At a Glance
In Brief
Chemical peel for skin renewal
Treatment Duration
30–60 minutes
Pain
Well tolerated, mild burning or tingling possible
Anaesthesia
Usually not required
Downtime
0–7 days, depending on the peel
Results
Initial changes after approx. 3–7 days
Duration of Effect
Varies, can remain visible long term
Sessions
Individual, often 3–6
Price
From CHF 200
Fruit acid peels and chemical peels are established treatments in aesthetic dermatology. An active ingredient such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is applied to the skin. It loosens dead skin cells and so promotes skin renewal, leaving the skin looking smoother and clearer.
The treatment may be considered for blemished skin and enlarged pores, acne, keratinisation disorders, rosacea, scars and pigmentation concerns, among others. At the consultation, we assess your skin and decide which type of peel and which intensity suit your skin and your goal.
Treatment Areas
The acid and concentration used depend on the area and the condition of your skin.
Blemishes and Acne
Peels containing salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), loosen dead skin cells and excess sebum, regulate sebum production and have an antibacterial effect. This can reduce clogged pores, blackheads and blemishes in acne-prone skin.
Fine Lines and Rough Skin
AHA peels containing glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid can smooth the skin surface and refine its texture. They can also improve the appearance of fine lines.
Pigmentation
For pigmentation spots, sun damage, melasma and uneven skin tone, the uppermost pigmented layer of skin is removed and melanin production is inhibited, which can make the complexion look more even. Because irritation can itself trigger new pigmentation, we choose the peel with particular care.
Scars and Uneven Texture
Depending on the type of scar, chemical peels can smooth uneven skin and improve the appearance of acne scars. With stronger peels such as TCA, the depth is chosen carefully, and for depressed scars other or combined procedures may also be considered.
Neck, Décolleté and Body
The neck, décolleté and selected areas of the body can also be treated, for uneven pigmentation, sun-related changes, rough skin or certain scars and stretch marks. The peel and its intensity are matched to the region.
What is a fruit acid peel?
In a fruit acid peel or chemical peel, active ingredients are applied to the skin in different concentrations. They loosen dead skin cells and remove the surface layer of the skin in a controlled way, a process known as exfoliation. We offer superficial to medium-depth peels, and the acid, concentration and application time determine how strongly a peel acts.
AHA peels (alpha hydroxy acids) contain glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid and act mainly on the skin surface. BHA peels with salicylic acid are particularly suitable for blemish-prone skin with clogged pores; their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect is pronounced. PHA peels (polyhydroxy acids) consist of larger molecules, act very superficially and are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin too.
Special peels are also available: the Ferulac peel can be used for hyperpigmentation and sun-damaged skin, and the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial azelaic acid peel for blemish-prone skin and pigmentation irregularities. A peel can also be combined with other treatments.
- Superficial to medium-depth peels
- AHA, BHA and PHA peels
- Ferulac and azelaic acid peels
- Intensity set by acid, concentration and time
Why a fruit acid peel at Aesthetics Medical?
The Right Peel
We choose the active ingredient, concentration and application time according to your skin condition, sensitivity and treatment goal. This allows the peel to target acne, pigmentation, clogged pores or uneven texture.
Several Types of Peel
A range of options is available, from AHA, BHA and PHA peels to medium-depth TCA peels. This means the treatment can also take sensitive skin into account.
Care with Pigmentation
With pigmentation concerns, we pay particular attention to the choice of peel, because irritation can itself trigger further pigmentation. Consistent sun protection is therefore an integral part of the treatment.
Applied to the Skin
Chemical peels are applied directly to the skin and neutralised or removed after the application time. Depending on which peel is used, there may be little or no downtime.
Support While the Skin Heals
For the days after your peel, you receive clear skincare recommendations and know whom to contact if you have questions.
What does the treatment involve?
Consultation
We assess your skin condition, concerns and treatment goals. Together, we choose the appropriate peel and discuss the procedure, possible skin reactions and what you can expect.
