needs a series of three to six treatments at intervals of two to four weeks, then maintenance.
New patients book a consultation-first appointment so skin type, suitability, preparation and aftercare can be reviewed before any peel is performed.