Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels for the face and body exfoliate the skin’s outer layers and encourage cell turnover, helping reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.
Formulated with the Caribbean’s diverse skin tones in mind, including skin of colour, IslaDERM peels target hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, congestion and fine lines. Your peel is selected according to your skin’s needs and sensitivity.
- Brightening
- Formulated for diverse skin tones
- Targeted exfoliation
- Face & body
- Minimal downtime
- 30–60 min
- Per session — a lunchtime visit
- 5–7 days
- Typical peeling window, from day 3
- 3 peels
- Common facial series for tone & texture
- 4–6 weeks
- Recommended spacing for IslaDERM peels
Chemical Peels results
5 before-and-after sets from Relax Med patients, published with their consent, are in the results gallery.
Dr. Steph on chemical peels
How it works
Controlled exfoliation, from the surface down
A chemical peel applies a controlled acid solution to the skin’s surface. The acid loosens the bonds between surface skin cells, encouraging them to shed and revealing fresher skin underneath. This renewal helps improve uneven tone, dullness and rough texture. Depending on the peel’s depth, treatment may also stimulate collagen renewal.
IslaDERM: formulated with Caribbean skin in mind
We use IslaDERM peels, formulated with the Caribbean’s diverse skin tones in mind. Your peel is selected according to your concerns, sensitivity and pigmentation history, with the aim of improving skin clarity and texture while limiting unnecessary irritation.
What treatment feels like
You may feel tingling, warmth or mild stinging during application. Afterwards, your skin may feel tight and develop flaking or peeling over the following days. The amount varies by peel, and visible peeling is not required for a treatment to work.
What it treats
Pigmentation: dark spots, sunspots & melasma
IslaDERM peels can help fade dark spots, sun-related pigmentation and post-acne marks for a more even skin tone. For melasma, a peel may form part of a broader plan that includes skincare and consistent sun protection.
Acne, congestion & post-acne marks
Chemical peels help exfoliate clogged pores and improve some types of acne. They can also soften the appearance of dark marks left after breakouts. Deeper, indented acne scars may require additional treatments.
Texture, fine lines & dullness
By encouraging surface skin renewal, peels smooth rough texture, brighten dull-looking skin and soften the appearance of fine lines. The peel selected depends on your concerns and your skin’s tolerance.
Body pigmentation & uneven texture
Peels can also address dark marks, sun damage and rough texture on suitable areas of the body, including the back, chest, arms and legs. We assess the area and cause of the concern before recommending treatment.
Sessions & aftercare
How many peels you’ll need
Some concerns may improve after one peel, while pigmentation, congestion and uneven texture may benefit from a series. We recommend the number and spacing according to the IslaDERM peel selected, your goals and how your skin responds.
As your skin renews
You may experience redness, tightness, dryness or flaking after treatment. Peeling can develop over the following days, but its timing and intensity vary. We’ll explain the expected recovery for your chosen peel so you can plan around work and events.
What aftercare involves
Aftercare is simple but important: gentle cleansing, moisturising and protecting your skin from the sun while it heals. You’ll need to let any peeling skin shed naturally and temporarily pause products such as retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs.
Depending on your peel, you may also need a short break from makeup, strenuous exercise, heat exposure and other skin treatments. Our team will explain what to expect and when you can resume your usual routine.
Dermaplaning for chemical peels
Dermaplaning may be added to selected IslaDERM chemical peels to combine surface smoothing with the peel’s targeted treatment of tone and texture. Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz and surface buildup, while the peel addresses concerns such as pigmentation and dullness. We assess your skin and chosen peel before recommending this combination.
Book an AppointmentFrequently asked questions
Are your peels suitable for skin of colour?
Yes. IslaDERM peels were formulated with the Caribbean’s diverse skin tones in mind, including skin of colour. We select the peel according to your skin, concerns and sensitivity.
Who is a good candidate for chemical peels?
Chemical peels may suit people looking to improve dark spots, uneven tone, congestion, fine lines or rough texture. We assess your skin and medical history to select an appropriate peel and determine whether preparation is needed first.
Can I have a peel if my skin is sensitive?
Possibly. We assess what causes your sensitivity and whether your skin barrier is healthy enough for treatment. A gentler option or a period of skin preparation may be recommended first.
Will my skin visibly peel?
Not necessarily. Some peels cause noticeable shedding, while others produce only light flaking. The amount of visible peeling does not determine how effective the treatment is.
Does a chemical peel hurt?
You may feel tingling, warmth or mild stinging during application. The sensation depends on the peel selected, and your clinician monitors your skin throughout treatment.
How should I prepare?
Our team will explain which products or treatments to pause and whether a preparation routine is needed. Tell us about medications, recent sun exposure and any history of cold sores. Don’t stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
Are there any risks?
Possible risks include irritation, prolonged redness, changes in pigmentation and, less commonly, infection or scarring. Careful assessment, appropriate peel selection and following aftercare guidance help reduce these risks.
Can I combine a peel with other treatments?
Yes, where appropriate. We plan the sequence and spacing around your skin’s needs and recovery, rather than combining treatments automatically.
Bring your concern, not a treatment name.
Whether it’s dark spots, congestion or uneven texture, tell us what you’d like to address. We’ll assess your skin and help you decide whether an IslaDERM chemical peel suits your goals.