Skin Treatments at Arca Wellness

Chemical Peels & Resurfacing

Professional-grade resurfacing treatments that accelerate cell turnover, target pigmentation, and reveal clearer, brighter skin — from a lunchtime glow to a full corrective course.

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The treatment

Controlled resurfacing. Real results.

A chemical peel uses carefully selected acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating your skin's natural shedding process. The result is faster cell turnover, a clearer surface, and — over a course of treatments — significant improvement in pigmentation, texture, and tone.

Unlike many clinic treatments, chemical peels work from the outside in: loosening congestion, fading pigment, and stimulating the fresh, healthy skin beneath. The depth and strength of the peel is the key variable — and at Arca, that decision is made for you, based on what your skin presents on the day.

All resurfacing treatments at Arca are performed by Lizelle, our dermal aesthetician, using professional-grade formulations from our four in-house brands. Every protocol is chosen and supervised by Dr. Adè.

30–45 min Session time depending on treatment level
None to 7 days Downtime ranges by peel depth — we'll advise you before you book
All skin tones Protocols adapted for Fitzpatrick types I–VI
Results from session 1 Visible glow and clarity after a single treatment
Choose your level

Find your starting point.

Our resurfacing treatments range from a zero-downtime lunchtime peel to a powerful corrective protocol. Not sure where to start? Lizelle will guide you at your first appointment.

The Glow-Up Peel
A lunchtime brightening peel designed to leave skin immediately dewy, refreshed, and radiant. Ideal before events or when skin looks tired and dull. No peeling, no downtime — just a fast-track glow.
R1 260
No downtime · 30 min
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Level 1 Peel
A gentle resurfacing peel that smooths texture, brightens dullness, and improves clarity with minimal downtime. The ideal starting point for first-timers, or as a monthly maintenance treatment to keep skin consistently clear.
R1 380
Minimal · 30 min
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Level 2 Peel
A medium-strength peel targeting pigmentation, congestion, and uneven texture. Expect light peeling or flaking over 3–5 days as the skin sheds — and a clearer, more even-toned result in the week that follows. Best done as a course of 3–6.
R1 598
3–5 days · 30 min
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Level 3 Peel
An advanced resurfacing peel for stubborn pigmentation, sun damage, acne scarring, and significantly uneven texture. More visible peeling and up to 7 days of downtime — but considerably more dramatic results when done as a course.
R1 820
Up to 7 days · 45 min
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TCA Peel
A trichloroacetic acid peel delivering deep resurfacing for significant sun damage, moderate scarring, and persistent pigmentation. Available for face alone or extended to the neck. Requires a consultation with Lizelle before booking — treatment plan and aftercare are discussed in advance.
R1 850+
7–10 days · consult first
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MelanoPro Peel
Our most powerful corrective resurfacing protocol for deep, persistent melasma, significant hyperpigmentation, and extensive sun damage. This is a staged, multi-week treatment programme — not a single session. A consultation with Dr. Adè is required before this treatment can be booked.
R6 999
Programme · consult required
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ⓘ TCA and MelanoPro peels require a consultation before booking. This allows Lizelle to assess your skin, confirm suitability, and prepare a full aftercare plan. Book a Skin Scope consultation to get started.
Skin concerns

What resurfacing addresses

Chemical peels are one of the most evidence-based treatments in aesthetic medicine — with decades of clinical data across a wide range of skin concerns and tones.

Pigmentation & melasma

Accelerate the shedding of pigment-loaded cells and inhibit melanin production over a course — making peels one of the most effective treatments for stubborn pigmentation and melasma.

Sun damage & solar keratoses

Reverse years of UV-induced cell damage, tackle rough sun-damaged patches, and restore a more even, youthful surface texture to areas of chronic sun exposure.

Acne & congestion

Exfoliate the dead cells and sebum that block pores, reduce active breakouts, and prevent the post-inflammatory pigmentation that acne leaves behind.

Texture & roughness

Smooth the surface of the skin by dissolving the cellular bonds that hold onto dead skin — revealing a softer, more refined texture beneath after every treatment.

Uneven skin tone

Even out patchy, uneven complexions caused by hormones, inflammation, or ageing — bringing the skin towards a consistently clearer, more luminous baseline tone.

