Bowman Street, Macquarie Australian Capital Territory 2614, Australia
(02) 6253 4488 SKINology Canberra
CHEMICAL PEELS Canberra
Chemical Peels
If you’ve ever felt like your skin looks a little dull, congested or tired — or like skincare isn’t quite cutting through anymore — you’re not alone. Our Chemical Peels are designed to gently exfoliate, brighten and refresh the skin, helping restore clarity and glow without aggressive downtime.
How it works:
Chemical peels are controlled exfoliation treatments that use specific acids or enzymatic compounds to accelerate epidermal cell turnover. They work by weakening the bonds between corneocytes (dead skin cells) within the stratum corneum, allowing for their uniform shedding and triggering regeneration processes in the skin.
Depending on the formulation, different classes of exfoliants target different skin pathways. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic and lactic acid, are water-soluble and primarily act on the skin’s surface to improve texture, hydration and pigmentation. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and penetrate into the follicle, making them particularly effective for congestion and acne. Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and enzymatic exfoliants offer a gentler alternative, supporting exfoliation while maintaining barrier integrity and reducing irritation.
At Skinology, we work with professional-grade systems including Aspect, DermaQuest, Murad and Pelactiv. This allows us to precisely tailor the depth of exfoliation, pH level, and active ingredient profile based on your skin’s condition, Fitzpatrick type, tolerance and treatment goals.
Beyond exfoliation, chemical peels stimulate key biological responses within the skin. They promote keratinocyte renewal, support fibroblast activity, and can increase the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans over time. This leads to improvements in skin clarity, tone, texture and overall function.
From hydrating enzyme peels that gently digest surface buildup, to corrective formulations targeting pigmentation, acne or ageing, each treatment is prescribed based on what your skin needs at that point in time — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What it feels like:
Most clients describe their peel as a light tingling or warmth rather than discomfort. Some formulas feel almost “juicy” and hydrating, while stronger peeling agents may have a brief spicy sensation. We’ll always talk you through what to expect and choose a peel that suits your skin on the day.
Down time:
Chemical peels can vary depending on strength — some have no visible downtime at all, while others may cause light flaking or peeling over a few days to a week.
Aftercare:
Light/entry level peels
- Keep skincare simple for 24–48 hours (gentle cleanser, moisturiser, SPF only)
- Avoid heat (hot showers, sauna, gym) for 48 hours
- No active ingredients (AHAs, BHAs, retinol, vitamin C) for 2–3 days
- Do not pick, scrub or exfoliate the skin for 7-10 days
- Light flaking or dryness is normal — not everyone will peel
- Keep skin hydrated with gentle, barrier-supporting products
- SPF is essential — apply a physical sunscreen daily and reapply if needed
- Avoid direct sun exposure where possible
- Makeup can be worn, but mineral is preferred if skin is sensitive
- If unsure — less is more, keep it simple and let your skin do its thing
Intense/advanced peels
- Keep skincare minimal (cleanser, moisturiser, SPF only) until skin is fully settled. This is provided to you at the time of your appointment
- Expect redness, tightness and visible peeling — this is normal, although not everyone will peel
- Do not pick, peel or exfoliate — allow skin to shed naturally
- Avoid heat (hot showers, sauna, gym) for 48–72 hours
- No active ingredients (AHAs, BHAs, retinol, vitamin C) for 7+ days
- Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours (longer if skin feels sensitive)
- Keep skin well hydrated with soothing, barrier-repair products
- SPF is essential — apply physical sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure
- Avoid sweating, swimming and harsh environments while skin is healing
- Skin may feel dry, tight or slightly itchy — this is part of the renewal process
- Results develop as the skin sheds and regenerates over the following days
Important: Treat your skin like it’s healing — gentle care = better results
Contraindications:
Light/entry level peels
Generally gentle and suitable for most clients, however contraindications include:
- Active skin infections (cold sores, bacterial, fungal)
- Open wounds, cuts or compromised skin barrier
- Recent sunburn or excessive sun exposure
- Known allergies to peel ingredients
- Use of topical prescription treatments (e.g. retinoids) without appropriate prep
- Extremely reactive or sensitised skin (relative contraindication)
Intense/advanced peels
Stronger peels require stricter screening and may not be suitable in the following cases:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (depending on peel type)
- Use of Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) within the last 6–12 months
- History of keloid scarring or poor wound healing
- Active skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis in treatment area)
- Recent cosmetic procedures (laser, IPL, needling) without appropriate spacing
- Use of strong active skincare (retinoids, exfoliating acids) without proper prep
- Uncontrolled diabetes or conditions affecting healing
- Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI (relative — requires careful selection to avoid pigmentation risk)
- History of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (requires tailored approach)
Our mission is simple, to be AFFORDABLE and ACCESSIBLE for everyone!
