Treatment Info

What are chemical peels?

All chemical peels involve applying a solution to the damaged outer layers of the skin in order to cause these layers to peel away leaving younger, smoother, more evenly pigmented skin beneath and a glowing appearance.

Which type of chemical peel is right for me?

Each treatment is customised for a patient's skin type and specific skin problem. The basic principle is the deeper the peel the better the results but the longer the recovery period.

The depth of a peel is dependent on:

The concentration and type of acid used
The number of coats of acid and the duration the acid is left on the skin
A person's skin type and sensitivity
If any pre-treatment has been carried out e.g. use of Retin-A

All of our chemical peels are carried out by medical practitioners who are licensed to use stronger concentration of acids than those available over the counter or used by beauty therapists.

Preparing for the treatment

During your consultation a full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability, and the benefits and potential side effects will be discussed in full.

To learn more about the process (including pre and post treatment information) click here.

What is the treatment like?

Your skin will first be cleansed thoroughly and degreased. The chemical peel solution will then be applied to the skin. With Glycolic Peels a warm, mild prickling sensation is experienced; with a TCA peel this sensation is much more intense however the solution is only left on the skin for a few minutes before the skin is cooled with cold compresses.

How many treatments will I need?

Superficial peels such as glycolic peels require a course of 4-6 treatments every 2-3 weeks to achieve the optimum results. Medium TCA peels can be used as a one off treatment, however, depending on a patient's initial skin condition, some patients may wish to repeat the procedure after a few months to achieve even more dramatic results.

Who is not suitable for a chemical peel?

Chemical Peels are not advisable if you are pregnant or breast feeding or you have been prescribed Roaccutane in the past 6 months.

Are there any side effects?

Chemical peels are normally safe procedures when performed by a qualified, experienced doctor or nurse. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while extremely infrequent, are possible.