Peels for oily and breakout-prone skin: salicylic, mandelic and Jessner

Oily skin has its upsides, but when shine turns into congestion, blackheads and regular breakouts, it can feel like your skin is running the show. Professional peels are one of the most useful tools we have for oily and breakout-prone skin, because the right acid can help clear pores, smooth texture and keep things calmer over time.

Here’s how our peels for oily skin work, which one might suit you, and how to support your results at home.

Why oily skin congests and breaks out

Your skin makes oil (sebum) to protect itself. When there’s a lot of it, it can mix with dead skin cells and sit in the pores. That build-up creates blackheads and whiteheads, and when bacteria and inflammation get involved, it can turn into red, sore breakouts.

Scrubbing harder or stripping the skin with harsh products often makes things worse, as irritated skin can become more inflamed. A professional peel takes a gentler, more controlled approach. It loosens the build-up of dead skin and oil so pores can clear, without the friction of a rough scrub.

For a full picture of what causes breakouts and how we approach them, visit our acne concern page.

The peels we use for oily and breakout-prone skin

Every peel is chosen by your therapist after looking at your skin. For oily and congested skin, these are the three we reach for most.

Oily Skin Peel (15% salicylic acid). Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Unlike many other acids, it’s oil-soluble, so it can work inside the pore where oil and dead skin collect. That makes it a natural fit for shiny, congested skin with blackheads and regular breakouts. The Oily Skin Peel is one of our everyday peels, so it’s a comfortable place to start.

Mandelic 30% and 40%. Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with a larger molecule, so it works more gradually. It’s a great option for skin that is breakout-prone and sensitive, and it also suits darker skin tones. If other acids have left your skin feeling irritated in the past, mention this at your appointment, as mandelic may be a better match. Your therapist will choose between the 30% and 40% strength based on your skin.

Jessner Original. The Jessner Original combines salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol (14%). It’s a higher-strength peel, often used when congestion and uneven texture need a more noticeable reset. Expect some flaking for a few days afterwards as the skin renews.

Want to see every peel on our menu, including the gentler lactic and glycolic options? Read Professional peels explained.

Adding LED for breakouts

LED light therapy is a lovely partner to regular peels for breakout-prone skin. Blue light is used for breakouts, while red light helps calm inflammation. It’s painless, there’s no downtime, and it’s one of the modalities your therapist may choose within a Radiance Skin Treatment. LED is also available on its own ($180, 40 minutes).

One important note: LED isn’t suitable if you’re taking photosensitising medication such as isotretinoin. Always let us know about any medications before your treatment so we can tailor it safely.

What to expect and how to care for your skin

A Peel Skin Treatment takes 40 minutes and costs $180. Everyday peels like the Oily Skin Peel usually leave skin looking fresh, while higher-strength peels such as Jessner and Mandelic can bring a few days of flaking. Let it shed naturally rather than picking or scrubbing.

Afterwards:

• Skip makeup for 12 hours.
• Avoid heat, the gym and the sauna for 24 to 48 hours.
• Pause retinol and exfoliating acids for 3 to 5 days.
• Wear SPF 50+ every day. This is essential after any peel.

If you’re pregnant, use retinoids or take any medication, talk to us before booking so we can check your treatment is suitable.

Your homecare routine for oily skin

What you do between appointments makes a real difference. Your therapist will build a routine around your skin, and for oily and congested skin it often includes these Australian Skin Institute products:

• Rejuvenating Foaming Cleanser ($69) to cleanse away oil and grime without stripping.
• AHA Power Exfoliant ($59) to keep dead skin from building up between peels.
• Vitamin B3 Complex ($89) to support a calmer, more balanced-looking complexion.
• A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning, as freshly peeled skin is more vulnerable to the sun.

If your skin is persistently difficult, our partner Tugun Compounding Pharmacy compounds personalised skincare scripted by its pharmacists. You can request an order form and a pharmacist will be in touch.

Getting the best value from regular peels

Oily and breakout-prone skin responds best to consistent care, not a one-off treatment. Two options make that easier:

• Clarity & Refinement Program, $860 (valued at $1,080, so you save $220). It includes 2 x LED, 1 x Dermaplaning and 2 x Peels, plus an AHA Power Exfoliant to use at home, over 6 months. It’s designed for more visible correction.
• Skin Clubs. The Radiance Club is $135 a month for one Radiance Skin Treatment each month (regular value $180, save 25%), and the Renewal Club is $220 a month for one Renewal Skin Treatment each month (regular value $275, save 20%). Members also get 20% to 25% off Australian Skin Institute and Tugun Compounding Pharmacy retail, so your homecare costs less too.

Skin Clubs have a 6-month minimum term, then continue month to month. Compare every option on our memberships page. New to us? Start with a Skin Discovery Treatment for $99 (usually $180), and your therapist will map out the right peel plan for your skin.

Ready to book? Book your peel online or find your nearest of our six Brisbane clinics.