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

The exact number depends on the severity of your concerns, how your skin responds 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.

We will advise a tailored skin preparation routine, including strict sun protection, for 2 weeks before your first peel. This reduces sensitivity, helps optimise your result and lowers the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

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

Throughout your treatment, we closely monitor your skin for signs of activity. Afterwards, it is normal for the skin to look red, feel warm and tight, especially with superficial peels. These effects are usually mild and settle within a few days.

Most treatments take 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated. You can resume normal activities the same day, with some aftercare precautions that we will discuss at your consultation and include in your aftercare advice.

Results from chemical peels can last a long time when your skin is supported with the right skincare and sun protection, and maintained with regular peels.

Please contact us via email to receive our pricing list. We ask all our clients to book a consultation with our doctors before starting any treatment. We carefully prepare a bespoke plan for every client, and some treatments may not be suitable for everyone.

Superficial peels are typically painless or cause only a mild stinging sensation during application. If you have sensitive skin, you may feel some discomfort or a burning sensation, especially with superficial to medium-depth peels.

Deeper peels tend to be more uncomfortable and come with a longer recovery period. We do not perform deep peels at Dr Mélanin because of the high risk of complications, particularly in skin of colour.

Chemical peels are widely used, well tolerated and extremely safe, but like all treatments they do carry some risks. Because every treatment is bespoke and every client is unique, this list may not be exhaustive.

Common, expected effects are temporary and usually settle within days. These include redness and mild swelling; dryness, tightness or flaking; peeling or shedding of the skin; increased sensitivity to sunlight; mild itching or stinging; and temporary darkening of pigmentation before it fades, which is a sign of healing, especially in skin of colour.

Chemical peels are very safe for darker skin tones, including Black and South Asian skin, when performed correctly, at the right time, by the right practitioner and with the right skin preparation.

Skin of colour responds differently when a peel is applied, and specialist training is needed to recognise these changes. Our clinic specialises in monitoring them, tailoring each treatment to your skin tone and type, and managing the complications that are more likely to occur in skin of colour.

In some cases, a chemical peel may not be the most suitable option for you. This includes if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; have an active infection or inflammation in the treatment area; have an autoimmune disease or severe allergies; take medication that makes your skin sensitive to light (such as isotretinoin); are prone to keloid scarring; have a recent tan or sunburn; or use harsh skincare or irritants.

In other cases we may need to take extra care, such as if you take blood thinners or have allergies to certain fruits or medications. We will discuss these with you in detail at your consultation. We carry out a patch test on all our clients to make sure the peels are safe for you and your skin tone.

At Dr Mélanin, we use NeoStrata ProSystem peels, including glycolic acid, mandelic acid, citric acid and retinol peels. In skin of colour, the brand or product matters less than truly understanding how to use the peel solution. That is what keeps you safe and reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Skin preparation, timing, the practitioner, recognising the clinical endpoints in darker skin tones and understanding your skin's tolerance are all crucial to the safety of a chemical peel. Even a very "gentle" peel, or one described as safe for darker skin tones, can cause complications such as PIH if it is used incorrectly.

Chemical peels improve the quality and health of your own skin over time, so results are not immediate and can take at least 3 sessions to show. We generally do not recommend a single treatment, as you are unlikely to see lasting results.

Although chemical peels alone can give a very satisfying outcome, combining them with other treatments gives the best results, particularly for deeper acne scars, more extensive pigmentation, deep wrinkles or melasma. Results also depend on age, skin quality and lifestyle, and are not always predictable.