Chemical Peel

Chemical peels at DiVine Clinic apply medically-selected chemical agents to the skin surface to induce a controlled exfoliation that unifies skin tone, improves radiance, and removes dead and damaged skin cells. The clinic uses peels tailored to the patient's skin type and concern — ranging from gentle superficial peels (salicylic or lactic acid) appropriate for first-time patients or sensitive skin, to medium-depth peels that address deeper hyperpigmentation, acne, and early photo-damage. The peeling agent is applied to the cleansed skin, allowed to work for a set contact time, then neutralised or left to self-neutralise. Skin brightness and a fresher texture are visible immediately after the session. Mild flaking over the following 2–4 days is part of the normal desquamation process. Chemical peels can be combined with microneedling in a sequenced treatment plan for acne and acne scarring.

Chemical peels are controlled chemical exfoliation treatments in which a peeling agent — typically an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or a blend — is applied to the skin to induce a predictable degree of epidermal and, in medium/deep peels, dermal injury. The resulting wound-healing response removes the damaged outer skin layers and stimulates fresh epidermal cell turnover and, at deeper levels, collagen remodelling. **Peeling agents used at DiVine Clinic:** *Superficial peels (1,400–2,000 Kč):* - Salicylic acid (BHA, oil-soluble): penetrates sebaceous follicles, dissolving comedonal plugs — ideal for oily, acne-prone, and comedone-congested skin - Lactic acid (AHA, hydrophilic, large molecular weight): gentlest alpha-hydroxy acid; humectant properties hydrate while gently exfoliating; appropriate for sensitive, dry, or first-time peel patients - Mandelic acid (AHA, large molecular weight): slow penetration rate — suitable for patients with darker Fitzpatrick types or significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) risk *Medium-depth peels (2,500–3,500 Kč):* - Glycolic acid (AHA, small molecular weight, highest penetration): penetrates most deeply of the alpha-hydroxy acids; effective for photoaged skin, fine lines, and thickened skin - TCA (trichloroacetic acid) at low-medium concentrations: classic medium-depth peel; produces a frosting reaction that confirms depth of penetration; highly effective for deeper skin quality concerns **What chemical peels achieve:** - Removal of damaged, dyspigmented, and thickened outer skin layers through accelerated desquamation - Stimulation of epidermal cell renewal — new keratinocytes from the stratum basale mature and replace the shed surface cells - At medium depth: collagen denaturation in the upper papillary dermis triggers fibroblast-led neo-collagenesis - Reduction of comedonal acne and improvement in pore appearance (BHA peels) - Melanin redistribution and, with repeated treatments, reduction in hyperpigmentation **Combination with microneedling:** For acne and post-acne scarring, DiVine Clinic offers sequential treatment plans combining chemical peels (to address surface congestion, PIH, and oily skin) with microneedling (to address dermal scar depth). These modalities target different layers and are performed in alternating sessions rather than simultaneously. **The session experience:** Skin is cleansed and degreased with acetone or alcohol. The peel agent is applied with a brush or gauze pads in 1–2 layers. Patients typically feel warming, tingling, or mild stinging that peaks within 2–5 minutes. A neutraliser is applied (for neutralised formulations) or the peel self-neutralises after the set contact time. A calming mask is applied and SPF finishes the session. **Immediate results:** Skin appears brighter, more even-toned, and refreshed immediately after the session — a visible glow effect from the removal of dull surface skin cells. **Downtime by depth:** - Superficial peel: 1–2 days of mild dryness or flaking; social activities normal - Medium peel: 5–7 days of visible peeling; moisturiser applied frequently; no picking **Aftercare:** SPF 50+ every morning is non-negotiable — fresh post-peel skin is significantly more photosensitive than normal skin. Avoid retinoids and active acids for 7–10 days post-peel. Gentle cleanser and rich moisturiser until skin has fully recovered.