Medical-grade chemical peels in Malaysia are categorised by depth: Superficial peels (glycolic acid 20–50%, lactic acid, salicylic acid 20–30%) address mild pigmentation, congestion, and dullness with no downtime. Medium peels (TCA 20–35%, Jessner's solution) treat moderate pigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines with 5–7 days of visible peeling. Deep peels (phenol, high TCA) are reserved for severe photoageing and are performed under medical supervision with longer recovery. Your skin condition determines the appropriate peel depth.
Yes, significantly. Spa or salon peels use low concentrations of AHAs (typically under 10%) that have minimal penetration depth and produce surface-level effects. Medical-grade peels at clinics use higher concentrations, often combination solutions, and are performed by trained doctors who can customise the treatment for your specific skin concerns, pigmentation type, and skin tone. Medical peels produce more visible, clinically significant results with appropriately managed downtime.
Downtime depends on peel depth. Superficial peels: mild redness for 24–48 hours, no visible flaking. Medium peels (TCA): skin begins to darken and peel from days 3–7, with new skin revealed after 7–10 days. Proper sun protection is crucial during healing. Deep peels: 1–2 weeks of significant recovery with medical supervision. Most patients prefer superficial-to-medium peels for manageable downtime balanced with visible results.
For mild pigmentation and skin brightening, 3–6 monthly superficial peel sessions produce progressive improvement. Moderate pigmentation (melasma, PIH) may need 4–8 sessions combined with medical-grade homecare. Medium-depth TCA peels can achieve significant improvement in 1–3 sessions. Results accumulate over the treatment course, and ongoing sun protection is essential to maintain outcomes and prevent pigmentation from recurring.
Medical-grade chemical peel costs in Malaysia range from RM200–RM800 per session for superficial-to-medium peels, depending on the peel type and clinic. The Vivardi Clinics medical peel protocol includes a pre-peel consultation, skin preparation, the peel procedure, post-peel care guidance, and homecare recommendations. Contact us for current pricing and available peel packages tailored to your skin goals.