Chemical Peels

Different brands of chemical peels use different ingredients to achieve the desired results. The outcome of a chemical peel depends on several factors, including the specific product used, its strength, formulation, the amount applied, and the duration it remains on the skin. 

The exact number of chemical peels you need depends on the severity of your concerns, the clinical response and how well you tolerate the peels. A course of 6 to 10 treatments, spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart, is typically recommended for optimal results; however, this can vary between individuals. 

A tailored skin preparation routine, that includes strict sun protection, will be advised for 2 weeks prior to the first peel to reduce sensitivity and help optimise the result and risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Your skin will be cleansed. The peel solution will be applied and left on the skin for a controlled amount of time. You may feel a mild tingling, warmth, or stinging sensation, which is normal. The peel will then be neutralised or removed, and a calming serum or mask may be applied. 

During your treatment, we will closely monitor your skin for signs of activity. After the procedure, it’s normal for the skin to appear red, warm, and tight, especially with superficial peels. These effects are usually mild and settle within a few days.

Most treatments last between 30 – 60 minutes depending on the number of areas completed. Normal activities can resume the same day with some aftercare precautions which will be discussed in your consultation and provided in your aftercare advice.

The results achieved with chemical peels can last a long time if the skin is supported with adequate skin care, sun protection and maintained with with regular chemical peels. 

Please contact us via email to receive our pricing list. We require all our patients to  book a consultation with our doctors prior to starting any treatments. We carefully prepare bespoke plans for all our patients and some treatments may be unsuitable for some patients.  

Superficial chemical peels are typically painless or may cause only a mild stinging sensation during application. However, individuals with sensitive skin might experience some discomfort or a burning feeling, especially with superficial to medium-depth peels. Deeper peels tend to be more uncomfortable, come with a longer recovery period. We do not perform deep peels at Dr Mélanin due to the high risk of complications, particularly in skin of colour.

Whilst chemical peels are widely used, well-tolerated and extremely safe, like all treatments, they do carry some risks which can occur. This list may not be exhaustive due to the bespoke nature of the treatment and individuality of you as a person.

Common and expected sequelae that are temporary and typically resolve within days include redness and mild swelling, dryness, tightness or flaking, peeling or shedding of skin, increased sensitivity to sunlight, mild itching or stinging and temporary darkening of pigmentation before fading (a sign of healing, especially in skin of colour).

Chemical peels are very safe for darker skin tones (including black and south skin tones) when performed correctly, at the right time, by the right practitioner with the right skin preparation.

Skin changes on skin of colour appear differently when a chemical peel is applied. Specialist training is required to identify these differences in skin of colour so they can be identified. Our clinic specialises in monitoring these changes, tailoring the treatment to the skin tone and type as well as managing complications that are more likely to occur in skin of colour.

In some cases, chemical peels may not be the most suitable option for you. Some of these reasons include being pregnant or breastfeeding, having active infections or inflammation in the treated areas, autoimmune disease or severe allergies, use of medication that may make your skin sensitive to light (e.g. Isotretinoin), being prone to keloid scarring, recent tans or sunburns or use of harsh skincare or irritants.

In other cases, we may need to be more cautious such as if you are on blood thinners or have allergies to certain fruits or medications but these will be discussed in detail with you during your consultation. We perform a patch test on all our clients to ensure that the peels are safe for you and your skin tone. 

Chemical peels enhance the quality and health of your own skin over time. Visible results are not immediate and can take at least 3 sessions. We do not generally recommend a single treatment as you are unlikely to see any long-term results.

Although treatment with chemical peels alone can yield a satisfactory outcome, combining them with other treatment modalities provides optimum results, particularly in cases of deeper acne scars, more extensive pigmentation, deep wrinkles or melasma. Results also depend on age, skin quality, lifestyle factors and are not always predictable.