\r\n\r\nChemical peel in Abu Dhabi at House of Skincare uses medical-grade acids to remove damaged outer skin layers and stimulate dermal renewal, addressing pigmentation, acne scars, uneven texture, and early ageing in a single procedure. Chemical peels have been used in clinical dermatology for over a century and remain one of the most evidence-backed tools for skin resurfacing when selected and applied correctly for each patient’s skin type and concern. Dr. Khadija Al Zaabi, DOH-licensed Consultant Dermatologist at House of Skincare on Yas Island, selects the peel type, acid concentration, and application technique based on a thorough assessment of your Fitzpatrick skin type, existing pigmentation, and treatment goals.\r\n\r\nThe mechanism varies by acid type but follows a common principle: the chemical agent disrupts the desmosomes that hold keratinocytes together in the stratum corneum and superficial epidermis, causing controlled exfoliation. Deeper acids additionally coagulate dermal proteins and trigger an inflammatory healing response that stimulates fibroblast activity and new collagen synthesis. The depth of the peel \u2014 superficial, medium, or deep \u2014 determines how much of this cycle occurs and therefore the degree of improvement and the recovery required.\r\n

Why House of Skincare?

\r\nHouse of Skincare is a specialist dermatology and aesthetic clinic on Yas Island, rated 4.9 stars by over 490 patients on Google. Chemical peels carry real risk in the wrong hands, particularly for patients with darker skin tones \u2014 the UAE population is predominantly Fitzpatrick III to VI, where the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from overly aggressive or poorly timed peels is significant. Dr. Al Zaabi holds a DOH licence as a Consultant Dermatologist and performs a skin assessment before every peel to rule out active conditions (rosacea, active acne, recent isotretinoin use) that contraindicate treatment or require protocol adjustment.\r\n

Types of Chemical Peels at House of Skincare

\r\nSuperficial peels (AHA and BHA):\r\n\r\nGlycolic acid (10 to 30%), lactic acid (10 to 25%), and salicylic acid (15 to 30%) penetrate only the epidermis. They accelerate cell turnover, improve surface radiance, reduce comedonal acne, and mildly improve fine lines. These peels are ideal for skin maintenance, early pigmentation, and patients new to chemical exfoliation. Downtime is minimal: mild redness and dryness for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. A course of four to six monthly sessions produces meaningful cumulative improvement.\r\n\r\nMedium peels (TCA):\r\n\r\nTrichloroacetic acid (TCA) at 15 to 35% penetrates into the papillary dermis. At this depth, it causes visible coagulation of tissue proteins (a \”frosting\” effect) and triggers a more robust healing and collagen remodelling response. TCA peels address moderate pigmentation including melasma, solar lentigines, and post-inflammatory marks; moderate fine lines; and superficial acne scars. Downtime is five to ten days: the skin peels visibly from days two to five before healing with improved texture and tone. Medium peels require pre-treatment skin preparation with a course of retinoid and SPF to reduce the risk of PIH in darker skin types.\r\n\r\nCombination and targeted peels:\r\n\r\nJessner’s solution (resorcinol, salicylic acid, and lactic acid) is used as a combination superficial-to-medium peel that achieves uniform penetration without the unpredictability of a single-agent medium peel. Pyruvic acid peels combine the properties of both AHA and alpha-keto acids, addressing oily skin, acne, and early ageing simultaneously. Mandelic acid (10 to 20%) is particularly safe for darker skin types as its larger molecular size means slower penetration and a lower PIH risk.\r\n

Conditions Treated

\r\nPigmentation and melasma: Chemical peels reduce the density of superficial melanin deposits by accelerating the turnover of pigment-containing keratinocytes. Medium-depth peels also reach the dermal melanophages that hold pigment in long-standing melasma. Peels are most effective for epidermal melasma and superficial PIH and are often combined with a homecare brightening regimen and sun protection programme.\r\n\r\nAcne and oily skin: Salicylic acid is lipophilic \u2014 it penetrates into the follicle lining to dissolve comedonal material and reduce P. acnes colonisation. A course of salicylic acid peels combined with appropriate homecare significantly reduces active acne lesion count and oil production.\r\n\r\nAcne scarring: Superficial atrophic scars respond to repeated medium-depth peels that stimulate new collagen in the scar bed. TCA peels at 20 to 35% are combined with the CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) technique for icepick scars: a fine applicator delivers a high concentration directly to the base of the scar channel, causing targeted coagulation and contraction.\r\n\r\nFine lines and skin texture: Both AHA and TCA peels improve surface texture and fine lines through keratinocyte renewal and collagen stimulus. They are effective for the perioral and periorbital fine lines that form with UV damage and volume loss.\r\n

The Procedure

\r\nA peel session takes twenty to forty minutes. The skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased before application. The acid solution is applied in controlled layers using a brush or gauze. For superficial peels, the acid is neutralised after two to four minutes. For medium peels, the frost endpoint is observed before neutralisation or removal. A soothing, barrier-repair serum and SPF are applied immediately after. Superficial peels cause mild tingling during application. Medium peels cause more intense burning sensation that peaks during frosting and settles after neutralisation.\r\n

Aftercare

\r\nAfter a superficial peel: use a gentle cleanser, apply a fragrance-free moisturiser, and use SPF 50 every morning. Avoid retinoids, AHAs, and exfoliants for five to seven days. After a medium peel: do not peel or pick the shedding skin, apply a thick barrier cream as directed, avoid sun exposure entirely until healing is complete, and use SPF 50 daily for at least four weeks after. Both: avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, and heat for forty-eight hours post-treatment.\r\n

Pre-Treatment Preparation

\r\nFor medium TCA peels, particularly in Fitzpatrick III to V skin, Dr. Al Zaabi prescribes a pre-treatment protocol of two to four weeks using a retinoid and/or hydroquinone combined with SPF 50. This \”primes\” the skin by normalising cell turnover, reducing baseline pigmentation, and reducing the risk of PIH from the peel stimulus. Skipping pre-treatment in darker skin significantly increases the risk of uneven healing and rebound pigmentation after a medium peel.\r\n\r\n

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• Addresses pigmentation, acne, scarring, and fine lines in one session

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• Peel type and depth selected for your skin tone and concern

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• TCA CROSS technique for icepick acne scars

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• Safe protocols for Fitzpatrick III to VI skin with pre-treatment preparation

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• Visible skin renewal from days 2 to 5 with medium peels

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• Performed by a DOH-licensed Consultant Dermatologist

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