Aesthetic
Medical-grade exfoliation that accelerates cell turnover, clears congestion, and reveals smoother, more even skin. Peel depth and formulation are matched to your skin assessment.
Price on consultation
Book Your PRIME ProfileOVERVIEW
Chemical peels are controlled exfoliation treatments that use medical-grade acid solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin, revealing smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin beneath. By accelerating the skin's natural turnover cycle, chemical peels can address a wide range of concerns from superficial dullness to deeper pigmentation and scarring.
At WunderLife in Bad Vilbel, near Frankfurt, all chemical peels are performed by Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder. Peel type, concentration, and application time are selected based on your PRIME Profile skin assessment — not a one-size-fits-all protocol. This physician-led approach allows WunderLife to offer stronger, more effective formulations than those available at non-medical spas or beauty clinics.
WunderLife offers peels across three depth categories. Superficial peels use mild acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) at concentrations that exfoliate only the outermost epidermal layer. These are ideal for maintenance, dullness, and mild texture improvement with virtually no downtime. Medium-depth peels use stronger formulations (TCA, Jessner’s solution) that penetrate into the upper dermis. These target moderate sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne scarring with a recovery period of 5 to 7 days. Deep peels are reserved for significant skin concerns and are performed under close medical monitoring with extended aftercare protocols.
In addition to standalone peels, WunderLife offers medical-grade facial treatments that combine gentle chemical exfoliation with professional extraction, LED therapy, and targeted serum infusion. These provide a comprehensive skin treatment experience with minimal downtime and are often recommended as part of the PRIME Maintain phase.
THE PROCESS
Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder evaluates your skin type, sensitivity, current concerns, and treatment history. Using your PRIME Profile data, she selects the appropriate peel type, acid concentration, and application protocol. Factors including Fitzpatrick skin type, active ingredients in your current skincare routine, and any recent sun exposure are all considered.
The treatment area is cleansed and degreased to ensure even acid penetration. For medium-depth peels, a pre-peel preparation protocol may begin 2 to 4 weeks before the treatment, using retinoids or low-concentration acids to condition the skin for a more uniform result.
The peel solution is applied in controlled layers. Dr. Grawunder monitors the skin’s response in real time — observing colour changes, frosting patterns, and patient feedback — to determine the optimal application time. Superficial peels typically remain on the skin for 3 to 10 minutes. Medium-depth peels may involve multiple layering passes with careful observation between each.
Once the target depth is reached, the acid is neutralized (for peels requiring neutralization) or the self-neutralizing solution is removed. A calming, hydrating mask or serum is applied to soothe the skin and initiate the recovery process. For medical-grade facials, this step may include LED light therapy to reduce inflammation.
The session concludes with application of a barrier-repair moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF. Dr. Grawunder provides detailed written aftercare instructions specific to the peel depth performed, including which products to use and avoid during the healing period.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Chemical peels and medical-grade facials are suitable for a broad range of patients, from those seeking gentle maintenance to individuals addressing specific skin concerns. The treatment depth and formulation are adjusted to match each patient’s skin type and goals.
Chemical peels may help with dull, tired-looking skin and uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots, mild to moderate acne and congested pores, fine lines and early signs of aging, post-acne marks and superficial scarring, rough or flaky skin texture, and uneven skin tone.
Patients seeking a non-invasive way to refresh and renew their skin. Those with pigmentation concerns who want gradual, controlled improvement. Patients who want to complement other treatments such as microneedling or neuromodulators with skin-resurfacing between sessions. Individuals in the PRIME Maintain phase who need periodic skin renewal. Patients preparing for an event who want a visible glow with a superficial peel.
Chemical peels may not be appropriate for patients with active sunburn or recent intense UV exposure, active cold sores (herpes simplex) in the treatment area, open wounds, cuts, or abrasions on the treatment area, a history of abnormal scarring (keloids), recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 to 12 months, pregnancy or breastfeeding (for medium and deep peels), or certain autoimmune conditions affecting skin healing. Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder screens for all contraindications during the consultation and recommends alternative approaches where a peel is not suitable.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Superficial peels produce a mild tingling or warming sensation that most patients find entirely tolerable. Medium-depth peels may cause a more noticeable stinging sensation during the acid application, which subsides once the solution is neutralized. Treatment time ranges from 30 minutes for a superficial peel to 45 to 60 minutes for a medical-grade facial with multiple steps.
Superficial peels leave the skin slightly pink and tight, similar to a mild windburn. Medium-depth peels produce more pronounced redness and may cause temporary skin whitening (frosting) in the treatment area. A soothing moisturizer and SPF are applied before you leave. You can return to most daily activities after a superficial peel.
Superficial peels may cause mild flaking or dryness over 1 to 3 days. Medium-depth peels typically result in more visible peeling beginning on day 2 or 3, which may continue for 5 to 7 days. During this period, avoid direct sun exposure, active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C), heavy makeup over peeling skin, picking or pulling at flaking skin, and saunas, swimming pools, and intense exercise.
Peeling intensifies and then gradually resolves. The new skin underneath may appear pink or slightly sensitive. This is the phase where patience is most important — the peeling process is the treatment working. Dr. Grawunder provides approved products to keep the skin hydrated and protected during this phase.
