Chemical Skin Peels

Why should I have a chemical peel?

As we age over the years, skin can gradually appear dull and lifeless as skin cells accumulate on the surface as skin cell turnover slows down. In addition, the skin starts to show signs of ageing and environmental factors in the form or dehydration, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and scars.

Skin resurfacing treatments such as chemical skin peels, work to reverse these signs of ageing, helping patients turn back the clock and restore a more youthful complexion. Skin resurfacing treatments can also help to tighten and brighten the skin and can be applied to the face, neck, back and décolletage to improve the skins appearance for cosmetic and therapeutic benefits.

How do chemical skin peels work?

Chemical peels aim to exfoliate the dead skin cells from the skins surface by inducing a controlled wound which removes the superficial layers of the skin. This promotes the growth of new healthy skin cells to grow back creating a brighter more rejuvenated skin.

FAQs & Aftercare

  • Blemishes
  • Acne
  • Scars
  • Pigmentation changes
  • Freckles
  • Melasma
  • Skin texture
  • Signs of ageing
  • Fine lines
  • Large pores

Our peel menu includes superficial and medium depth peels and are recommend according to the condition/s to be treated and patient requirements established during the consultation.

We advise patients to:

  • discontinue the use of tanning beds at least two weeks prior to a chemical peel. Ideally patients will stop using tanning beds altogether because they increase the risk of skin cancer considerably and accelerate the visible signs of aging.
  • Avoid direct and extensive sun exposure, 2 weeks prior to a chemical peel.
  • Avoid facial waxing and chemical depilatories for 7 days prior to treatment.
  • Patients who have had medical cosmetic facial procedures such as fillers, lasers and other non- surgical procedures should wait until skin sensitivity has fully resolved- usually a 2-week window is recommended.
  • Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher)
  • Avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel.
  • Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for at least 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel.
  • Prepare the skin with specific products as recommended by your aesthetician prior to treatment to reduce inflammation, increase hydration, and reduce melanin stimulation. This limits adverse reactions such as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and ensures that skin outcomes are as predictable and efficacious as possible.

Stop the use of:

  • Topical retinoids such as Adapelene or Differin (which is also in Epiduo and Epiduo Forte along with 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide) indicated for acne patients 3 days prior to treatment.
  • Renova or Retin-A (tretinoin 0.02%) and other strength tretinoins, Tazarotene (brand name Tazorac, for treatment of plaque psoriasis and acne for five days prior to treatment.
  • Retinol products 3 days before days prior to a chemical peel.
  • Alpha hydroxy (AHA) and Beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped 3 days before treatment.

Procedures may vary according to the chemical peel chosen, but usually the skin is cleansed before being prepped using a medical degreasing agent to remove surface oils to ensure a more homogenous application of the chosen acids.

Sensitive areas such as lips and nostrils may be protected with a barrier product.

The peeling agent is then applied, typically remaining on the skin for 3-7 minutes.

A single peel will add a healthy glow, improving skin tine, texture and clarity but when treating a particular concern, a series of peels is recommended to optimise results.

The specific number of treatments varies and is determined by factors such as the specific skin concerns, timelines, lifestyle factors and budget which are all discussed and considered during the consultation with your aesthetician.

Other treatments such as skin needling, Intense pulsed light, radio frequency skin tightening and laser resurfacing may also be recommended to optimise results.

Most patients feel a mild tingling or heat depending on the type of peeling agent/s used. The sensations are transient and subside after just a few minutes. Some peels are self- neutralising and may remain on the skin for 2-4 hours.

Chemical peels should be avoided if any of the following are present:

  • Active cold sores (Herpes Simplex) in the area to be treated.
  • Wounded, sunburned or hypersensitive skin.
  • Allergies to aspirin – if salicylic acid is used.
  • Women who are pregnant or actively breast feeding.
  • Patients with vitiligo.
  • History of autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis etc) or any condition that may weaken the immune system.
  • Use of isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last year.
  • History of recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The skin can feel tighter, smoother and may appear slightly pink.

The success of the peel should not be judged solely by the amount of peeling experienced as this is dependent upon the health and condition of the skin at the time and level or preparation leading up to the treatment in addition to the depth of the peel.

Regardless, the skin will still shed or desquamate at an accelerated rate, resulting in the improvement in texture, tone and colour.

However, if you do peel, this usually starts 48-72 days after the treatment and can last 2-5 days. It is important not to pick off the peeling skin as this may result in scarring, compromised healing and hyperpigmentation.

The use of post treatment products greatly assists in skin healing, and enhances efficacy and longevity of skin peeling treatments.

