Chemical Peel Guide: What It Is and When to Have One

A chemical peel is a treatment in which a carefully chosen acid is applied to the skin to loosen and remove the outermost layer of dead cells, encouraging a fresher, smoother surface. In an aesthetics centre we work with superficial peels, which are designed to improve tone, texture, pores and pigmentation with minimal disruption to your routine. The best time to have one is when the sun is gentler — in Mallorca, that means autumn and winter.

What a chemical peel actually does

Your skin renews itself constantly: new cells form underneath and older ones work their way to the surface before shedding. With age, sun exposure or certain skin types, that process slows down and dead cells build up. The complexion looks dull, texture feels uneven and pores can appear more visible.

A peel speeds up that natural shedding in a controlled way. By dissolving the bonds that hold dead cells together, it helps reveal the newer skin beneath. Depending on the acid and the skin, a peel can help:

• Even out tone and soften the look of pigmentation and sun spots.
• Refine texture so the surface feels smoother.
• Make pores look less noticeable.
• Bring back radiance to tired, dull skin.
• Support skin that is prone to blemishes, as part of a wider plan.

Superficial peels versus deeper peels

Not all peels are the same. Peels are often described by how deeply they work in the skin. Superficial peels act on the outermost layers and are the ones used in aesthetics centres like ours. Deeper peels are medical procedures carried out by doctors, involve a real recovery period and sit outside what we do.

With a superficial peel you may notice some redness or tightness afterwards and, on some days, light flaking. Most people carry on with their normal plans, simply taking extra care with the sun and their skincare for a while.

The main acid families, in plain terms

You’ll see many names on product labels and treatment menus. Without going into technical concentrations — which should always be chosen by a professional for your specific skin — these are the families you’re most likely to hear about:

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid belong to this group. They work mainly on the surface and are often chosen for dullness, uneven tone and rough texture. Some are considered gentler than others, which makes them useful for skin that needs a softer approach.

Salicylic acid

A beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, so it can work within the pore. That’s why it’s frequently chosen for oily or blemish-prone skin and for congestion.

Combinations

Many professional peels blend different acids to balance results and comfort. The acid, the concentration and the time it stays on your skin are all chosen after looking at your skin — there’s no single “best” peel.

At Amarse we choose the acid and concentration for you after the consultation. You can read more on our chemical peel page.

Why autumn and winter are peel season in Mallorca

Freshly peeled skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet light, and pigmentation is one of the things peels are often used to improve — so the last thing you want is intense sun straight afterwards. In Palma, the long, bright summer and hours on the beach or the boat make that very hard to avoid.

From autumn through to early spring the days are shorter, the sun is lower and most of us spend less time outdoors. It’s also exactly when skin tends to show the effects of the summer: dullness, dehydration and new spots. That makes it the ideal window to start a course of peels, often combined with hydrating or radiance treatments such as our glow facial.

That doesn’t mean peels are impossible in other months. Gentler options can be considered year-round, provided you’re strict with sun protection.

Before and after: a practical checklist

In the days before your peel

• Tell us about any medication, recent treatments or skin conditions.
• Pause exfoliating products (scrubs, acid toners, retinoids) if we ask you to.
• Avoid tanning, sunbeds and waxing the treatment area.
• Arrive with clean skin, or we’ll cleanse it for you.

In the days after your peel

• Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
• Moisture is your friend: use a simple, soothing moisturiser.
• Don’t pick or pull at flaking skin — let it shed on its own.
• Skip saunas, very hot showers and intense exercise for a short while.
• Avoid other exfoliants until we tell you it’s fine to restart them.
• Wear broad-spectrum SPF every day and reapply when outdoors. A hat helps too.

Who should wait or avoid a peel

A peel isn’t the right choice for everyone, or for every moment. There are situations where we don’t recommend it, and we always check them with you at the consultation. Examples include:

• Broken, irritated or sunburnt skin, or an active skin infection such as a cold sore.
• A very recent tan.
• Certain medications that make skin more reactive — always mention what you take, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
• Pregnancy, which we review individually at the consultation.

If you have a skin condition that needs medical treatment, a dermatologist should be your first port of call. For blemish-prone skin, a peel can be part of a broader plan such as our acne facial, but persistent or painful breakouts deserve a medical opinion.

Booking a peel at Amarse

Every peel starts with a consultation, where we look at your skin, discuss your goals and decide on the right acid and approach. You can book online through Fresha or by WhatsApp — see our contact page. Treatments are carried out in Spanish.

Frequently asked questions