Superficial peel results are visible within 3 to 5 days as the skin settles. For medium-depth peels, full results are typically apparent 2 to 3 weeks after the treatment once all peeling has resolved and the new skin has normalized. A series of 3 to 6 superficial peels spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart may be recommended for progressive improvement. Medium-depth peels are typically performed less frequently — every 3 to 6 months — as part of your PRIME protocol.
SAFETY & SCIENCE
All chemical peels and medical-grade facials at WunderLife are performed by Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder, a licensed physician. Medium and deep peels in particular are medical procedures that require physician-level training to perform safely, including the ability to assess skin response in real time and manage any adverse reactions immediately.
WunderLife uses only CE-marked, medical-grade peel formulations from established pharmaceutical suppliers. Acid concentrations used in a medical practice setting are significantly stronger than those available over the counter or in non-medical spas. This is what enables meaningful clinical results, but it also requires the expertise and oversight of a qualified physician.
Common and expected side effects vary by peel depth. Superficial peels may cause mild redness for a few hours, slight dryness or flaking for 1 to 3 days, and temporary skin tightness. Medium-depth peels may cause more pronounced redness lasting 3 to 5 days, visible peeling for 5 to 7 days, temporary sensitivity, and in rare cases, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (particularly in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI). Serious complications such as scarring or infection are rare when the procedure is performed by a trained physician with appropriate patient selection and aftercare.
WunderLife’s peel protocols follow evidence-based dermatological guidelines and comply with German Heilmittelwerbegesetz (HWG) standards. Pre-treatment screening includes a thorough assessment of skin type, medical history, current medications, and contraindications. Patients with a history of herpes simplex may be prescribed prophylactic antivirals before medium-depth peels. All aftercare instructions are provided in writing and patients have direct access to Dr. Grawunder for any post-treatment concerns.
THE PRIME PROTOCOL
Chemical peels and medical-grade facials sit within the Aesthetic pillar of the BAM Framework. Their role in the PRIME Protocol varies by depth — superficial peels are excellent maintenance tools, while medium-depth peels serve as targeted interventions during repair and enhancement phases.
Your PRIME Profile skin assessment identifies texture irregularities, pigmentation patterns, and skin sensitivity that inform peel selection. Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder uses Fitzpatrick typing, barrier function analysis, and your treatment history to determine which peel type and depth will be most effective and safe for your skin.
Medium-depth peels are particularly valuable during the Repair phase for addressing accumulated sun damage, persistent hyperpigmentation, or post-acne marks. The controlled removal of damaged skin layers accelerates the renewal process that other treatments — such as microneedling or PRF — can then build upon.
Superficial peels and medical-grade facials are ideal Maintain-phase treatments. Regular sessions every 4 to 6 weeks help sustain the results achieved during more intensive treatment phases, keeping skin smooth, bright, and clear. These are among the most frequently used maintenance tools in WunderLife protocols.
In the Enhance phase, peels may be combined with other modalities — a superficial peel before JetPeel infusion for deeper serum penetration, or a medium-depth peel as part of a multi-treatment plan addressing both texture and volume. The sequencing and timing of combination protocols are carefully managed within the PRIME framework.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Superficial peels cause a mild tingling or warming sensation that most patients find comfortable. Medium-depth peels produce a more noticeable stinging during the acid application, which subsides once the solution is neutralized or removed. Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder monitors your comfort throughout and can adjust the protocol accordingly.
Superficial peels have virtually no downtime — mild flaking may occur for 1 to 3 days. Medium-depth peels involve visible peeling for 5 to 7 days. During peeling, the skin may look red and flaky, so many patients prefer to schedule medium-depth peels when they can take a few days away from public-facing commitments.
Superficial peels can be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks as part of a maintenance protocol. Medium-depth peels are typically performed every 3 to 6 months. The frequency depends on your skin’s response and treatment goals, which Dr. Grawunder monitors as part of your PRIME Protocol.
A chemical peel focuses specifically on controlled acid exfoliation to remove damaged skin layers. A medical-grade facial is a more comprehensive treatment that may include cleansing, gentle exfoliation, extraction, LED therapy, serum infusion, and a peel component. Medical-grade facials are generally gentler with less downtime and are ideal for regular skin maintenance.
After a superficial peel, you can typically apply mineral makeup the same day. After a medium-depth peel, it is recommended to avoid makeup for 24 to 48 hours and to wait until peeling has largely subsided before returning to full coverage products. Dr. Grawunder provides specific guidance based on your peel depth.
Chemical peels can be safe for darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) when performed by an experienced physician who selects appropriate acid types and concentrations. Certain acids — such as mandelic acid and lactic acid — are particularly well-suited for darker skin. The main risk is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is minimized through careful peel selection, pre-treatment skin preparation, and diligent aftercare.
Yes. Chemical peels are frequently combined with other WunderLife treatments as part of the PRIME Protocol. A superficial peel before JetPeel can enhance serum absorption. Peels can also complement microneedling series, though the treatments are typically spaced apart to allow proper healing between sessions. Dr. Grawunder manages all combination scheduling.
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Every treatment at WunderLife begins with understanding. Your PRIME Profile maps your biology, your goals, and your path forward.
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