A chemical peel in Islamabad with Dr. Umbreen Munir Minhas uses a measured acid solution to remove worn surface skin, so fresher, more even skin replaces it. The acid and strength are chosen for your skin type.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Umbreen Munir Minhas, MBBS, FCPS (Plastic Surgery). Last updated October 2026.
A peel is an acid applied to the skin for a set time. It loosens the bonds between dead cells so they shed, and deeper peels also prompt new collagen in the dermis.
Peels are among the 5 most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures worldwide, according to the ISAPS 2024 global survey.
Marks left by acne, sun spots and patchy tone sit in the upper skin. Regular peels lift pigmented cells so the tone evens out over a course.
Salicylic acid dissolves oil inside pores and calms breakouts. It suits oily skin with blackheads, whiteheads and mild inflamed spots.
A build-up of dead cells makes skin look tired and feel rough. Peeling reveals a smoother surface that reflects light more evenly.
Medium-depth peels reach the upper dermis and encourage new collagen, which softens fine lines around the eyes and mouth.
Glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid refresh the outer layer. Little downtime, but a course of sessions is needed.
An oil-soluble acid that cleans inside pores. It suits acne, blackheads and oily skin, and is gentle on brown skin.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) reaches the upper dermis. Stronger change, with several days of peeling afterwards.
Phenol peels reach the deep dermis with up to 2 weeks of healing. They are rarely suitable for brown skin.
Superficial peels give a gradual glow and more even tone over a course. Medium peels give a clearer change from one session. Deep marks and scars need other methods. Photos below are shared with consent.
Dr. Umbreen checks your skin type, how easily you darken after injury, and your acne or pigment pattern before choosing the acid and strength.
Brown skin is often prepared with a gentle pigment cream and sunscreen for some weeks. Stop retinoids and scrubs a few days before the peel.
The skin is cleansed and degreased, then the acid is brushed on and timed carefully. It is neutralised or removed, and a soothing cream is applied.
Skin may look pink and feel tight. After a superficial peel you can usually return to work the same day with sunscreen on.
| Time After Treatment | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Same day | Pinkness, warmth and tightness. |
| 24 to 48 hours | Skin feels dry. Light flaking may start. |
| Week 1 | Flaking or peeling, stronger after medium peels. |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | New skin looks smoother and more even. |
| Long term | Tone stays even with daily sunscreen. |
Never pull off peeling skin, as it can leave dark marks. Use a plain moisturiser and avoid sun, saunas and waxing until the skin has settled.
Medium-depth TCA peels carry a known risk of uneven pigment in darker skin, which is why strength is chosen carefully. Peels are postponed during active cold sores, sunburn or recent isotretinoin use.
It cannot fill deep acne scars, lift sagging skin or remove raised moles. Melasma may improve but tends to return without long-term care.
Your fee is confirmed after a skin check, once the peel type and number of sessions are agreed. Ask for one written price for the course.
| Factor | How It Affects Your Fee |
|---|---|
| Peel depth | Medium peels cost more than superficial ones. |
| Sessions | Superficial peels are planned as a course. |
| Priming creams | Pre-peel and aftercare creams are extra. |
| Area | Neck, hands or back add to the fee. |
Chemical peeling price in Pakistan varies with the acid brand, so ask which product and strength each quote includes.
Skin peeling is listed among her public services. She chooses the acid for your skin tone, not a fixed menu, which matters in brown skin that darkens easily. Women can discuss skin concerns with a female doctor.
Laser resurfacing uses light energy to remove or heat skin to a precise depth.
| Feature | Chemical Peel | Laser Resurfacing |
|---|---|---|
| Suited to | Tone, mild pigment, acne, dullness | Scars, deeper lines, texture |
| Depth control | Set by acid and timing | Set by device settings |
| Downtime | None to several days | About a week for fractional |
| Cost per session | Lower | Higher |
| Treats deep scars? | No | Yes, partly |
Peels are often the first step for tone and acne, with laser kept for scars and texture that peels cannot reach.
Dr. Umbreen sees patients privately at Omer Diagnostic & Specialist Clinics (ODC), 12-A, LG Floor, CBC Plaza, G-8 Markaz, Islamabad, Monday to Friday, 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
Bring your skin creams and acne medicines, and tell her if you have ever had cold sores or dark marks after a facial.
Choose a doctor who primes brown skin before peeling, names the acid and strength, and sees you if the skin reacts. Avoid strong peels sold without a skin check.
Most peels sting or feel hot for a few minutes while the acid works. A small fan or cool compress helps, and the feeling fades once it is removed.
Smoother texture lasts, but sun, hormones and new acne can bring dark marks back. Daily sunscreen and occasional maintenance sessions keep the result for much longer.
Superficial peels usually work as a course spaced a few weeks apart. Medium peels are often single treatments, repeated only after the skin has fully recovered.
Light peels are possible with strict sunscreen, shade and a hat. Stronger peels are better timed for the cooler months, when daily sun exposure is much lower.
No. Peels remove dead surface cells, and medium peels actually thicken the dermis by building collagen. Overuse can irritate skin, which is why sessions are spaced.
Patient guides on chemical peels and skin care from Dr. Umbreen’s blog.
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