What is a chemical peel?
A blend of cosmetic acids is applied to clean skin for a few timed minutes to loosen dull surface cells, then removed. Over the following days, many people notice their skin looks brighter and feels smoother.
The peels I offer are gentle, superficial peels only. A gentle peel is very different from the dramatic peels people often picture, with days of peeling skin.
How your peel is chosen, and the patch test
At your consultation I look at your skin and ask about your routine, your health and any medicines, then choose the acid and strength for you.
Some peels are less suited to deeper skin tones, because irritation can sometimes leave darker patches. For deeper skin tones, I take extra care choosing and preparing your peel, and I will say if another treatment would suit you better.
A patch test comes first, on a small, discreet area, at least 48 hours before your first peel, so we can see how your skin responds. If you are new to me, please message me before you book and I’ll arrange it.
Who it may suit, and who should wait
A peel may suit you if your skin looks dull or feels a little rough, or you would like your skin tone to look more even.
Peels are for adults aged 18 and over, and suitability is always checked in person, so health details can wait for your consultation. Please wait if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also best to wait, or check with your doctor first, if:
- you have sunburn, a fresh tan, a cold sore, or broken or irritated skin
- you have a skin condition, especially one that is flaring
- you take certain medicines or use strong skincare
What it feels like on the day
Your appointment takes about 40 minutes. I cleanse your skin, apply the peel and time it carefully, then remove it and finish with a soothing moisturiser and SPF.
Expect tingling and warmth while it is on, sometimes with a mild sting. I check in throughout, and I can take the peel off early whenever you ask.
How much will I peel?
Probably less than you think. Gentle peels often cause little or no visible peeling, perhaps light flaking a few days later, and that is normal.
Some redness, tightness or sensitivity for a few days is possible, though many people carry on with work as usual. Make-up can usually go back on the next day. Leave at least two weeks between a peel and any big event.
Less often, skin can become more irritated than expected, blister or develop darker patches, which is why the patch test comes first.
Aftercare and daily SPF
You go home with written aftercare. The short version:
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day for at least a month, even when it is cloudy.
- Let any flaking come away on its own. No picking.
- Keep skincare gentle, and pause exfoliating acids and retinol for a week.
- Avoid the gym, saunas, swimming, sunbeds and sunbathing for at least a week.
- Message me straight away if anything does not look or feel right. If a reaction needs more than my advice, I’ll tell you, and you can also call NHS 111.
- Messages are not monitored overnight. If you feel unwell after any treatment, call 111, or 999 in an emergency.
How many sessions?
One peel can leave skin looking fresher for a while, but a course of three to six peels, about two to four weeks apart, is more usual. Any change builds gradually, and daily SPF and a simple home routine matter just as much.
I will tell you what is usual for you before you commit, including any top-ups. Results vary from person to person.
Price and booking
You can see the current price on Booksy. Message me and I’ll tell you the full cost of a course before you commit.
You receive the full address when you book.