Chemical Peels · Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Chemical Peels in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Medical-grade chemical peels for acne and congested skin, pigmentation, melasma, sun damage and dull skin. Done by our Registered Nurses, led by senior cosmetic nurse Hatsu, under protocols set by our specialist dermatologists.
Face peels $150 · Course of 3 for $405 · Total cost confirmed in writing before you start · See fees
A dermatologist-led clinic. Your peel is done by one of our Registered Nurses using protocols set by our specialist dermatologists, who see you if your skin needs a medical opinion.
About the clinicChemical Peels at a Glance
What Does a Chemical Peel Do for Your Skin?
The short answer: a chemical peel uses acids to loosen and lift the outer layer of dead and damaged skin cells, so fresher skin comes through. The light peels our nurses do improve congestion, acne, uneven tone, sun damage and dullness over a course of 3 to 6 peels. They don't fix deep wrinkles or pitted acne scars.
The acid is painted on for a few minutes, then neutralised or removed. Over the next few days the outer layer sheds, sometimes invisibly and sometimes as fine flaking. With repeated peels, pores clear and pigment lifts gradually.
Peels are graded by depth. Our nurse-led peels are superficial to light-medium. Medium-depth peels, and TCA CROSS for acne scars, are done by our dermatologists.
We see patients from Mount Gravatt and across Brisbane's southside, including Holland Park, Carindale and Sunnybank.
Match the acid to the problem
What Can a Chemical Peel Treat?
Your peel is chosen for your main concern and skin type. Here's what peels do well, and where they reach their limit.
Chemical Peel for Acne: Does It Work?
Yes, for mild to moderate acne, especially blackheads, whiteheads and oily, congested skin. Salicylic acid dissolves in oil, so it gets into blocked pores and calms inflammation. Peels work alongside daily skincare and, for more severe acne, medical treatment from a dermatologist.
What the research says. A systematic review of 12 randomised trials (387 people) found common peels such as salicylic and glycolic acid similarly effective for mild to moderate acne and well tolerated (BMJ Open, 2018). Peels are one part of an acne plan.
Back acne and chest peels
Body acne responds to the same acids, but back skin is thicker and heals more slowly, so the peel is chosen differently. A back or chest peel is $195, or $526.50 for 3. Deep, painful lumps need medical treatment too. More on acne treatment.
A peel suits acne if you have
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Oily, congested skin
- Mild to moderate breakouts
- Brown marks left by old spots
See a dermatologist first if you have
- Deep, painful lumps or cysts
- Acne that is leaving scars
- Acne that hasn't settled with treatment
Pigment lifts slowly
Can a Chemical Peel Help Pigmentation and Melasma?
For many people, yes. Peels lift pigment by speeding up how fast pigmented skin cells are shed, and some acids, such as lactic acid, also slow pigment production. Sun spots, freckling and blotchy tone usually improve over a course.
Melasma is different. It's driven by sun, heat and hormones, and it comes back easily. Gentle peels can help, but aggressive peeling can make melasma darker. So our nurses keep melasma peels light, and daily SPF 50+ matters more than any single treatment. A dermatologist review first is worthwhile. More on pigmentation and melasma.
What the research says. A consensus review by a pigmentary disorders group described peels as an acceptable option for melasma, used with sun protection and skincare (Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2017). Melasma often returns when treatment stops.
A pigmentation plan usually means
- A course of 6 to 8 peels, 2 to 4 weeks apart
- Home skincare to prepare and maintain your skin
- SPF 50+ every day, all year
- Laser for spots that don't shift
Honest limits
Do Chemical Peels Help Acne Scars?
Only a little. Light peels smooth surface texture and help flat brown marks fade. They can't lift rolling scars or fill pitted ice pick and boxcar scars, because those come from lost collagen and scar tissue deeper in the skin.
For true scars, our dermatologists use TCA CROSS, where a strong acid is placed precisely into individual ice pick scars, along with subcision, laser and surgery. These are priced after a specialist consultation. More on acne scar treatment.
Not sure if you have marks or scars? Our nurses will look first and tell you honestly if a peel is the wrong tool.