Dullness & dehydration

Instantly restore radiance by lifting the layer of dead, dull skin that sits on the surface — the reason the Glow-Up Peel is one of our most popular pre-event treatments.

The Arca difference

Your peel is chosen on the day.

We don't pre-decide your protocol. Before every treatment, Lizelle assesses your skin under magnification — evaluating hydration levels, active sensitivity, congestion, and pigment depth. Your acid type, concentration, and application technique are selected based on what your skin presents in that moment.

pH Formula South African professional brand known for targeted pigmentation and resurfacing protocols
SkinCeuticals Clinically validated peels backed by decades of dermatological research and formulation
Mesoestetic Spanish pharmaceutical-grade aesthetic brand — specialists in corrective resurfacing and depigmentation
Dermalogica Professional formulations ideal for sensitive, reactive, or combination skin presentations
"Which brand we use matters less than which acid, at which concentration, applied in which way." Lizelle draws from all four brands depending on your skin's exact presentation — which is why two patients booked for the same level peel may receive very different protocols. This is the advantage of a properly trained aesthetician over a standardised treatment menu.
The process

How your treatment works

1

Skin assessment & history

Every treatment begins with Lizelle reviewing your skin history, current products, and any active sensitivities. She assesses your skin under magnification to determine the most effective protocol for today's presentation. If you're new to peels, this is also when she explains what to expect, how your skin will respond, and which aftercare products are essential in the days that follow.

2

Preparation & protocol selection

Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased to remove any barrier that might prevent even acid penetration. Lizelle then selects your acid formulation — the specific brand, percentage, and base — and prepares any masking or neutralising products that will be used during and after application. Eye and lip protection is applied where needed.

3

Peel application

The acid is applied evenly across the treatment area and left to work for a carefully timed period. You may feel warmth, mild tingling, or a brief stinging sensation — this is the acid working. Lizelle monitors your skin throughout, assessing the response and adjusting timing accordingly. For deeper peels, a fan is used to keep you comfortable during processing time.

4

Neutralisation, calming & aftercare

The peel is neutralised or removed at the correct time, and a calming, repairing mask is applied to the skin. A broad-spectrum SPF is then applied — this is non-negotiable after any resurfacing treatment. You'll leave with a full written aftercare guide covering exactly which products to use and avoid in the days following your treatment, as well as when to return for your next session.

Your timeline

What to expect

Downtime varies significantly by peel level — see the key below. Glow-Up and Level 1 peels have minimal to no downtime. Level 2 and above involve visible shedding.

Before

Preparation

Avoid retinoids and exfoliants for 5 days prior. No waxing, laser, or IPL for 2 weeks before. Arrive with clean skin and no active sunburn or open breakouts.

5 days before
Day 0

Treatment day

30–45 minutes from start to finish. Skin will feel tight and look slightly flushed. Use only the products Lizelle recommends — no actives, no exfoliants. SPF is essential.

Same-day activity
Days 1–7

Shedding phase

For Level 2 and above: visible flaking and peeling begins from day 2–3. Do not pick or pull the skin. Keep skin moisturised, avoid direct sun, and use your prescribed products only.

Varies by level
Week 2+

Results visible

Peeling complete and fresh skin fully revealed. Brightness, clarity, and tone improvement are visible from week 2. For deeper peels, full results continue to develop over 4–6 weeks.

Progressive improvement
No downtime

Glow-Up Peel — safe to return to work immediately

Minimal downtime

Level 1 — mild redness only, no visible shedding

3–10 days

Levels 2–3, TCA, MelanoPro — visible peeling expected

Investment

Pricing

All treatments include skin assessment, peel application, calming mask, and SPF. Aftercare product recommendations provided at no charge.

