Lately, it seems that everyone and their dog is getting a chemical peel, Melbourne being such an image-conscious city. Note, we were joking about the dog, we think it is cruel to subject your pet to beauty treatments. However, it is just as cruel to subject your pet to seeing your skin in such a poor state.

Perhaps you have seen people with skin looking like new and have wondered how you can get similar results. Or, maybe you have heard of chemical peels but are not sure what exactly a chemical peel entails. A chemical peel changes the appearance of your skin, minimising scars, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sun damage. Today, we are going to inform you exactly what a chemical peel involves.

Firstly, not all chemical peels are the same. Different combinations of ingredients can be used for different skin conditions, or to achieve different results. We recommend discussing which peel is right for you with your cosmetic doctor.

A chemical peel may sounds scary, but it is essentially exfoliation. Perhaps you have exfoliated mechanically in the past, which involves rubbing your skin with a hard brush to remove dead skin cells. A chemical peel has this same effect, but achieves the result chemically, as the name would suggest. The old skin is lifted away, leaving a smooth and supple layer of skin underneath. Depending on the type of acid used, different peels penetrate to different extents.

When you go to get a chemical peel, the skin doctor will apply a solution to your face, much like a face mask that you may use at home. However, the more potent ingredients should never be attempted at home or by amateurs. After the time is up, a neutralising solution will be applied to the skin. Finally, the peel will be washed off.

If you are looking to get a facial peel in Melbourne, our best advice is to choose a reputable clinic in which you will be seen by a qualified doctor.