Application
The skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased before the selected peel is applied evenly. The application time depends on the type and intensity of the peel, and you may feel mild burning, tingling or warmth during this time.
Neutralisation
After the intended application time, the peel is neutralised or removed, as the product requires. We then apply a soothing, moisturising skincare product and suitable sun protection.
Aftercare
You receive specific recommendations for home care: gentle cleansing, adequate hydration and consistent sun protection with SPF 50+. Temporary tightness, redness or mild peeling may occur.
Treatment Series
Once the skin has settled, it often looks smoother, clearer and more even. Depending on your skin, a series of several peels may be advisable, and we set the intervals between them for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the treatment work and how long does it take?
The skin is first cleansed and degreased, then the selected peel is applied evenly and neutralised or removed after the intended application time. A soothing skincare product and sun protection follow. A session takes about 30–60 minutes in total. The type of peel is agreed with you beforehand at the consultation.
Is the treatment painful, and is anaesthesia used?
The treatment is generally well tolerated. Burning, tingling, redness or a feeling of tightness may occur during and after application, and their strength depends on the intensity of the peel. Anaesthesia is usually not required, and for sensitive skin we choose a gentler peel.
What risks and side effects are possible?
Temporary skin irritation such as redness, burning, itching or tightness is common and settles within hours to days after superficial peels. Pigmentation changes, infections or prolonged itching occur rarely, and smoking and sun exposure increase the risk. If you notice unusually severe pain, blisters or new inflammation, please contact our clinic.
What should I consider before the treatment?
In the days beforehand, avoid strong exfoliants, acids, retinoids such as retinol or tretinoin, waxing and other treatments that irritate the skin, unless we advise otherwise. Stay out of intense sun and sunbeds, and tell us about your skincare, medication and any recent treatments. In the summer months, extra care is needed, because UV exposure and therefore the risk of pigmentation shifts are higher; we go through the necessary measures with you beforehand.
What should I consider after the treatment?
Cleanse your skin gently for the first few days, use soothing skincare and apply SPF 50+ sun protection every day. Pause retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and physical exfoliation until the skin has settled, and let peeling skin shed by itself. Avoid saunas, sunbeds, strong sun, heat and strenuous exercise for the recommended period.
How long does recovery take after the treatment?
The healing phase lasts from a few hours to one week, according to the intensity of the peel. After superficial peels, peeling is often barely visible and downtime is around 1–2 days. With medium-depth peels, the uppermost layer of skin peels noticeably over 3–7 days, so you may prefer not to schedule important appointments during this time.
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When do results become visible?
Initial changes usually appear after approx. 3–7 days, once your skin has calmed down. It may then look smoother, clearer and more even. Depending on your concern, a series of several peels may be advisable to improve the skin further.
How long do the results last?
Improvements in pigmentation, scars and skin texture can remain visible for a long time, but may change again over time. With acne, new breakouts can still occur, so suitable skincare is important. Regular care and consistent sun protection help to maintain the effect.
How many sessions are usually needed?
A series of 3–6 peels is often recommended, with the exact number depending on your skin condition and treatment goal. The interval between sessions is individual and depends on the type of peel and how your skin responds. We will discuss your personal plan with you beforehand.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
A chemical peel may be considered for blemished skin or enlarged pores, acne, pigmentation concerns, fine lines or certain scars. A peel should not be carried out in cases of skin rashes, active skin conditions such as herpes, eczema or atopic dermatitis, acute viral infections of the face or fresh wounds. The same applies during pregnancy and breastfeeding and when taking isotretinoin (Roaccutan) or photosensitising medication. Medium-depth peels tend not to be suitable for very dark skin.
How much does the treatment cost?
A peel for the face, neck or décolleté costs CHF 200, and body treatments start from CHF 200 depending on the area. Aesthetic peels are usually paid for privately. You will receive the exact cost of your treatment series after the consultation.
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