Dr. María Costa Mur, specialist in aesthetic medicine
Aesthetic physician
Medical license no. 59300
Leading doctor in chemical peels and depigmentation
The doctor sees patients in BarcelonaView medical profile
Chemical peel and depigmentation treatment
Medical treatment for dark spots, melasma, acne and anti-aging. Designed and performed in the clinic by our aesthetic doctors.
Price: 100 €
Excellent · 851 Google reviews
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Treatment duration:
20-45 minutes
With NESAI® Derm ultrasound
Included in Barcelona (subject to the doctor's assessment)
In-clinic treatment
No surgery
How long results last:
9 to 12 months
Visible result:
Immediate
Table of contents
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a non-surgical dermatological treatment that applies controlled acidic substances (glycolic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic or trichloroacetic acid, or professional medical depigmenting formulas) to the skin to exfoliate the damaged layers and stimulate its regeneration. The result is smoother, more radiant skin with fewer dark spots, fine wrinkles, acne and scars. At Instituto de Benito it is always prescribed by an aesthetic doctor after a personalized consultation.
Types of chemical peels we perform
Periocular peel treatment
A peel specifically for the area around the eyes that helps improve dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and signs of tiredness. It stimulates cell renewal and gives the eye area a brighter, rejuvenated look.
Chemical peel treatment
A dermatological procedure that uses specific acids to exfoliate the superficial layers of the skin. It improves texture, radiance, dark spots, acne and fine wrinkles, leaving the skin more even and renewed.
Chemical peel treatment for barcode lines
A peel focused on the vertical wrinkles above the upper lip, known as "barcode lines". It helps soften expression lines, improve texture and rejuvenate the perioral area.
Dermamelan depigmentation treatment
An intensive depigmentation treatment designed to reduce dark spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation. It evens out skin tone and helps prevent dark spots from reappearing, giving the face greater radiance and uniformity.
How much does a chemical peel treatment cost?
100 €
The price of a chemical peel at Instituto de Benito varies depending on the type of treatment, the area to be treated and the number of sessions recommended after your personalized medical consultation. We offer superficial, medium and depigmenting peels, as well as combined treatments, to improve skin texture, dark spots, acne and signs of aging.
The prices are:
- Periocular peel: €100
- Facial chemical peel: €200
- Chemical peel for barcode lines: €150
- Dermamelan® depigmentation treatment: €900
- IPL + chemical peel: €350
The first aesthetic medicine consultation costs €50, deductible from the first treatment performed. We offer session packages and financing options for longer treatments.
Intensive medical depigmentation treatment may cost more if it includes the follow-on home kit, which helps maintain the result.
Evidence and medical backing
Chemical peels are endorsed by the Spanish Society of Aesthetic Medicine (SEME), the Spanish Academy of Dermatology (AEDV) and by decades of international dermatological literature as a first-line treatment for hyperpigmentation, melasma, photoaging, active acne and acne scarring. The choice of active ingredient, its concentration and the depth of application (superficial, medium or deep) must be a medical decision: an unsuitable concentration or poor technique can cause permanent hyperpigmentation or scarring. That is why at Instituto de Benito all peels are designed and applied under medical supervision.
What does chemical peel treatment involve?
The treatment is performed entirely in the doctor's office at Instituto de Benito in Barcelona or Madrid, in an outpatient session always designed and supervised by a licensed aesthetic doctor. It consists of the following steps:
Personalized medical assessment
Before treatment, you have a consultation with the aesthetic doctor at Instituto de Benito. The doctor studies your case, analyzes your skin phototype (Fitzpatrick classification), rules out contraindications and designs the most suitable peel protocol for your skin type and goal. The first aesthetic medicine consultation costs €50 (deductible from your first treatment).
Skin ultrasound with NESAI
When the doctor considers it necessary, a NESAI Derm ultrasound is performed in Barcelona to assess the skin before treating: dermis thickness, density, collagen, fibers and sun damage.
Preparing for the treatment
For higher phototypes or sensitive skin, the doctor may prescribe 2-4 weeks of "skin preparation" at home (mild depigmenting agents, retinoids, strict sun protection) to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Come to your appointment with clean skin, no makeup and without having sunbathed in the preceding days.
Treatment application in the clinic
The doctor cleanses and degreases the skin, protects sensitive areas (corners of the mouth, nasal folds) and applies the acid or the corresponding formula with a brush or gauze, precisely controlling how long it acts. It is normal to feel warmth, stinging or a slight "burning" sensation during application. After the prescribed time, the peel is neutralized or left to act, depending on the protocol. The session lasts between 20 and 45 minutes.
Start seeing yourself the way you want to feel
The doctor gives you home care instructions (gentle cleanser, enhanced hydration and mandatory SPF50+ sun protection) and schedules your follow-up visits. In the case of intensive medical depigmentation treatment, you are also given the cream for the home protocol and are reviewed weekly at the start.
Before and after care for a chemical peel
Are you a good candidate for a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are indicated for people in good general health who fit any of these profiles. Final suitability is confirmed by the doctor after a personalized assessment of your phototype and skin condition.
