Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are one of dermatology's most versatile treatments - and one of the most misunderstood. At Uncover Clinics, we use medical-grade peeling agents applied by board-certified dermatologists (never technicians) to treat acne scars, pigmentation, fine lines, and dull skin. Every peel is customised to your skin type, concern, and tolerance - because Indian skin (Fitzpatrick III–V) requires a fundamentally different approach than Western protocols.

Unlike parlour "facials" that use diluted acids, our peels penetrate to precise depths using pharmaceutical-grade concentrations, triggering controlled exfoliation and collagen remodelling from within.

A chemical peel works by applying a controlled acid solution to the skin surface. The acid breaks down the bonds between dead and damaged skin cells, causing them to shed over the following days. This triggers your skin's natural healing response:

1. Exfoliation - damaged outer layers peel away, removing dead cells, excess melanin, and superficial scars
2. Collagen stimulation - the controlled injury signals fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin
3. Cell turnover - fresh, healthy skin cells replace the shed layer, resulting in smoother, brighter skin
4. Pigment regulation - melanin deposits are broken down and redistributed more evenly

The depth of penetration depends on the acid type, concentration, pH, and application time - all of which your dermatologist calibrates for your specific skin.

Not all peels are the same. The right peel depends on your skin concern, skin type, and how much downtime you can accommodate:

35%), Phenol (Baker-Gordon)", bestFor: "Deep scars, severe sun damage, pronounced wrinkles", downtime: "7-14 days, strict aftercare" } ]} />

Indian skin produces more melanin, which means it's more reactive to inflammation. A peel that works beautifully on lighter skin can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) - making your skin darker instead of brighter - if the wrong acid, concentration, or protocol is used.

At Uncover, every peel protocol accounts for:

• Fitzpatrick skin type assessment - we classify your skin (typically III–V for Indian patients) before selecting the peel
• Pre-treatment priming - 2-4 weeks of topical retinoids and tyrosinase inhibitors to suppress melanin production before the peel
• Conservative concentration strategy - we start lower and build up across sessions rather than risking one aggressive peel
• Mandatory sun protection - SPF 50+ is non-negotiable before, during, and after the treatment cycle

This is precisely why chemical peels should only be done under dermatologist supervision - especially for Indian skin.

Before your first peel:

• Consultation and skin analysis with Wood's lamp
• Fitzpatrick typing and concern mapping
• Pre-peel priming prescribed (retinoid + SPF + tyrosinase inhibitor) for 2-4 weeks

During the peel (30-45 minutes):

• Skin is cleansed and degreased
• Peeling agent applied in controlled layers
• Mild stinging/warmth is normal - we monitor throughout
• Neutralisation (for glycolic/TCA) and soothing mask applied

After the peel:

• Day 1-2: Tightness, mild redness - skin feels "sunburnt"
• Day 3-5: Visible peeling begins (medium peels). Do NOT pick or peel manually
• Day 5-7: Fresh, brighter skin emerges
• Week 2-4: Continued improvement as collagen remodelling progresses

This is one of the most common questions we hear. The honest answer: it depends on your skin concern and budget.

Many patients benefit from combining both - peels for maintenance and overall skin quality, laser for targeted concerns like deep acne scars or hair removal. Your dermatologist will recommend the right combination during your consultation.