Chemical Peels are great professional non-invasive treatment for a number of skin concerns, from advanced ageing to acne and hyperpigmentation, with little to no downtime. Our glycolic and lactic peels are suitable for different skin concerns and skin types but work in the same way. They remove the top layer of the skin (epidermis) by chemical exfoliation, removing the dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. The chemical exfoliation encourages cell turnover and renewal, improving the skin’s health, texture and appearance.
Peels are classified in different ways ranking in their strength and absorption rate.
How do they work?
Cell turnover affects the skin’s appearance and texture in a variety of ways. From fine lines and wrinkles to acne and hyperpigmentation, light chemical peels are a less abrasive and effective way to treat these skin conditions than medium depth or deep peels.
Our glycolic and lactic acid peels are strong enough to accelerate cell turnover but not so powerful to induce severe skin inflammation. Our peel types are very superficial at 20% strength and superficial at 40%. Our staged programme introduces peels safely to your skin starting on a weaker percentage and building up to a 40% strength.
Depending on skin condition and concerns, a course of peels is usually recommended to see noticeable results, but even after just one treatment you can usually see the skin is brighter, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Recommended treatment cycles are 4-6 sessions, each 2 weeks apart.
Problematic skin conditions may need a prolonged treatment programme.
What makes a peel effective?
The effectiveness of a chemical peel depends on a number of factors to take into account. Healthy skin is less likely to have a reaction to the chemical peel whereas cracked or dehydrated skin can make the acids penetrate further, causing burning or a stinging sensation. Preparing the skin before a chemical peel is important as it aids the penetration of the acids by double cleansing the skin and removing oil before the procedure. This also helps the acids penetrate the skin evenly. We incorporate a facial into the peel process to ensure the skin is fully prepped before the procedure and to make it feel a little more like a luxurious pampering session!
We recommend to not use retinol or retinoid-based products for 1 week, or AHA based acids (such as glycolic acid) for 1 day pre-treatment, to avoid any irritation to the skin when applying the peel.
Glycolic Acid Peels 20% + 40%
- Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Targets skin ageing
- Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Evens skin tone
Glycolic Acid is an AHA based peel, effective at regulating and reactivating the cell synthesis process. A superficial peel which exfoliates the upper layer of the skin, it helps to increase the skin’s natural hydration and reinforces the natural barrier function of the skin.
Glycolic Acid smaller molecule size allows it to penetrate skin quickly and easily, so can offer a quicker and deeper exfoliation, but is not recommended for extremely sensitive skin.
Lactic Acid Peels 20% + 40%
- Brightens and rejuvenates dull skin
- Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles offering a high moisturising effect
- Lactic acid stimulates the production of new collagen
Lactic Acid stimulates exfoliation, cell renewal and cell turnover in the top layer of the skin.
It has a high moisturising effect by attaching water to skin cells. This brightening in clinic peel helps to reduce the appearance of early signs of ageing and evens skin tone
Lactic Acid is one of the most effective and least irritation causing AHA’s. Known to help improve the skin’s barrier function. A higher molecular weight size than Glycolic Acid, the penetration rate is much slower resulting in less inflammation and making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
Benefits of skin peels
Chemical peels are a light non-abrasive exfoliation treatment with no downtime and no actual peeling of the skin. Skin peel is a term used for the procedure, but scientifically superficial peels won’t ‘peel’ the skin.
They are a quick treatment that can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, texture and pigmentation. They also offer anti-microbial benefits to the skin.
Some of the treatable skin conditions include:
- Acne, blocked and congested skin
- Improve the appearance of skin tone and texture
- Pigmentation – freckles, melasma, liver spots
- Anti-ageing, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Regulate over-active sebaceous glands
- Reinvigorate dehydrated and/or sensitive skin
The results of a light chemical peel can be seen immediately after one treatment with brighter and glowing skin and generally last 1-2 months. A course of 4-6 treatments every 2-4 weeks is recommended initially to obtain optimum results. Maintenance sessions can then be scheduled every 4-6 months to maintain the results.
How long does the appointment last?
The treatment will last for approximately 30 minutes. Our appointment times are 45 minutes to include a complete medical history and in-depth skin consultation.
Pre Peel
- It is important to not use any AHA based acids 24 hours before the treatment
- Don’t use sunbeds or other heat treatments 48 before the treatment
- Retinol (or other retinol products such as retinoids or tretinoin) cannot be used for 1 week pre treatment
- Avoid waxing, whitening, bleaching or threading treatments 1 week before and after treatment as this can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation when interacting with the peel
Post Peel
- It is normal for the skin to appear a little red and warm after the treatment. Skin can become more sensitive than usual, and may experience some dryness, itching, irritation and redness. This should subside within a few hours of the treatment, but most feel like they can continue their activities immediately.
- No heat treatments, exfoliation treatments, sun beds or direct sun exposure for 48 hours post procedure.
- Avoid make up for 48 hours post treatment, but if required, mineral based make up is recommended.
- Avoid swimming and saunas for 48 hours post treatment
- Avoid any chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA) and retinol-based products for 1 week post treatment
- Avoid microneedling, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning for at least 1 week post treatment.
- The skin will be more sensitive to daylight so wearing an SPF with factor of at least 30 is absolutely necessary for at least 2 weeks post procedure (but you should always wear an SPF anyway to protect your skin from premature ageing!)