  • Use a gentle soap free cleanser.
  • Avoid harsh scrubs and wash cloths while the skin is peeling.
  • A good hydrating moisturiser should be used at least twice a day to help restore the barrier, relieve dryness and control peeling.
  • A sunscreen (minimum of SPF 30) must be worn for at least 2 weeks post peel.
  • Avoid actives such as retinol for at approximately 5 days post treatment.

Our skin peeling treatments

  • Obagi Blue Radiance peel is a superficial salicylic acid- based peel which helps reveal younger, healthier-looking skin one layer at a time.
  • A true all-rounder, the treatment can peel, rejuvenate and de-pigment any type of skin safely. Making it the perfect peel for darker skin tones.
  • This Peel is a combination of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Calming ingredients such as Willow Bark and Liquorice root and works by loosening cells on the top layers of the outermost epidermal layer, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin.
  • This peel also has an antimicrobial effect making it highly effective for acne.
  • The active prescription strength ingredients hydroquinone and tretinoin, along with the unique patented deep penetrating system make Obagi a truly special treatment.
  • The strength of the CLINICCARE range of Peels is perfectly tailored to reflect the specific skin type and condition.
  • All of the CLINICARE peels begin with an enzymatic peel to gently exfoliate and remove the top layer of skin.
  • This allows for a more even penetration of the peel.
  • They also include a nourishing booster with 5 different AHA’s, vitamins and minerals along with powerful anti-oxidants and epidermal growth factors to further boost cell regeneration.
  • The skin also benefits from the application of a soothing and rejuvenating facial sheet mask to restore the skin’s moisture and reduce any redness and irritation.

The CLINICCARE Glow AHA Peel is a mild superficial glycolic acid peel which will remove the upper layer of the epidermis (pH 1.7). It inhibits melanin synthesis, brightens the skin, evens out discolouration and is safe to use on darker skin.

What will the glow peel treat?

  • Photo damaged skin
  • Hyperpigmentation, age spots
  • Rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enlarged pores, dull, sallow skin colour
  • Ageing skin
  • Dull, tired skin

What are the active ingredients?

Glycolic Acid – Smallest and most effective alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. Exfoliates epidermis, promotes epidermolysis, stimulates the growth of new skin. It safely removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, bringing fresh, new skin to the surface.

Kojic Acid – Kojic acid is derived from a variety of fungi and organic substances and is used to diminish dark areas resulting from excessive pigmentation in the skin. Inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, prevents the formation of melanin.

The CLINICCARE Pure BHA Peel is a light superficial chemical peel that will remove the upper layers of the epidermis (pH 2.4).
This peel is having rejuvenating, purifying, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects makes it a suitable treatment for combination skins with or without acne problems. It exfoliates dead skin cells, activating new healthy cells, prevent shine and regulates hyperactive sebaceous glands.

What will it treat?

  • Inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne
  • Blackheads and comedones
  • Rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enlarged pores
  • Skin ageing

What are the active ingredients?

Salicylic acid – Has keratolytic, comedolytic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Derived from willow tree bark. Its lipophilic properties enable salicylic acid to penetrate and dissolve sebum, making it highly effective therapy for acne. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory effects which make it suitable for sensitive skin conditions. Such as rosacea. Salicylic acid has a mild anaesthetic effect compared to AHAs.

Lactic acid – The mildest of alfa hydroxy acids. It has water-binding properties. Stimulates collagen synthesis.

Glycolic acid – Exfoliates epidermis, promotes epidermolysis, disperses basal layer melanin and stimulates the growth of new skin. Reduces amount of the surface skin oil.

The CLINICCARE Refresh AHA Peel is a superficial rejuvenating chemical peel that removes the upper layers of the epidermis (pH 1.55). It strengthens the skin and stimulates collagen synthesis.

Suitable for:

  • Ageing skin
  • Photo damaged skin
  • Rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enlarged pores, dull, sallow skin colour

What are the active ingredients?

Glycolic Acid – Smallest and most effective alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. Exfoliates epidermis, promotes epidermolysis, stimulates the growth of new skin. It safely removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, bringing fresh, new skin to the surface.

Kojic Acid – Kojic acid is derived from a variety of fungi and organic substances and is used to diminish dark areas resulting from excessive pigmentation in the skin. Inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, prevents the formation of melanin.

Treatment price list

OBAGI Blue Peel Radiance: £95
Course of 3: £255

Book a consultation with a member of our team today to learn how we could enhance and rejuvenate your natural beauty.

All treatments are subject to a satisfactory consultation. Terms and Conditions apply.