Chemical Peels: The Complete Guide, with a Focus on BioRePeel

Chemical peels are one of the best-known and most-studied facial treatments, yet they are surrounded by myths. Many people picture red, flaking skin and days spent hidden at home — but most modern peels are far gentler and fit easily into a busy life. In this guide we explain, calmly and honestly, what a peel really is, what types exist, what BioRePeel is, and how to choose the right option for your skin. The aim is not to promise miracles, but to give you a clear picture so you can make an informed decision.

What a chemical peel is and how it works

A chemical peel means applying a specially formulated acid solution to the skin to speed up its natural renewal in a controlled way. Our skin constantly sheds surface cells, but with age and environmental stress this process slows down — leaving dullness, uneven tone and rougher texture. A peel solution loosens the bonds between dead surface cells so they shed, making room for fresher, more even skin underneath.

Most solutions use AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acid), which work on the skin surface and are great for dullness and pigmentation, or BHAs (salicylic acid), which are oil-soluble and reach inside the pore, making them ideal for oily, breakout-prone skin. Deeper peels may include TCA (trichloroacetic acid). The strength, concentration and pH of each acid determine how deeply it works and how long recovery takes.

Types of peels and their strengths

Peels are loosely grouped into three categories by depth. Superficial peels act only on the top layer of skin, refreshing tone and texture with almost no downtime — they can be done regularly as a course. Medium-depth peels reach further and give more noticeable results for pigmentation, scarring and fine lines, but involve a few days of peeling and more careful aftercare.

Deep peels are the most intensive, performed rarely and often in a medical setting — they require longer recovery and strict sun protection. Most peels offered in clinics and salons fall into the first two groups. The right strength is chosen by your specialist during a consultation, based on your skin condition, goals and lifestyle — stronger does not always mean better.

What BioRePeel is and why it is so popular

BioRePeel is a two-phase peel developed in Italy that has become very popular in recent years precisely because it combines effectiveness with almost no downtime. It contains TCA alongside several other acids, vitamins and amino acids, and works both on the surface and deeper down, without the skin typically visibly flaking. That is exactly what makes it so loved: you see results without having to step out of your life.

Thanks to its special layered structure, one phase protects the skin while the other stimulates renewal and collagen production. BioRePeel works well for dullness, uneven texture, enlarged pores and milder post-acne skin, and can be done year-round. We describe it in more detail in a dedicated article: read more about what BioRePeel is and who it suits best.

What peels help to improve

A peel is not a single fix for everything, but chosen well it helps with many common skin concerns. The wishes people most often bring to us include:

• Dullness and a tired complexion — a peel removes the layer of dead cells and reveals fresher, brighter skin.
• Uneven texture and coarse pores — the surface becomes smoother and more refined.
• Pigmentation and post-acne marks — tone evens out and darker areas gradually lighten.
• Oily, breakout-prone skin — BHAs clear the pores and reduce blemishes.
• Fine lines and early signs of ageing — stimulated collagen makes the skin feel firmer.

Pigmentation and post-acne marks are involved enough to deserve their own attention — if that is your main concern, see our guide on pigmentation and post-acne marks, where we explain which approach gives the most natural-looking result.

What a session is like

A session always begins with a conversation and an assessment of your skin. The specialist cleanses the skin thoroughly to remove make-up and oil, then applies the peel solution in thin layers. During this you may feel a mild tingling, warmth or prickling — this is normal and usually well tolerated. The session itself is calm and, with preparation and finishing care, takes around 30–45 minutes.

At the end, a soothing, hydrating treatment is applied along with sun protection, always. Many people combine a peel with gentle microneedling to enhance results — something we always decide together, according to what your skin can tolerate. After the session you can return to normal life straight away, though some prefer to plan it for a quieter day.

Downtime, aftercare and sun protection

After gentler peels, including BioRePeel, recovery is usually minimal — the skin may look slightly pink or feel tight for the first few hours, but this passes quickly. With deeper peels you may experience a few days of light peeling or flaking. The most important rule is simple: do not pick or peel the skin by hand — let it renew naturally.

For the first few days, avoid strong acids, retinol and exfoliating products, and keep the skin well moisturised. Sun protection matters most: wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every day, because freshly renewed skin is especially sensitive to the sun, and without protection you can develop the very pigmentation we were trying to reduce. Good aftercare is at least as important as the session itself.

How many sessions you need

A single peel gives an immediate fresher glow, but for a lasting result a course is usually recommended. Often 4–6 sessions spaced about 2–4 weeks apart are enough, depending on your skin condition and goal. Pigmentation and scarring may take longer, while a general refresh before an important event might need only a session or two.

After the main course, a maintenance session every couple of months helps to hold the result. We always design the exact plan during a consultation, because every skin responds differently and we prefer to start gently and progress at the pace your skin can handle. We do not promise miracles overnight — we prefer honest, gradual results.

Who peels suit and when to wait

Peels suit most people with healthy skin who want a fresher, more even and smoother complexion. They are a good choice for early signs of ageing, dullness, and for oily, breakout-prone skin alike. Thanks to the range of acid types and strengths, there is a suitable option for very different skin types.

A peel should still be postponed or avoided in certain situations: during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with active cold sores, open wounds, eczema or inflammation in the treatment area, and if you have recently used strong retinoids or undergone certain treatments. A fresh tan is also a contraindication. We discuss all of these carefully during a consultation, so we can choose a safe and suitable option.

If you would like to explore which peel might suit your skin best, take a look at our BioRePeel and microneedling treatment, or come in for a calm consultation. Together we will assess your skin and goals and build a plan that feels right for you — honestly and without pressure.