Medical Grade Dermal Peels: A Doctor-Led Approach to Healthier, Brighter Skin
By Dr. Susana Fontana
Healthy, radiant skin is something many of us strive for, yet concerns such as pigmentation, acne, uneven skin tone, fine lines and dullness can sometimes make our skin appear tired or older than we feel.
One of the most effective non-invasive treatments available in modern aesthetic medicine is the medical grade dermal peel.
At Hazel Clinic, we offer personalised dermal peel treatments prescribed and supervised by Dr. Susana Fontana, helping patients achieve healthier, smoother and more luminous skin through evidence-based medical care.
What Is a Medical Grade Dermal Peel?
One of the most common questions patients ask is:
“Is a medical peel different from a peel performed in a beauty salon?”
The answer is yes.
A medical grade dermal peel is a professional skin treatment performed under medical supervision using carefully selected active ingredients designed to improve skin quality, texture and overall appearance.
Unlike standard cosmetic facials or beauty treatments, medical grade peels are prescribed following a thorough assessment of your skin type, medical history, lifestyle and treatment goals.
At Hazel Clinic, every peel is tailored specifically to the individual patient. This personalised approach allows us to treat concerns safely and effectively while respecting the natural integrity of the skin.
Modern medical peels are not about aggressively removing layers of skin. Instead, they encourage controlled skin renewal, stimulating healthier skin cells and improving overall skin function.
How Do Dermal Peels Work?
Throughout our lives, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin. Environmental damage, sun exposure, hormonal changes and ageing can slow down the natural renewal process, leading to a dull, uneven complexion.
Dermal peels work by accelerating this natural process.
By applying specific medical-grade acids to the skin, we stimulate controlled exfoliation and cellular turnover. This encourages the skin to regenerate, revealing fresher, brighter and healthier-looking skin underneath.
The treatment can also help support collagen production, which plays an important role in maintaining firmness and elasticity.
Which Skin Concerns Can Dermal Peels Improve?
Medical grade dermal peels are extremely versatile and may help improve:
Dull or tired-looking skin
Uneven skin tone
Sun damage
Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory pigmentation following acne
Mild acne and congestion
Enlarged pores
Rough skin texture
Fine lines
Early signs of skin ageing
Loss of skin radiance
Many patients are surprised by how much healthier and fresher their skin appears after completing a course of treatments.
The Peels We Use at Hazel Clinic
At Hazel Clinic, we carefully select peeling solutions based on each patient’s skin type and concerns.
Glycolic Acid Peels
Glycolic Acid is one of the most widely studied ingredients in aesthetic medicine.
Derived from sugar cane, it penetrates the skin effectively and helps remove dead skin cells from the surface. It is particularly useful for:
Dull skin
Uneven texture
Fine lines
Mild pigmentation
Early signs of photoageing
Patients often notice a brighter and smoother complexion following treatment.
Mandelic Acid Peels
Mandelic Acid is derived from bitter almonds and has a larger molecular structure, allowing it to penetrate the skin more gradually.
This makes it an excellent option for:
Sensitive skin
Acne-prone skin
Rosacea-prone skin
Post-acne pigmentation
Patients looking for gentle skin rejuvenation
Mandelic Acid also offers antibacterial properties, making it particularly beneficial for patients experiencing breakouts.
What Happens During a Dermal Peel Treatment?
Every patient’s journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Susana Fontana.
During this appointment, we assess:
Your skin concerns
Medical history
Current skincare routine
Lifestyle factors
Previous treatments
Treatment goals
Once a personalised plan has been created, the peel is performed in clinic.
The treatment itself is comfortable and usually takes around 30 minutes. Most patients experience a mild tingling sensation while the solution is active on the skin.
Following treatment, the skin may feel slightly tighter or appear mildly pink for a short period. Some patients experience light flaking as the skin naturally renews itself.
Will My Skin Peel Afterwards?
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Visible peeling is not always necessary to achieve excellent results.
While some patients experience mild flaking, many modern medical grade peels focus on cellular renewal rather than dramatic visible peeling.
The goal is healthier skin, not necessarily obvious skin shedding.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Although many patients notice improvements after a single session, the best outcomes are usually achieved through a course of treatments.
Depending on your skin concerns, Dr. Fontana may recommend a series of 2–3 treatments or a longer treatment programme.
Consistency often delivers the most natural and long-lasting results.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
Not all skin is the same.
A treatment that works well for one patient may not be suitable for another.
This is why medical supervision is so important.
At Hazel Clinic, every dermal peel is prescribed following a professional assessment. This allows us to choose the correct treatment, minimise risks and optimise results based on your individual skin needs.
Our philosophy is simple: improve skin health first, and aesthetic results will follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dermal peels painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as comfortable, with only mild tingling during the procedure.
Can dermal peels help acne?
Yes. Certain peel formulations, particularly Mandelic Acid peels, can help improve acne-prone skin, reduce congestion and improve post-acne pigmentation.
Can I return to work afterwards?
In most cases, yes. Patients can usually return to normal daily activities immediately following treatment.
Are dermal peels suitable for sensitive skin?
Many patients with sensitive skin can benefit from carefully selected peel treatments. A consultation helps determine the most suitable approach.
Can dermal peels help with pigmentation?
Yes. Dermal peels are commonly used to improve uneven skin tone, sun damage and certain forms of pigmentation when incorporated into a personalised treatment plan.
Our Approach at Hazel Clinic
At Hazel Clinic, we believe skin treatments should enhance skin health, confidence and natural beauty.
Our doctor-led approach allows us to create personalised treatment plans that are tailored to your skin rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.
Whether your concern is acne, pigmentation, dullness, early ageing or simply achieving healthier-looking skin, medical grade dermal peels can be an effective part of your skincare journey.
Healthy skin is not about perfection. It is about creating stronger, healthier and more resilient skin that looks and feels its best.
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