CHEMICAL PEEL
Reveal Brighter, Clearer Skin at ALLOR in Auckland
What Is A Chemical Peel And How Does It Work?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic skin treatment that gently removes the outer layers of damaged skin to reveal a fresher, smoother, and more even complexion underneath. By creating controlled exfoliation, chemical peels trigger your skin’s natural repair process, stimulating collagen production and encouraging healthy new skin cells to form.
This treatment can significantly improve skin tone, texture, and clarity - reducing concerns such as pigmentation, acne, fine lines, and sun damage. While the depth and strength of a peel may vary, the goal is always the same: to rejuvenate your skin and restore a more radiant, youthful appearance.
At ALLOR every peel is carefully tailored to your skin type, condition, and comfort level, so you get the right treatment for your unique needs.
Types of Chemical Peels and What They Treat
Chemical peels come in different strengths, and each one is designed to treat specific skin concerns. From gentle surface refreshers to deeper resurfacing treatments, there’s a peel to suit most skin types and goals.
Light (Superficial) Peels
Best for: Dullness, fine lines, mild acne, uneven tone, dry or sun-damaged skin
These are often called “lunchtime peels” because they require little to no downtime. They remove the very top layer of skin to promote a healthy glow over time, and are ideal for those wanting subtle, gradual improvement.
Medium Peels
Best for: Age spots, pigmentation, acne scarring, moderate wrinkles, sun-damaged skin
Medium-depth peels penetrate down to the upper dermis of the skin and offer more noticeable results than a light peel. They usually require five to seven days of recovery but can make a significant difference in skin clarity and texture.
Deep Peels
Best for: Deep wrinkles, acne scarring and extensive sun damage
This is the most intensive type of peel and penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. It delivers dramatic, longer lasting results but comes with a longer healing period and is typically done only once.
Step-By-Step: Your Chemical Peel Treatment
at ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine
Before Your Treatment: How to Prepare
The following are general preparation guidelines commonly recommended before chemical peel treatment. Your individual situation may vary, and you should always follow personalised advice provided during your initial consultation.
1. If you take prescribed medications, these will be discussed during your initial consultation. Do not stop any prescribed medications unless advised by your prescribing doctor.
2. Arrive at your appointment with clean skin, your skin will also be cleansed before treatment. Arriving make-up free helps ensure a clean canvas and minimises the risk of infection.
3. Avoid facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, hair removal and microdermabrasion for at least one week beforehand and one week after. Active skincare ingredients such as retinoids (vitamin A/retinol), AHAs, and exfoliants are typically paused for at least three to five days beforehand, as these can increase skin sensitivity.
4. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your treatment to support healthy, hydrated skin.
5. If you have any active skin infections, cold sores, allergies or other concerns, please let us know before your appointment so these can be discussed and managed appropriately.
6. Schedule your treatment at least two weeks before any important events to allow time for settling and optimal results.
During Your Chemical Peel Treatment
1. Chemical peel treatments usually last around 45 minutes.
2. The treatment begins with a thorough cleansing of your skin to remove any excess oil, makeup, or impurities. Once the skin is fully prepared, the chemical peel solution is carefully applied to the targeted areas.
3. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation as the solution begins to work. This is completely normal and typically subsides quickly. To ensure your comfort, a cooling fan may be used to ease any sensitivity.
4. The solution remains on the skin for a specific amount of time, allowing it to penetrate the outer layers and initiate the rejuvenation process. Throughout the procedure, your skin’s response is closely monitored to ensure optimal results, and I take care to ensure you remain comfortable at all times.
5. A calming cream is then gently applied to help reduce any redness or irritation and support your skin’s recovery.
6. We use ZO Skin Health Peels and Dermaceutic Peels, as these have high evidence and satisfaction rates.
Immediately After Treatment: What You’ll Notice
1. Mild redness is common immediately after your chemical peel and may last anywhere from one to twelve hours. You may also notice your skin feels tighter or lightly "pulled" during the first night as the treatment begins working beneath the surface.
2. Down time after chemical peel treatment depends on peel strength (depth), and can range from one to three days, up to one week.
3. Avoidance of sun exposure is important afterwards to reduce the risk of complications and minimise damage to skin long term.
4. It is important to avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours after your chemical peel to allow your skin time to heal properly. Applying make-up too soon can cause irritation, encourage infection and disrupt the natural peeling process.
5. Once your skin begins to settle, you can gradually re-introduce make-up, choosing gentle, clean (new) products that support your skin’s recovery.
6. I provide you with clear aftercare instructions and can recommend tailored skincare products to support your healing if desired. I also schedule a complimentary follow-up two to four weeks after your treatment to review your progress, answer any questions, and ensure you are happy with your results.
When Chemical Peel Results Start to Show
1. The chemical peel treatment can cause light to moderate exfoliation or flaking of the skin, particularly in areas such as around the nose and mouth. This is dependent on your skin type, is more common after stronger peels, and typically lasts three to seven days’ post treatment. Gentler peels, usually involve little to no visible peeling.
2. You can expect your skin to gradually become softer, brighter, and more luminous as it renews itself over the coming days.
3. Results from your chemical peel can usually be seen once the skin has fully healed, often within one week for lighter peels. Medium and deeper peels may take several weeks to reveal their full effects as the skin undergoes a more extensive renewal process.
4. For the best results, we usually recommend a series of two to four chemical peel treatments, spaced two to six weeks apart, to fully optimise your skin’s transformation. Evidence-based skincare is also recommended long-term to maintain your chemical peel results.
Chemical Peel Cost
ZO Skin Health Peels are $650 per session, which includes a comprehensive skincare pack worth $399, lasting 6 weeks total.
Dermaceutic Peels from France are $450 per session, which includes a special skincare pack worth $180, lasting 3 weeks total.
Each chemical peel treatment at ALLOR Cosmetic Clinic in Auckland is carefully tailored to suit your skin’s specific needs, ensuring the right level of strength while supporting a comfortable, effective recovery.
If you are ready to take the next step towards smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin, book an initial consultation today. Together we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you - your skin, your goals, at your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have other treatments around the same time?
It’s best to avoid other facials or active treatments for a week before and after your chemical peel.
Will the chemical peel hurt?
You may feel mild tingling or warmth, but it’s usually very manageable. A cooling fan can be used for comfort.
How long does the treatment take?
Each session takes about 45 minutes, including skin prep, application, and calming the skin afterward.
What should I expect immediately after treatment?
Mild redness or tightness is common. Downtime varies from 1–7 days depending on the peel's strength.
When can I wear makeup again?
Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to allow your skin time to heal properly.
When will I see results?
Brighter, fresher skin usually appears within a few days, with full results after peeling completes in about a week.
How many chemical peels will I need?
Most people benefit from 2–4 sessions spaced 2–6 weeks apart. Maintenance peels can be done long-term.
What’s the cost of a chemical peel at ALLOR?
ZO Peels are $650 (includes skincare pack). Dermaceutic Peels are $450 (with skincare pack).
Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, FRNZCUC, PGDip Cosmetic Medicine, NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland
Reviewed and updated: June 2026
