Chemical Peel Types Explained — Light, Medium, Deep (Adelaide)

“Chemical peel” covers a broad family of treatments at different depths using different active ingredients. The same name can mean a 20-minute lunch-time refresh or a 10-day recovery from medium-depth resurfacing. Choosing the right peel for your specific skin concern is the consultation’s job.

The three depth categories

Light peels

Active ingredients: alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic), beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic), enzyme-based peels.

Depth: surface stratum corneum.

Downtime: none to mild flaking days 2–4.

Treats: surface dullness, mild pigmentation, mild acne, “tune-up” between deeper treatments.

Adelaide pricing: $120–$250/session.

Medium-depth peels

Active ingredients: TCA (trichloroacetic acid) at 15–35%, Jessner’s solution, modified TCA blends.

Depth: papillary dermis.

Downtime: visible peeling days 3–7. Sun-sensitive 4–6 weeks.

Treats: moderate pigmentation, fine lines, mild acne scarring, sun damage, melasma (carefully).

Adelaide pricing: $300–$600/session.

Deep peels

Active ingredients: high-strength TCA, phenol peels.

Depth: reticular dermis.

Downtime: 10–14+ days.

Treats: significant photodamage, deeper rhytides, deeper scarring.

Note: rare in Adelaide outside specialist plastic-surgery practices; typically reserved for specific indications and patient profiles.

Active ingredients in plain English

Glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy) — the workhorse. Smaller molecule, deeper penetration than other AHAs at the same concentration. Good for surface dullness, photodamage, fine lines. Generally for lighter skin types (FP I–III); riskier on darker skin where mandelic is preferred.

Lactic acid (alpha-hydroxy) — gentler than glycolic. Hydrating effect. Suitable for sensitive skin and as an introduction to peels.

Mandelic acid (alpha-hydroxy) — larger molecule, slower penetration. Much safer for darker skin (FP IV–VI). Good for pigmentation in skin types that don’t tolerate glycolic well.

Salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy) — oil-soluble, penetrates pores. Best for acne, oily skin, congestion.

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) — the medium-depth standard. Concentration determines depth (15% light-medium, 25–35% medium-deep). Strong pigmentation results.

Jessner’s solution — combination of salicylic, lactic, and resorcinol. Often used as a primer before TCA for deeper effect, or alone for mild-to-medium-depth refresh.

Adelaide-specific considerations

Sun protection is the difference between excellent peel results and pigmentation rebound. Adelaide’s UV index averages “very high” through summer. Strict SPF 50+ for 4–6 weeks after any medium-depth peel; daily SPF as a habit thereafter.

Skin-type matching matters more than peel type. Darker skin treated with the wrong peel at the wrong concentration can pigment badly. A reputable Adelaide skin clinic Fitzpatrick-tests at consultation.

Seasonal timing — Adelaide patients often defer medium-depth peels from December–February (high-UV summer) toward March–September. Ask your clinic about timing.

Combination approaches

Peels combine well with:

• Skin needling — alternate modalities for compounding collagen and surface improvement
• LED light therapy — accelerates post-peel recovery
• Topical skincare — tretinoin, vitamin C, niacinamide between peel sessions

Get a personalised peel recommendation

The right peel depends on your skin type, concern, and tolerance for downtime. Request a free quote — we’ll connect you with one trusted Adelaide skin clinic.

See also: chemical peels service, skin and laser treatments hub, melasma treatment Adelaide.