Chemical Peel brands we work with
Aspect.
Dermaquest.
Dermaquest.
Dermaquest.
Dermaquest.
Dermaquest.
Murad.
Dermaquest.
Pelactiv.
Pelactiv.
Pelactiv.
Pelactiv.
Cosmedix.
Pelactiv.
Cosmedix.
Chemical Peels - FAQS
Most clients see improvement from a single treatment, but a series of 3–6 peels spaced a few weeks apart offers the best results for pigmentation, congestion, aging concerns and long-term glow.
Yes — the right peel can help dissolve surface build-up, improve blackheads, soften post-acne marks and reduce breakout activity over time.
Our core brands include but is definitely not limited to Aspect, Murad, Dermaquest and Pelactiv peels. Each brand has different strengths and ingredient profiles, which allows us to treat a wider range of concerns, sensitivities and skin types — including stubborn congestion, pigmentation, ageing-related changes and dullness.
Absolutely. Chemical Peels pair beautifully with LED Light Therapy for calming, healing and collagen support, and with Skin Needling or RF as part of a longer-term skin journey. We also offer packages and combination deals to support layered results rather than one-off treatments. We also offer a 60-minute clinical treatment which allows us to cocktail and mix as many modalities as needed without impacting your wallet.
A Skin Journey Consultation is always recommended — it allows us to assess your skin, choose the right peel strength or series, and plan supporting modalities if needed. Peels are most effective when matched to your skin’s current condition, not just your wishlist.
Chemical Peels at Skinology are not priced based on potency/differing PH/ percentage of actives etc because we dont believe needing a stronger peel means your wallet should suffer. ALL of our peels are the same price! (PSSST what the beauty industry doesnt want you to know is the wholesale price is usually the same if not stupidly similar).
YES - A series of peels is recommended and we offer skin journeys during our consults and can package all of our recommendations JUST FOR YOU! ... True individualised skin packages.
YES - We have been working with "liquid microneedling" peels literally before they were cool... we're talking YEARS.
For acne-prone skin, the goal isn’t just to “dry out pimples” anymore. The best homecare routines focus on controlling oil, reducing congestion, calming inflammation and protecting the skin barrier at the same time. This is especially important in Canberra where the climate can leave acne skin dehydrated and reactive.
Some of the best ingredients to look for include:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA) → helps dissolve oil and congestion inside the pores. Great for blackheads, active breakouts and excess oil. Murad uses this heavily in their acne range, particularly in the Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser which combines immediate and time-released salicylic acid for longer-lasting clearing benefits.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) → helps reduce redness, regulate oil production and support the skin barrier. This is a standout ingredient across Aspect, Pelactiv and DermaQuest for clients dealing with inflamed or sensitised acne.
- Vitamin C → not just for ageing. Stabilised Vitamin C can help post-acne pigmentation and inflammation. Aspect C Serum is popular because it combines antioxidant protection with skin-brightening support without feeling too heavy on breakout-prone skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid + B5 (Panthenol) → acne skin still needs hydration. Dehydrated skin can actually increase oil production and congestion. Products like DermaQuest B5 Hydrating Serum focus on hydration and barrier repair without clogging pores.
- Prebiotics and microbiome-supporting ingredients → especially helpful for sensitised or over-treated acne skin. Murad’s newer formulations also lean into microbiome health to reduce irritation while managing breakouts.
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea, tea tree, allantoin and soothing botanical extracts → ideal for calming active acne and reducing redness after breakouts. Murad’s clarifying cleansers incorporate several of these alongside acne actives.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is clients over-exfoliating or stripping their skin. Acne routines usually perform best when they balance active ingredients with hydration and barrier support rather than attacking the skin aggressively.
When treating pigmentation, the goal isn't just to fade existing dark spots—it's also to prevent your skin from producing excess melanin in the first place. This is where tyrosinase inhibitors become one of the most effective categories of skincare ingredients.