Which Chemical Peel Is Right for Your Skin?
We use Synergie professional peels. Your nurse chooses the acid and strength after assessing your skin, and may change it during your course as your skin adjusts.
Lactic acid peel
Gentle and hydrating, for dry, sensitive or dull skin and melasma-prone skin. Little visible peeling.
Salicylic acid peel
Gets into oily pores and calms inflammation, for acne and congestion on the face, back or chest.
Multi-acid peel
A blend of mandelic, lactic, kojic and malic acids for uneven tone, sun damage and texture. Expect some flaking.
Modified Jessner peel
Our strongest nurse-led peel, applied in layers for pigmentation, sun damage, pores and fine lines. Allow up to 7 to 10 days of visible peeling.
Medium-depth peels for deeper sun damage, and TCA CROSS for acne scars, are done by our dermatologists after a specialist consultation (from $395).
How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost in Brisbane?
Nurse-led prices, per treatment and per course. The course price is the number worth comparing, because most people need more than one peel.
Chemical peel, face
$150
- Course of 3: $405
- Course of 6: $765
- Lactic, salicylic, multi-acid or Jessner peel, chosen for your skin
Back or chest peel
$195
- Course of 3: $526.50
- Course of 6: $994.50
- For body acne and congestion
Peel with extractions
$250
- Course of 3: $675
- Course of 6: $1,275
- Clears blackheads and congested pores
Heal & Peel
$195
- Ask our nurses whether it suits your skin
Add LED light therapy
$95
- Added to any peel
- Low-level light, no heat
Your total cost is confirmed in writing before you start. If you need a dermatologist, a specialist consultation is from $395. Peels are cosmetic, so Medicare and private health insurance don't cover them.
How Many Chemical Peels Do You Need?
Most people need a course of 3 to 6 peels, 2 to 4 weeks apart, then a maintenance peel every 1 to 3 months if they want to keep their results. One peel brightens the skin for a week or two, but lasting change in acne, tone or texture comes from a series.
- Dull skin or a pre-event glow: 1 to 3 peels
- Acne and congestion: 3 to 6 peels, 2 to 4 weeks apart
- Pigmentation and sun damage: often 6 to 8 peels, 2 to 4 weeks apart
- Melasma: a gentle course, then ongoing maintenance
We start lighter and step up the strength as your skin adjusts, with photos at each visit to compare progress. If your skin isn't responding after 3 peels, we'll say so and talk about other options, such as laser.
What the research says
An Australian review notes that superficial peels usually need several sessions and suit all skin types, while deeper peels are mostly kept for fair skin (Medicine Today, 2026).
A review of 5 studies found TCA peels improved sun-damaged skin, with medium-depth peels doing more for wrinkles. (Dermatology Research and Practice, 2021).
What Happens During a Chemical Peel, and Does It Hurt?
From your first visit to your last peel, here's what to expect.
Skin assessment
Your nurse checks your skin, history, medicines and past reactions, and takes photos. If something needs a medical opinion, such as a changing spot or severe acne, we book you with a dermatologist first.
Preparing Your Skin for a Chemical Peel
For stronger peels and darker skin, you may use home skincare for 2 to 4 weeks first, sometimes including prescription skincare from our dermatologists.
The peel
Your skin is cleansed, the acid is applied in layers, then neutralised or removed. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you leave with sunscreen on and a written aftercare plan.
Does a chemical peel hurt? Most people feel tingling, warmth or stinging that settles within a minute or two. A small fan helps, and stronger peels sting more. No numbing is needed. Skin may feel tight or slightly sunburnt for a day.
What Is the Downtime After a Chemical Peel?
It depends on the peel. As a guide:
- Light lactic or enzyme peels: flushed for 24 to 48 hours, usually without visible peeling
- Lactic and salicylic acid peels: avoid makeup for 12 hours; some people get light flaking from day 2 to 7
- Modified Jessner and multi-acid peels: tightness, then peeling; allow up to 7 to 10 days of social downtime after a Jessner peel
Aftercare. Use a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturiser and a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide. Don't pick peeling skin. Avoid scrubs, saunas, hard exercise and direct sun for 2 to 3 days after a light peel, and about a week after a stronger one.
