Reveal Fresher, Brighter, Smoother Skin — Scientifically
Beneath the surface of every dull, uneven, or scarred complexion is fresher, more radiant skin waiting to be revealed. At One Aesthetics, our medical-grade chemical peels accelerate the skin's natural renewal process — removing damaged outer layers to unveil a brighter, smoother, more luminous complexion.
From gentle lunchtime brightening peels to deep corrective resurfacing for stubborn pigmentation and acne scars, our specialists design every peel protocol around your unique skin biology — ensuring results that are both effective and safe for South Asian skin tones.
At One Aesthetics, we offer a curated selection of medical-grade chemical peels — each chosen for its specific mechanism of action, depth of penetration, and suitability for the skin concerns and tones most prevalent in our client base.
Superficial Peels — Glow & Maintenance
Medium-Depth Peels — Corrective
Advanced Peels — Deep Resurfacing
South Asian and darker skin tones require careful consideration when choosing a chemical peel. Darker skin has a higher concentration of melanin, making it more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — a darkening response triggered by inflammation or trauma.
At One Aesthetics, our specialists are experienced in selecting peel formulations that deliver effective resurfacing while minimizing PIH risk. Mandelic acid, lactic acid, kojic acid peels, and the VI Peel family are all specifically suitable for darker complexions and form the core of our South Asian skin peel protocols.
A chemical peel applies an acid solution that breaks down the intercellular bonds holding dead and damaged skin cells to the surface, causing them to shed over the following days. This controlled exfoliation removes hyperpigmented, scarred, or sun-damaged cells and exposes the fresher, healthier skin beneath. Simultaneously, the acid penetrates to the dermis and stimulates collagen and elastin production — improving skin thickness, firmness, and long-term quality. The result is not just cosmetic peeling but a genuine biological renewal of the skin.
Yes — with the right peel selection. Certain acids are significantly safer for darker skin tones than others. At One Aesthetics, we specialise in protocols designed for South Asian, olive, and darker complexions — using mandelic acid, lactic acid, kojic acid, and the VI Peel family, all of which have excellent safety profiles for Fitzpatrick Types IV–VI. We also recommend a pre-peel preparation phase for darker skin clients — a 2–4 week home-care regimen using tyrosinase inhibitors to pre-treat the skin, significantly reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
For mild concerns such as dullness and surface brightening, even a single session delivers a noticeable improvement. For corrective goals — such as treating melasma, pigmentation, or acne scarring — a course of 3–6 sessions is typically recommended, spaced appropriately depending on the peel type. Your specialist will design a complete treatment course during your consultation, including the recommended peel protocol, number of sessions, intervals, and home-care regimen.
This depends on the peel type. Superficial peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) produce no visible peeling for most clients — you may notice mild flaking or a slight dry texture over 1–2 days, but nothing dramatic. Medium-depth peels (TCA, Jessner's) produce more visible shedding over 3–5 days — skin will look dry, tight, and begin to peel in sheets. The VI Peel produces a characteristic, thorough shedding over days 3–7. In all cases, the skin that emerges after the peel is significantly improved in tone, texture, and clarity.
The VI Peel is a proprietary medium-depth peel system from Vitality Institute that combines TCA, phenol, salicylic acid, Vitamin C, and retinoic acid in a unique formulation. Unlike single-acid peels, the synergistic combination delivers multiple mechanisms of action simultaneously — making it one of the most effective corrective peels available. Its most significant advantage for our client base is its safety across all skin tones — including darker South Asian complexions. The VI Peel Precision Plus formulation is specifically designed for melasma and stubborn hyperpigmentation and is routinely recommended for clients who have not responded to other brightening treatments
Chemical peels address acne scars through two mechanisms: surface exfoliation removes the darkened, discoloured skin cells that make scars appear more prominent; and dermal stimulation encourages new collagen and elastin production in the scar tissue, gradually reducing scar depth and improving surface texture. For shallow, superficial scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks left after spots heal), chemical peels can produce excellent results. For deeper, pitted scars (ice pick or boxcar scars), peels are best used in combination with microneedling or laser resurfacing for more comprehensive correction.
