Overview
What is Yellow Peel and who is it for?
The yellow peel gets its name from its colour. It is based on retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative, and is often combined with ingredients such as azelaic acid, kojic acid or phytic acid that target pigment. Retinoic acid speeds up skin cell turnover, which helps shed pigmented, dull surface cells and encourages smoother new skin. It also has a mild effect on fine lines over a course of peels.
Unlike quick peels that are rinsed off in the clinic, a yellow peel is usually left on for several hours and washed off at home as instructed. Your skin then peels lightly over three to seven days. It is often used for tanning, sun spots, uneven tone, mild acne marks and rough texture, and sometimes as part of a plan for melasma.
Because it is a medical peel, skin preparation and timing matter. Dr. Shilpa may ask you to use certain creams for a couple of weeks beforehand, especially if you have darker skin or a tendency to pigment easily, to lower the risk of irritation or darkening. It is best planned for a week when you can stay mostly indoors, and away from weddings or big events, since your skin will be red and flaky for a few days.
The procedure
What happens during the treatment?
- 1
Consultation and skin prep
Your skin is assessed and you may be given creams to use for 2 to 4 weeks before the peel.
- 2
Cleanse and protect
The face is cleaned and degreased. Sensitive areas such as the corners of the eyes and lips are protected.
- 3
Peel application
The yellow peel mask is applied evenly. You may feel mild warmth or tingling.
- 4
Home wash-off and peeling
You go home with the mask on and wash it off after the advised number of hours. Light peeling follows over the next few days.
Benefits
What are the benefits?
- Helps fade pigmentation, sun spots and tanning over a course.
- Speeds up skin cell turnover for a smoother surface.
- Can soften mild acne marks and fine lines.
- Short clinic visit, with peeling managed at home.
- Can be combined with other pigmentation treatments.
Is it right for you?
Yellow peel suits adults with pigmentation, tanning, dullness or rough texture who can plan for a few days of peeling. It is not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active acne flares, eczema, sunburn or broken skin, or within months of stopping isotretinoin. People prone to pigmentation need careful preparation. Dr. Shilpa will advise in person.
Aftercare
How should you care for your skin afterwards?
- 01Wash the mask off at the time advised, using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
- 02Let the skin peel naturally and do not pull off loose flakes.
- 03Use a plain moisturiser often and sunscreen every morning.
- 04Stay out of direct sun and avoid heat, steam and heavy workouts while peeling.
- 05Avoid retinoids, acids, scrubs, waxing and threading until the skin has settled.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
A yellow peel is a medical peel based on retinoic acid, usually combined with other ingredients that target pigment. It is left on for a few hours and then washed off at home. Over the next few days, your skin peels lightly, which helps with pigmentation, tanning and texture.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person.
