A chemical peel is a chemical solution applied to the skin to remove damaged outer layers in a controlled way, so the treated layers peel off and fresher skin is revealed underneath. At Charisma Medical Group, peels are offered as part of our skin treatments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and every plan starts with a doctor consultation. If you are considering a peel for pigmentation, acne marks or uneven texture, book a consultation and your doctor will confirm whether a peel suits your skin and which depth is appropriate.
Who is a chemical peel for?
Our doctors use chemical peels to address a range of skin concerns, including fine lines, acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, rough texture, enlarged pores and sun-related photoaging. Suitability always depends on your skin type and history, which is why the final decision is made by your doctor after an in-person assessment.
How a chemical peel works
The peel solution exfoliates the skin to a controlled depth. Once the treated layers shed, the new skin is usually smoother and more even in tone. Your doctor chooses both the depth of the peel and the acid combination according to the concern being treated.
Types of chemical peel
Peels are grouped by how deeply they act in the skin. Please contact us to confirm availability at your preferred branch.
- Superficial chemical peel – uses acids such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic or azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. Downtime is minimal, which makes superficial peels suited to regular skin maintenance.
- Medium chemical peel – uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or Cosmelan to reach the papillary dermis. Medium-depth peels are used for concerns such as moderate acne scars, sun damage and melasma.
- Deep chemical peel – uses phenol-based solutions to reach the reticular dermis for deep wrinkles and severe sun damage. Because of their depth, deep peels are carried out under anaesthesia and need a longer recovery.
- Other formulations – other peel formulations exist, such as Jessner’s peel and retinol peels; your doctor will advise which option, if any, suits your skin.
Concerns a peel can help with
- Hyperpigmentation and uneven tone – peels are one of several options for dark patches; see our treatment options for hyperpigmentation for how peels compare with other approaches.
- Melasma – melasma needs careful, doctor-led planning. Our guide to melasma and its treatment options explains where peels and other treatments fit.
- Acne and mild acne scarring – peels can improve certain types of acne and mild scarring; your doctor decides the depth that suits your skin.
- Rough texture and fine lines – peels are used to smooth rough skin and soften fine lines.
The Charisma approach
Every chemical peel journey at Charisma starts with a personalised doctor consultation, an advanced skin analysis and an OligoScan test. The aim is to understand your skin before any treatment plan is designed, rather than applying the same peel to everyone. Your doctor then selects the peel depth and acids for your specific concern and skin type.
Procedure, preparation and downtime
Before your peel. Your doctor may recommend priming the skin with agents such as glycolic acid or retinoids beforehand, to help the peel penetrate evenly and reduce the risk of uneven results or post-treatment pigmentation.
On the day. Charisma’s peel protocol follows five steps: skin analysis and priming review, controlled application of the selected peel solution, neutralisation once the intended depth is reached, post-peel hydration with soothing serums, and a follow-up review to track healing.
Downtime. Recovery depends on depth. Superficial peels involve minimal downtime; medium peels typically involve 5–7 days of visible peeling; deep peels require 2–3 weeks of recovery.
Aftercare. Avoid direct sun exposure for 1–2 weeks, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, use gentle cleansers, avoid active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids for at least 7 days, and use hydrating products containing hyaluronic acid.
Safety, side effects and suitability
Chemical peels should only be carried out under the supervision of a licensed, trained medical provider. Common, temporary effects include redness, flaking and sensitivity. The main risk to manage is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in deeper skin tones, which is why doctor-led assessment and strict aftercare matter. A peel may not be suitable if you are taking or have recently taken isotretinoin, have a history of abnormal scarring or keloids, have an active skin infection, or cannot avoid the sun while your skin heals. Tell your doctor about your medical history, medications, recent skin treatments and any history of cold sores before your peel.
Chemical peel cost in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Chemical peel treatments at Charisma start from AED 490. The final price depends on the peel depth and any combined therapies your doctor recommends, and you will receive a tailored quote at your consultation.
Branches and booking
Our UAE branches:
- Dubai – Charisma Plus – 31 Al Dunqa Street, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai – see our Dubai clinics
- Dubai – Charisma Clinic
- Abu Dhabi – Challenge By Charisma – Diab Bin Issa Street, Khalifa City (Zone 33), Abu Dhabi – see our Abu Dhabi location
- Al Ain – Charisma Al Ain – 131 Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, Al Khabisi, Al Sidrah, Al Ain – see our clinic in Al Ain
Please contact us to confirm availability at your preferred branch. Appointment line: +97180076852. You can also book online or send a WhatsApp enquiry and choose your preferred branch.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?
People with pigmentation, acne marks, uneven tone or early signs of ageing are often considered, but your doctor confirms suitability after assessing your skin type.
How is the right acid chosen?
Your doctor selects acids such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, azelaic or TCA according to your skin’s needs and the concern being treated.
Why is sun protection so important after a peel?
Newly revealed skin is temporarily more sensitive to UV light, so strict sun protection helps avoid pigmentation problems and protects your results.
How long is the downtime?
It depends on the depth: minimal for superficial peels, around 5–7 days of peeling for medium peels and 2–3 weeks for deep peels.
How much does a chemical peel cost?
Prices start from AED 490, with a personalised quote after your consultation.