Yes — chemical peels combine very effectively with other treatments when properly timed. Excellent combinations include chemical peels + HydraFacial (alternated for ongoing maintenance), chemical peels + PRP (PRP immediately after a medium peel dramatically accelerates healing and enhances results), and chemical peels + skin brightening treatments for accelerated pigmentation correction. We do not combine chemical peels with laser treatments or microneedling on the same day. Your specialist will design a combined protocol with appropriate intervals between treatments.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is darkening of the skin at sites of inflammation or trauma — a particularly common concern in South Asian and darker skin tones. It appears as dark marks left after acne, cuts, or any skin trauma. Chemical peels treat existing PIH very effectively by exfoliating the hyperpigmented cells. However, the peel process itself can also trigger PIH in darker skin if the wrong peel is chosen or sun protection is neglected. This is why specialist selection of peel type and strict post-peel sun protection are essential — and why One Aesthetics takes this so seriously.
Melasma is a common hormonal pigmentation condition causing symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches — most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It is particularly prevalent in South Asian women and is often triggered or worsened by sun exposure, pregnancy, and hormonal contraception. Chemical peels — particularly the VI Peel Precision Plus — are among the most effective treatments for melasma. However, melasma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management rather than a single cure. A combined approach of in-clinic peels, prescribed home-care, and strict daily sun protection delivers the most sustainable results.
For superficial peels, skin appears brighter and more refined within 24–48 hours as the mild exfoliation takes effect. For medium-depth peels, the most dramatic improvement becomes visible once the peeling is complete — typically 7–10 days after treatment. Collagen stimulation benefits (improved firmness, reduced fine lines, and scar improvement) continue to develop over 4–8 weeks as new collagen is produced. For a full corrective course of 3–6 sessions, the cumulative improvement is typically most dramatic after sessions 3 and 4.
Yes — in fact, chemical peels are one of the most effective in-clinic treatments for active acne. Salicylic acid peels are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, as salicylic acid is oil-soluble and penetrates sebum-filled pores directly, killing acne-causing bacteria and clearing congestion from within. However, we do not treat skin with numerous open or actively infected spots in a single area — peeling over broken skin increases infection risk. Your specialist will assess your skin and recommend the appropriate timing and formulation.
No — a chemical peel is a medical-grade treatment that produces genuine biochemical changes in the skin through controlled acid exfoliation. A facial provides surface cleansing, hydration, and relaxation, but does not resurface or penetrate the skin to the same degree. Chemical peels should only be performed by trained practitioners using medical-grade formulations. Cosmetic-grade 'peels' offered in beauty salons are typically so diluted as to have minimal corrective effect — they are not comparable to the clinical protocols performed at One Aesthetics.
Good skin preparation significantly improves peel results and reduces the risk of adverse reactions. We recommend: stopping Retinol and active skincare 5–7 days before your peel; avoiding sun exposure and self-tan for at least 2 weeks; staying well-hydrated; and arriving with clean, product-free skin. For darker skin clients receiving medium-depth peels, we prescribe a 2–4 week pre-peel home-care regimen — typically including a tyrosinase inhibitor (such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, or arbutin) to suppress melanin production before the peel begins. This significantly reduces the risk of PIH.
After a superficial peel, makeup can typically be applied the same day or the following day. After a medium-depth or VI Peel, we recommend avoiding makeup for at least 24–48 hours, and longer if active peeling is occurring. Applying makeup over actively shedding skin can introduce bacteria, block the peel process, and irritate the healing tissue. Your specialist will advise the appropriate timing for your specific peel type.
Pricing varies depending on the peel type, formulation, and whether single sessions or a course package is selected. Superficial maintenance peels are the most affordable; advanced systems such as the VI Peel are priced to reflect the clinical-grade product and expertise involved. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees and course packages that provide meaningful savings over individual sessions. A complimentary skin analysis and peel recommendation is provided before any commitment is made. Contact us or visit www.aestheticsbyone.com for current pricing.
At One Aesthetics, chemical peels are performed by trained skin specialists who understand the unique challenges and requirements of South Asian skin — a demographic that is often poorly served by generic peel protocols. We use only medical-grade peel formulations — never diluted cosmetic-grade products. Every peel protocol is personalised to your skin type, tone, concern, and goals. We provide comprehensive pre-peel preparation guidance, post-peel home-care kits, and follow-up support to ensure your recovery is comfortable and your results are outstanding.