- 01
Dark spots, melasma or hyperpigmentation
When there are facial dark spots (sun-related, hormonal or post-inflammatory) that do not respond to topical cosmetics.
- 02
Active acne or post-acne marks
Comedonal or papular acne, or superficial/medium scars that can improve with controlled cell renewal.
- 03
Photoaging and sun damage
Loss of radiance, rough texture, fine wrinkles and sun spots (solar lentigines) on the face, décolletage and hands.
- 04
Overall skin quality and radiance
As an aesthetic maintenance treatment to keep skin smooth and radiant.
- 05
Enlarged pores and excess sebum
Combination or oily skin with open pores and a tendency to shine.
- 06
Acne scars and uneven texture
As part of a combined plan with laser, mesotherapy or redensification.
Chemical peel before and after photos
Mari Paz, patient from Barcelona
Chemical peel to treat hormonal melasma.
Who is not a candidate: contraindications for a chemical peel
Patient safety comes before any aesthetic result. A chemical peel should not be performed, or should be postponed, in the following cases:
| Contraindicación | Motivo |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Some active ingredients (salicylic acid, retinoids) are contraindicated; intensive depigmentation treatments are not applied. |
| Active or recent cold sores | Risk of reactivation and spread; consider antiviral prophylaxis. |
| Active infection or open lesion in the area | Folliculitis, eczema, active dermatitis, wounds: risk of spread. |
| Phototype VI with unrealistic expectations | Higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; the protocol must be adapted. |
| Recent treatment with oral isotretinoin (< 6 months) | Higher risk of abnormal scarring; waiting 6 months after finishing is recommended. |
| Tendency to keloids or hypertrophic scarring | Unpredictable scarring risk. |
| Active autoimmune skin diseases | Lupus, dermatomyositis: unpredictable tissue response. |
| Known allergy to the active ingredient | Risk of local or systemic reaction. |
| Recent tan or prior intense sun exposure | High risk of post-inflammatory dark spots; postpone 3-4 weeks. |
Risks and possible side effects of a chemical peel
A chemical peel is a safe treatment when performed by a licensed physician in an authorized center using approved medical products. Even so, every medical procedure has a profile of possible effects that it is only honest to share with you.
What mild reactions are expected (resolving on their own in 24-72 hours)?
- Redness (erythema) for 24-72 hours
- Feeling of tightness, mild stinging and dry skin
- Visible peeling (more pronounced with medium peels and intensive depigmentation treatment)
- Slight sensitivity to cold/heat
- Temporary darkening of existing dark spots before they exfoliate
What are the less common side effects?
- Transient post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if the area is exposed to the sun without sun protection
- Transient acne breakout during the initial "purge"
- Activation of cold sores in predisposed patients
- Persistent erythema beyond 7 days
What are the rare complications?
- Persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially in higher phototypes without proper preparation)
- Residual hypopigmentation
- Scarring in cases of malpractice or inappropriate depth
- Allergic reactions to the active ingredient
Our aesthetic medicine medical team
An aesthetic doctor from the IdB team with experience in chemical peels and dermocosmetics assesses your skin type, phototype and indication (dark spots, acne, anti-aging or melasma) before prescribing the most suitable protocol.
Maria Elechiguerra, aesthetic medicine specialist
Aesthetic medicine specialist in Madrid
View medical profile
Commitment to aesthetic medicine
Chemical peels require a prior medical diagnosis: the acid, the concentration and the depth of application must be tailored to your phototype and your goal. Applying the wrong peel can cause permanent dark spots or scarring.
At Instituto de Benito, patient safety comes before any aesthetic goal. We work with audited clinical protocols, medical products with medical CE marking and batch traceability, single-use instruments, dedicated aesthetic medicine rooms and personalized follow-up between sessions. We never delegate a medical-aesthetic procedure to non-medical staff.
Where can you get chemical peel treatment?
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions about chemical peels
How long do chemical peel results last?
It depends on the type of peel and the patient's skin. A superficial peel lasts 2-4 months; a medium peel, 4-8 months; an intensive medical depigmentation treatment can maintain its result for 12 to 18 months with home care and strict sun protection.
How many sessions do I need?
Between 1 and 6 sessions, depending on the goal. Mild dark spots or radiance: 3-4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Acne and moderate dark spots: 4-6 sessions. Intensive depigmentation treatments: one in-clinic application + home protocol.
Is it painful?
No. During application you feel warmth, stinging or mild burning that subsides when the peel is neutralized. With medium peels and intensive depigmentation treatments the sensation is more intense but always tolerable; the doctor can apply cold air or a topical anesthetic.
What is the difference between a chemical peel and a medical depigmentation treatment?
Classic chemical peels exfoliate the skin to renew it and improve dark spots, texture, acne or radiance. Intensive medical depigmentation treatments are specifically formulated to block melanin production as well as exfoliate, and are the treatment of choice for melasma and stubborn dark spots.
Do chemical peels work for active acne?
Yes, especially salicylic acid peels, as salicylic acid is lipophilic and penetrates the follicle. It also improves post-acne marks when combined with other treatments such as mesotherapy or laser.
