Facial Peeling: What Is It? Benefits & Full Procedure

May 13, 2025

By chloe cecchini

Peeling Visage : Qu’est-ce que c’est ? Bienfaits & Déroulement Complet

Do you have a dull complexion, brown spots, acne scars, or fine lines that bother you? Facial peeling (or chemical peel) is one of the most effective and popular procedures in aesthetic dermatology to restore smooth, radiant, and regenerated skin.

We'll explain everything simply: what it is, why it works, the different types, and most importantly, how to do it safely.

What is a peel?

The word "peeling" comes from the English verb "to peel." It is a procedure that involves applying a chemical agent (acid) to the skin to cause controlled exfoliation of the superficial layers.

The result? The skin exfoliates, renews itself faster, and deeply stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.

Skin is composed of two main layers:

The epidermis (very thin: only 0.02 mm on the face)
The dermis (deeper, where collagen and elastin are found)

The peel controlledly destroys the epidermis (and sometimes part of the superficial dermis) to make way for new skin.

Important point on pH: The lower the pH, the more potent the peel. A peel with a pH of 2 (like many fruit acids or glycolic acid) is 10 times more acidic and therefore 10 times more effective than a peel with a pH of 3!

Why get a peel? The real benefits

Depending on its depth, a peel can correct many problems:

Pigmentation spots (melasma, brown spots, chloasma)
Acne, blackheads, microcysts, and seborrhea
Acne scars
Rough texture and enlarged pores
Fine lines and wrinkles
Loss of tone and sagging skin
Dull and grayish complexion

Bonus: the peel perfectly prepares the skin to better absorb subsequent treatments (microneedling, serums, etc.).

What is the ideal time to get a peel?

Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons! The skin is less exposed to the sun, the risks of hyperpigmentation are minimized, and the exfoliation is discreet.

What are the different types of peels?

We mainly distinguish between two categories:

Type of peel	Depth of action	Main indications	Examples of peels	Recommended number of sessions
Superficial peel	Epidermis only	Dull complexion, pores, mild acne, first wrinkles	Glycolic acid, Sama Peel (mandelic + salicylic), Salicylic, Flash Peel, QPEEL	3 to 4 sessions (every 2-3 weeks)
Medium peel	Epidermis + superficial dermis	Brown spots, scars, wrinkles, sagging skin	TCA, Lightening Peel, Strong Glycolic (30-70%), Mandelic, Glow X9	1 session (sometimes repeated after a few months)

Details of popular peels:

Glycolic Acid Peel: powerful anti-aging (sugar cane extract)
Sama Peel: 22% mandelic + 20% salicylic → ideal for acne and scars
Salicylic Peel: penetrates pores, perfect for oily skin and breakouts
Flash Peel: immediate radiance boost (ideal before a party!)
QPEEL Peel: plumped and ultra-luminous skin
TCA Peel: natural lifting effect, wrinkles, stretch marks, scars
Lightening Peel: depigmentation for body and intimate areas (armpits, knees, elbows, etc.)

Complications: what you need to know

Superficial peel: very rare (only possible hyperpigmentation if too rapid sun exposure on darker skin tones). Medium peel: redness + normal flaking for 7-10 days. Rarely scars or spots if the protocol is followed correctly.

Course of a session (superficial or medium)

Make-up removal + deep cleansing
Application of a pre-peel (degreaser)
Application of the peel (cotton swab or compress) – the practitioner monitors the reaction
Neutralization + thorough rinsing
Soothing mask + healing and moisturizing cream

The session lasts 20 to 40 minutes depending on the type.

Session frequency

Superficial peel: 3 to 4 sessions spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart
Medium peel: often 1 session is enough (can be repeated after 3-6 months)

Contraindications and precautions

No real absolute contraindications, but be careful if:

Roaccutane treatment stopped less than 6 months ago
Recent or intense sun exposure
Known photosensitivity

And after the peel? Follow-up care

Redness and slight flaking (normal!)
Mandatory SPF 50+ sun protection for at least 1 month
Evening care: cream with low glycolic acid to prolong the effects

FAQ – Facial Peel (the questions everyone asks)

Does peeling hurt? No, a slight sensation of warmth or tingling, but completely bearable.

Can peeling be done on dark or olive skin? Yes, by selecting a suitable superficial peel and ensuring sun protection.

How long before seeing results? From the 1st session for radiance. Optimal results after 3-4 superficial peels or 1 medium peel.

Peeling at home or in a salon? Strong peels (TCA, medium) should be done by a professional. Very gentle peels can be done at home, but are less effective.

Can peeling be done in summer? Not recommended due to the sun, but possible with extreme protection.

In summary

Peeling is one of the most powerful treatments to permanently transform the quality of your skin: radiance, evenness, firmness, and restored youth.

Well-chosen (superficial or medium) and well-performed, it offers impressive results with very few risks.

Do you want a peel adapted to your skin type and your goals? Book your consultation or discover our tailor-made peeling protocols here.

To discover all our beauty innovations and find the perfect treatment for your skin, browse our interactive catalog now by clicking here: https://simplebooklet.com/catalogueghycini#page=1

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