Chemical Peel

Chemical peels on the Gold Coast: what they actually do

A peel applies an acid or enzyme blend to the skin for a controlled period, loosening the bonds holding dull, congested surface cells in place. Those cells shed over the following days and the skin underneath renews faster than it otherwise would. It is one of the few treatments where the effect is largely on the surface, which is why it suits tone, congestion and brightness rather than structural concerns.

Three formulations, and who each suits

• Skin Clear Salicylic 20% has a keratolytic action, meaning it works into the oil in the pore rather than just across the surface. It suits congested and acne-prone skin, and pigmented or sun-damaged skin.
• Power EnzymAcid combines enzymes with acids to brighten and resurface. It suits premature ageing, pigmentation and accumulated sun damage.
• VitA AOX 1% Vitamin A supports the skin's renewal cycle and suits skin that needs stimulating rather than stripping.

Which one you get is a clinical decision, not a menu choice. Monique assesses your skin, what you are using at home and anything you take, then selects the formulation. The wrong peel on reactive or compromised skin causes problems rather than progress.

What to expect, and who should not have one

Expect mild flaking or dryness over the following days as the surface renews. Most people carry on as normal. For the salicylic and enzyme peels a course of six to eight treatments, spaced seven to fourteen days apart, is commonly recommended, because surface renewal compounds rather than arriving in one go.

Peels are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for anyone with an aspirin allergy. Other medications and skin conditions also affect suitability, which is why this is confirmed in consultation with a registered nurse rather than booked blind.

Peel, needling or IPL?

These answer different questions. A peel works on surface tone, congestion and brightness. Skin needling works deeper, on texture and acne scarring, by triggering collagen. IPL targets pigment and redness specifically. If you want surface renewal without needles, PRX Plus is the other option worth discussing. Plans often combine them in sequence rather than picking one.

The clinic is nurse-led and in Mudgeeraba, a short drive from Robina, Bundall and Mermaid Waters.