Before an event. Avoid important events in the 7 days after a peel. For a wedding, start 2 to 3 months ahead, with the last light peel 1 to 2 weeks before the day.
When to Call Us After a Chemical Peel
- Blisters, or raw or weeping skin
- Pain, heat or swelling that is getting worse
- Yellow crusting, pus or a fever
- Clusters of small sores, which can be a cold sore flare
- Dark patches appearing after the skin has healed
Call 07 3487 1414. Outside hours, see your GP or go to an emergency department.
Different tools, different jobs
Chemical Peel vs Laser: Which Is Better for You?
Neither is better in general. Peels cost less, need little downtime and suit almost all skin types. Lasers target one problem more precisely, and deeper lasers do what no light peel can.
Read more about PicoSure Pro, LaseMD, DermaV, CO2 laser and erbium laser. Not sure? Start with a skin assessment and we'll explain your options.
Can You Combine a Peel With LED or Laser?
Yes. Peels pair well with other treatments, on the same day or spaced through a course.
LED light therapy
Healite II LED can be added to a peel for $95. It uses low-level light, without heat, and is often used after skin treatments to help the skin settle. More on LED.
RedTouch PRO, peel and LED
For sun damage, tone and texture, our nurses can combine the RedTouch PRO laser with a peel and LED in one visit, for $495 (face).
Light peels can also maintain laser results, timed once your skin has fully healed.
Are Chemical Peels Safe for Darker and Olive Skin?
Yes, with the right peel and preparation. Melanin-rich skin is more reactive, not thicker or stronger. Inflammation can trigger extra pigment (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and aggressive peeling without preparation can make pigmentation worse in olive, Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian and darker skin.
We reduce the risk with gentler acids such as lactic or mandelic acid, lower starting strengths, 2 to 4 weeks of skin preparation, wider spacing between peels and daily sun protection. Medium-depth peels are generally kept for fairer skin. If dark patches appear, they usually fade over a few months and can be treated.
Tell Us Before a Chemical Peel If You
- Tan easily or rarely burn
- Have had dark marks after spots, cuts or burns
- Have melasma
- Have reacted to a peel or laser before
Chemical Peel Risks, and How We Reduce Them
All procedures carry risks. Here are the main ones and what we do about each.
Common, Short-Term Side Effects of Chemical Peel
- Redness, tightness and stinging. Expected, and settles within hours to days.
- Flaking or peeling. Normal after stronger peels. Moisturise, use sunscreen and don't pick.
- A few breakouts in the first week. Can happen as pores clear, and usually settle.
- Little change after one peel. Peels work over a course. Your plan sets out how many to expect.
Less Common Chemical Peel Risks
- Dark patches. More likely in darker skin. We prepare your skin, choose gentler acids and insist on sun protection.
- Cold sore flare. Tell us if you get cold sores; we'll plan for it.
- Blistering, crusting or infection. Rare with superficial peels. We check your history and medicines first.
- Lighter patches or scarring. Rare, mostly after deeper peels or picking. Nurse-led peels are superficial to light-medium.
If something doesn't heal as expected, you come back to us. Call the clinic and our nurses will see you, with a dermatologist review when needed.
Who Shouldn't Have a Chemical Peel?
We'll suggest waiting, or a different treatment, if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: some peels aren't suitable, so we'll choose a gentle option or suggest waiting
- Have sunburn, a fresh tan or broken skin in the area
- Have an active cold sore, eczema flare or skin infection
- Have taken prescription acne medicine in the past year (tell us, so we can time your peel)
- Have rosacea or very sensitive skin, which peels can flare
A new, changing or bleeding spot should be checked by a doctor before any cosmetic treatment. Skin checks.
Before your peel
- Pause scrubs, exfoliating and prescription skincare for 3 to 5 days, or as advised
- No waxing or hair removal on the area for a week
- Avoid sun and fake tan for 2 weeks
Your nursing team
Who Performs Chemical Peels at DERM?