What are tyrosinase inhibitors?
Tyrosinase is the key enzyme responsible for producing melanin (pigment) in the skin. When your skin is exposed to UV light, inflammation (such as acne), hormones, or injury, tyrosinase becomes more active, leading to excess pigment production.
Tyrosinase inhibitors work by slowing or blocking this enzyme, reducing new pigment formation while allowing existing pigmentation to gradually fade. They are considered one of the cornerstones of treating:
- Melasma
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Uneven skin tone
Some of the most effective tyrosinase inhibitors include:
- Cysteamine
- Tranexamic Acid
- Alpha Arbutin
- Kojic Acid
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Licorice Root Extract
- Azelaic Acid
- Hexylresorcinol
- Resveratrol
- Niacinamide (helps reduce pigment transfer rather than directly inhibiting tyrosinase)
Using several of these ingredients together often provides better results than relying on just one ingredient alone.
Our hero products include any of the DermaQuest MELAQUEST, specifically Advanced MelaQuest Serum. For clients wanting a multi-pathway approach to pigmentation, the Advanced MelaQuest Serum combines several pigment-correcting technologies, including:
- Tranexamic Acid
- Alpha Arbutin
- Kojic Acid
- Hexylresorcinol
- Licorice Root
- Vitamin C derivatives
- Peptides
Rather than targeting only one stage of pigmentation, it helps suppress melanocyte activity through multiple pathways while supporting brighter, more even skin.
Aftercare:
- Keep skincare simple for 24–48 hours (gentle cleanser, moisturiser, SPF only)
- Avoid heat (hot showers, sauna, gym) for 48 hours
- No active ingredients (AHAs, BHAs, retinol, vitamin C) for 2–3 days
- Do not pick, scrub or exfoliate the skin for 7-10 days
- Light flaking or a "dryness" feeling is normal — not everyone will peel
- Keep skin hydrated with gentle, barrier-supporting products
- SPF is essential — apply a physical sunscreen daily and reapply if needed
- Avoid direct sun exposure where possible
- Makeup can be worn, but mineral is preferred if skin is sensitive
- If unsure — less is more, keep it simple and let your skin do its thing
Client A has a history of adult acne which flares up often during winter and the cooler months. Client A has tried roaccutane over 12 months ago and for a duration of 6 months. Client A also experiences dull and uneven texture in their skin.
Our treatment approach:
A series of 6 treatments incorporating chemical peels.
TREATMENT 1 - carbon facial,
We begin with a carbon facial to target surface congestion, excess oil and uneven texture. This provides an opportunity to assess the client's skin response before introducing chemical peels.
TREATMENT 2 - 20% introductory lactobotanical peel,
An introductory chemical peel to gently exfoliate the skin, improve dullness and support a smoother-looking complexion while also improving the client's hydration needs.
TREATMENT 3 - 30% peel
We progressed to a 30% Lactobotanical Peel for further exfoliation and texture refinement.
TREATMENT 4 - ACNE peel by ASPECT for targeted correction
TREATMENT 5 & 6 - Skin needling to target any scaring.
Skin needling supports collagen remodelling, which may gradually improve the appearance of certain atrophic acne scars. Further sessions may be recommended depending on scar type, severity and treatment response.
Introduction of hydration and targeted acne products to compliment treatments and to increase hydration during Canberra's harsh winters which also impact acne.
At SKINology CBR, we don't believe one treatment needs to do everything.
Chemical peels can help address congestion, dullness and uneven texture, while skin needling may be more appropriate for certain types of established acne scarring.
By combining treatments progressively, we can address different concerns while monitoring the skin's response and adjusting the plan where necessary.
Contact SKINOLOGY - Canberra
WE RESPECTFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE NGUNNAWAL PEOPLE, THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND ON WHICH WE LIVE, WORK, AND OPERATE. WE PAY OUR RESPECTS TO ELDERS PAST, PRESENT, AND EMERGING, RECOGNIZING THEIR CONTINUING CONNECTION TO THE LAND, WATERS, AND CULTURE. WE HONOR THEIR ONGOING ROLE IN CARING FOR COUNTRY AND EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE AND WORK ON THEIR TRADITIONAL LANDS.
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Chemical peel & FULL size product $199
Offer ends 30th December 2026