Can I have a chemical peel if I have dark skin (phototype V-VI)?
Yes, but it requires prior skin preparation (depigmenting agents 2-4 weeks beforehand) and careful selection of the active ingredient. For higher phototypes we prefer mandelic or lactic acid peels and avoid medium depths unless there is a very clear indication.
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
With superficial peels, yes, from the following day. With medium peels and intensive depigmentation treatments, it is recommended to avoid makeup for the first 3-5 days so as not to interfere with the peeling process.
When will I see results from a chemical peel?
With superficial peels you will notice more radiance from the first session, with a settled result at 3-4 weeks. With intensive depigmentation treatments, the first changes appear at 2-3 weeks and the final result is assessed at 3 months.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
Yes. It is commonly combined with facial biorevitalization, mesotherapy, laser or injectable anti-aging treatments. The doctor plans the timing so that both treatments enhance the result without overloading the skin.
What happens if I don't use strict sun protection after a peel?
It is the most important factor: without rigorous SPF50+ use for weeks, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is high and it can ruin the result or even worsen the original dark spots. Sun protection is not optional.
What is the difference between a medical peel and an over-the-counter peel?
The concentration of the active ingredient, the depth of action and who applies it. Pharmacy cosmetics are legally "cosmetics": low concentration, with no real penetration. Medical peels reach the dermis and require training, clinical judgment and post-session monitoring.
Where we do it
Average rating: 4.8 / 5
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Areia Estibalez de Cardona
Googlehace 3 años
Hace unos meses que voy a Instituto de Benito a hacerme tratamientos faciales. He tenido muchos problemas de acné y hasta que no he probado el láser, no he visto la luz de verdad. Realmente es un tratamiento que no es nada económico pero, vale la pena! De momento solo me he hecho 2 sesiones y los cambios son...
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Cristina Betancor
Googlehace 1 año
Encantada con el resultado y con el trato recibido por la doctora Marina y todo su equipo. Muy profesionales, atentos y cercanos en todo momento.
Nora Haxha
Googlehace 1 año
Such a lovely team and experience! From my first visit to the online follow-ups, everyone has been so kind, caring, and professional. Dr. Neagu and Dr. García are truly exceptional I couldn’t feel in better hands. Thank you for everything! 🤍
Teresa Pacho
Googlehace 1 año
Trato profesional y cercano. Excelencia en la cirujana Marina Garcia y todo el equipo. Honestidad en la comunicación.
Dolores Peñalver
Googlehace 1 año
Mi experiencia en el Instituto de Benito ha sido excelente. Agradecer a la Doctora María Gijón y a todo su equipo por su gran profesionalidad y por ayudar a los clientes ante cualquier duda o aclaración
Marisa Canseco
Googlehace 1 año
El doctor Fernández y su enfermera Cristina son profesionales excelentes y dan un estupendo trato. Los recomiendo al 100%. Los resultados se ajustan totalmente a lo que se comprometen.
Sandra TB
Googlehace 1 año
Agradecer enormemente a la Doctora Marina por el trato durante todo el proceso y por el resultado final. Mi experiencia ha sido maravillosa. Agradecer también a Montse por hacer que esto sea posible.
Maragda L
Googlehace 10 meses
Mi experiencia ha sido de lo mejor, me he sentido totalmente cuidada en todo el proceso de mi operación desde Mónica siempre atenta a mis consultas, hasta las chicas de los masajes y cómo no, con el doctor Orestes Fernández con quién me he sentido acompañada en toda la operación y sobre todo recuperación. Sin duda...
Paula Roldan Martinez-checa
Googlehace 11 meses
La Doctora Marina Garcia es totalmente un acierto. Sinceridad desde el primer momento, te escucha y te aconseja conforme tu idea y de manera que quede lo más natural y bonito posible, siendo siempre realistas. El resultado totalmente bonito, más natural y mejor de lo que incluso yo me pensaba. Una recuperación súper...
Susi Rodríguez Suárez
Googlehace 1 año
La Dra. Marina es maravillosa. Un equipo de profesionales de 10.
julia juan fornes
Googlehace 1 año
La Dra Marina Garcia muy profesional y transmite muchísima confianza desde el primer momento.
Soraya Araujo Criollo
Googlehace 1 año
La profesionalidad de todo el equipo hace que te sientas segura a la hora de pasar por quirófano. Además en mi caso llevo yendo con Eva desde hace casi 8 años y no puedo estar más contenta.
Maria Roig
Googlehace 1 año
Encantada con todos los profesionales de IdB, especialmente con la Dra Marina, Julia y Mónica. No he podido estar en mejores manos. Gracias por todo. Muy feliz con el resultado!
Ana Alvarez Soto
Googlehace 1 año
Mi experience en Instituto de Benito ha sido excelente. El Dr Neagu es una persona estupenda, gran profesional y el trato es entrañable. Tiene un equipo muy competente trabajando con él y siempre me han acompañado durante todo el proceso de una manera impecable.
Ari Li
Googlehace 1 año
Una buena experiencia en la clínica de Benito,excelente personal y muy buenos profesionales. Estoy contenta🥰