Registered Nurses · Dermatologist-led clinic
Your peel is done by one of our cosmetic nurses, all Registered Nurses, led by senior cosmetic nurse Hatsu. They work under treatment protocols set by our specialist dermatologists, Dr Mitch Robinson, Dr Emily Shao and Dr Benny Yau.
- Registered NursesTrained in peels, skin treatments and nurse-led laser
- Protocols set by dermatologistsPeel choice, strengths and aftercare follow our dermatologists' protocols
- A dermatologist when you need oneMedium-depth peels, scars, severe acne and changing spots go to our dermatologists
Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Chemical Peels in Mount Gravatt
DERM Skin Specialists is at 2/1437 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, about 15 minutes' drive from the Brisbane CBD, with free parking onsite. Patients come from Upper Mount Gravatt, Wishart, Eight Mile Plains, Greenslopes and across Brisbane's southside.
Common Questions
Chemical Peels: Common Questions
How much is a chemical peel in Brisbane?
At DERM, a nurse-led face peel is $150, or $405 for 3 and $765 for 6. Back or chest peels are $195. See fees.
Is a course of peels cheaper than paying per peel?
Yes. Three face peels cost $405 as a course instead of $450, and six cost $765 instead of $900. Your total is confirmed in writing before you start.
How long does a chemical peel take?
About 15 to 30 minutes in the chair. Your first visit includes a skin assessment, so allow more time.
Will my face visibly peel?
Not always. Light peels often cause no visible peeling. Stronger peels shed in fine flakes for several days. Let it come away on its own.
When can I exercise after a chemical peel?
Skip hard exercise, saunas and swimming for 2 to 3 days after a light peel and about a week after a stronger one, because heat and sweat irritate healing skin.
When will I see results?
Skin often looks brighter within a week. Changes in acne, tone and texture usually show after about 3 peels.
How long do peel results last?
Sun and age keep causing new pigment and texture changes, so daily SPF 50+ and occasional maintenance peels help results last.
Can I have a peel before my wedding?
Yes. Start 2 to 3 months ahead, with your last light peel 1 to 2 weeks before. Avoid anything new in the last 2 weeks.
What's the difference between a peel and a facial?
A facial cleanses and hydrates the surface. A medical-grade peel uses stronger acids that change how skin renews, so it can treat acne, pigment and texture.
Can a peel get rid of melasma?
No treatment cures melasma. Gentle peels can lighten it as part of a plan with sun protection and skincare, but it often comes back, so maintenance is needed.
Can I have a chemical peel while pregnant?
Some peels aren't suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell us before booking, and we'll offer a gentle option or suggest waiting.
Can I wear makeup after a peel?
Avoid makeup for 12 hours after a light peel, and until peeling settles after a stronger one. Sunscreen goes on straight away.
Who does chemical peels at DERM Skin Specialists?
Our Registered Nurses, led by senior cosmetic nurse Hatsu, under protocols set by our dermatologists. Medium-depth peels and TCA CROSS are done by our dermatologists.
Do I need a referral for a chemical peel?
No. You can book directly with our nurses online or by phone.
Does Medicare cover chemical peels?
No. Peels are cosmetic, so Medicare and private health don't cover them.
Can I have a peel if I have rosacea or sensitive skin?
Often not, because peels can flare rosacea. A very gentle lactic peel is sometimes possible, but vascular laser usually suits redness better. More on rosacea.
What is TCA CROSS?
A dermatologist-led treatment where a strong acid is placed into individual ice pick acne scars to help them fill from the base. It's priced after a specialist consultation. More on acne scars.
Are at-home peels as good as clinic peels?
At-home peels are much weaker, so they're gentler but slower. They suit maintenance between clinic peels rather than treating acne or pigmentation.
Find the Right Peel for Your Skin
Book with our nurses. They'll assess your skin, explain what a peel can and can't do, and confirm the total cost of your course in writing before you start.
Clinical content overseen by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD (AHPRA MED0001946771). Updated October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks; suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.