Treatment Downtime Price
Core resurfacing peels
The Glow-Up Peel Lunchtime brightening peel — immediate radiance, zero downtime None · 30 min R1 260
Level 1 Peel Gentle brightening and texture refinement — ideal first peel or monthly maintenance Minimal · 30 min R1 380
Level 2 Peel Medium-strength peel for pigmentation, congestion, and uneven tone 3–5 days · 30 min R1 598
Level 3 Peel Advanced peel for stubborn pigmentation, sun damage and scarring Up to 7 days · 45 min R1 820
TCA treatments — consultation required
TCA FaceConsult first Deep TCA resurfacing for significant sun damage, scarring and pigmentation 7–10 days R1 850
TCA Face & NeckConsult first Extends TCA treatment to the neck for consistent resurfacing across both areas 7–10 days R2 216
Specialist treatments — consultation required
MelanoPro PeelConsult first Intensive corrective programme for deep melasma and persistent hyperpigmentation — multi-week protocol Programme R6 999
Enhancements & add-ons
Periocular Peel Targeted peel applied around the eye area — added to any face peel treatment Add-on R350
Dermaplaning Physical exfoliation using a surgical blade — removes dead skin and vellus hair for an instantly smooth, luminous surface. Can be combined with a peel for enhanced penetration. None · standalone or add-on R650
ⓘ TCA, MelanoPro, and any treatment requiring clinical assessment must be preceded by a Skin Scope consultation. This allows Lizelle and Dr. Adè to confirm suitability, discuss expectations, and prepare a full pre- and post-treatment plan.
Book the Glow-Up Peel Book a skin consultation
Questions

Frequently asked

Lizelle will guide you at your first appointment. In general: if you've never had a professional peel before, a Glow-Up or Level 1 is the right starting point — it allows your skin to demonstrate how it responds before we progress to stronger acids. If you have an active, specific concern (pigmentation, acne scarring, significant sun damage), a Level 2 or 3 will deliver more meaningful improvement. TCA and MelanoPro are reserved for cases where standard-level peels haven't produced the result you're looking for, or where the concern is severe enough to warrant a deeper approach from the outset.
It depends on the level. The Glow-Up and Level 1 peels are designed to resurface at a depth that doesn't cause visible shedding — your skin may feel slightly tighter or drier for a day or two, but there's no visible peeling. Level 2 and above typically produce visible flaking and shedding between days 2 and 5. This is the process working — it's not a problem and doesn't indicate anything has gone wrong. The key rule: do not pick, peel, or pull at flaking skin, as this can cause scarring or uneven results.
Yes — when performed by a properly trained aesthetician, chemical peels are safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types. The key consideration for darker skin (types IV–VI) is avoiding peels that are too aggressive, as there is a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if the skin is over-treated. At Arca, Lizelle adjusts acid concentration, contact time, and protocol based on your skin tone — and in many cases, a course of lower-level peels delivers better and safer results than a single aggressive treatment. pH Formula in particular has excellent protocols developed specifically for darker, melanin-rich skin.
Glow-Up and Level 1 peels can be done monthly as a maintenance treatment — they're gentle enough to fit into a regular skin routine. Level 2 peels are typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Level 3 and TCA peels are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the skin sufficient recovery and collagen regeneration time between sessions. Lizelle will give you a personalised session plan at your appointment, factoring in your skin's response after each treatment.
Yes — peels and microneedling work excellently together as part of a broader skin plan, and many patients do both. However, they should be done in alternating sessions rather than on the same day, as both treatments create a resurfacing response and combining them would over-stimulate the skin barrier. A typical plan might alternate microneedling and peels every 3–4 weeks. Dr. Adè can map out an integrated treatment plan at a Skin Strategy consultation if you're looking to address multiple concerns simultaneously.
Dermaplaning is a physical resurfacing treatment — not a chemical one. Lizelle uses a sterile surgical blade held at a precise angle to manually remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair (fine facial hair, sometimes called "peach fuzz") from the surface of the skin. The result is an immediately smoother, brighter complexion with no downtime. Many patients choose to combine dermaplaning with a Glow-Up or Level 1 peel, as removing the surface barrier first allows the acid to penetrate more evenly and effectively.
The MelanoPro Peel is our most advanced corrective resurfacing programme, specifically designed for patients with deep, persistent melasma, extensive sun damage, or hyperpigmentation that hasn't responded adequately to standard peels or topical treatments. It's a multi-week protocol — not a single session — that combines a powerful in-clinic peel with a structured home-care programme of prescription-level products. Because of its strength and complexity, it requires a consultation with Dr. Adè before it can be booked. Results are significant, but the commitment and aftercare involved are more intensive than any of our other peel options.
Ready to resurface?

Book your peel

Not sure where to start? The Glow-Up Peel is our most popular entry point — zero downtime, immediate results, and a good introduction to what professional resurfacing can do for your skin. Or reach out on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.

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