Skin Peels

Also called facial peeling or chemical peels, this treatment is one of the oldest aesthetic procedures in existence. Cleopatra’s milk baths were the forerunner of today’s lactic acid peels.

Also called facial peeling or chemical peels, this treatment is one of the oldest aesthetic procedures in existence. Cleopatra’s milk baths were the forerunner of today’s lactic acid peels.

A skin peel works by softening and removing the outer layer of the skin to remove dead cells, sun damage, irregular pigmentation and even reduce fine lines and scarring. It involves the application of a chemical solution to the surface of the skin, which is then left on for a prescribed length of time.

Skin peel: Am I suitable?

A skin peel can be an effective tool in skin rejuvenation but it will not tighten sagging skin, stimulate collagen production or target broken veins, so a skin peel might have to be combined with other treatments to achieve the results you want.

A superficial skin peel might be more suitable for very delicate or sensitive skin that would be damaged by other treatments such as microdermabrasion. For that reason, it is also a good treatment option for the décolletage or hands.

It is not advisable to have this treatment, particularly a medium or deep peel, if you have a problem with scarring or pigment changes, an active skin infection or have very dark skin as the peel may cause pigmentation problems.

Skin peel: What do I have to prepare?

It is important to have a thorough consultation to ensure that you are embarking on the right option for you and that you are completely aware of the associated downtime with a skin peel. If you are having a deep skin peel, then your practitioner will have to do an assessment of your heart, kidney and liver functions.

Skin peel: What’s the treatment like?

Superficial peel; a quick treatment usually composed of an alpha or beta hydroxyl acid such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. The peel is left on for a very short period of time – ten minutes at the very most – and then washed off. As this is such a light peel, these can be applied by beauty therapists, whereas stronger peels have to be performed by a doctor, dermatologist or surgeon.

The skin will have a rejuvenated appearance but regular treatments are needed to maintain the results. This is a good option if you wish to brighten up a dull complexion.

Medium peels; the solution (usually a TCA or trichloroacetic acid) is applied and then is allowed to set on the skin for a prescribed period of time. To remove the peel it might be necessary to use a saline solution. Regular treatments are advised with this treatment, but it can have a positive effect on the appearance of fine lines and acne scarring.

Deep peels; usually the solution contains phenol which is a very strong chemical – it might be necessary to apply a topical local anaesthetic as this can be a painful procedure. The phenol may be left on the skin for anything up to 30 minutes before being removed. The results are far more dramatic and can last for several years.

Skin peel: What about after?

The skin might be a little bit red after a superficial peel but there is no real downtime – these are often called lunch-hour procedures. Medium peels might require a week of downtime as the skin is very red and may flake. A deep peel is a much more serious procedure and may involve several weeks before the skin is back to ‘normal’.

Skin peel: Are there any risks or side effects?

There is a sliding scale; there are few side effects to superficial peels, but a deep peel will cause a massive amount of trauma to the skin. A high factor sunscreen is advised post-peel to protect the skin against pigment changes.

Skin peel: What will it cost me?

The price of a skin peel can vary widely, but a superficial peel can cost as little as £50, although a course of treatments is usually recommended. A deep peel can cost as much as £2,500.