Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels using alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, or TCA to exfoliate the skin, improve tone and texture, reduce pigmentation, soften fine lines, and treat acne. Peel depth and formulation are selected to the patient's skin type and concern. Light to medium-depth peels offer minimal downtime; deeper peels require two to seven days of healing. Available at Contour Clinics Sydney locations.

Chemical peels at Contour Clinics Sydney use controlled application of exfoliating acids to the skin surface to dissolve intercellular bonds in the stratum corneum and epidermis, stimulating accelerated cellular turnover, fresh skin cell production, and progressive collagen remodelling in the underlying dermis. The clinic's dermal therapists select peel formulations and concentrations tailored to each patient's skin type (Fitzpatrick classification), concerns, and desired downtime. Superficial peels — using alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid) or salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid with lipophilic properties that penetrates sebaceous follicles) — target the stratum corneum and epidermis, improving overall luminosity and glow, reducing comedones and mild acne, and addressing superficial pigmentation with minimal or no visible peeling and a one-to-two day recovery. Salicylic acid peels are particularly well-suited to oily, acne-prone skin as the BHA component penetrates the pore lining and reduces the sebum oxidation cycle that drives comedone formation. Medium-depth peels — using higher-concentration glycolic acid or TCA (trichloroacetic acid) at 20–35% — penetrate into the papillary dermis, creating a superficial protein precipitation that enables more significant pigmentation correction (solar lentigines, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), acne scarring improvement, fine line reduction, and measurable skin texture refinement. Medium peels carry three to seven days of visible skin peeling and redness. Contour Clinics Sydney's membership program (AUD $79/week) includes one chemical peel, laser, needling, or medical facial per month plus unlimited LED light therapy, providing a cost-effective ongoing treatment cadence for patients maintaining their skin in Sydney and across New South Wales.