The centuries-old art of applying chemical peels, which ripple with a variety of active ingredients, equates to exceptional exfoliation – resurfacing and refreshing skin for a next-level glow.
“Chemical peels are great for anyone looking to invest in their skin, particularly those who haven’t achieved the kind of glow they’d like to date with other treatments. They’re an excellent starting point for people wanting to kick-start a new phase in their skin health.”
Chemical peels involve applying an acid-based liquid solution to the skin to sweep away its top layers, kick-starting the regenerative healing process. Smoother skin emerges, delivering a radiant look of natural vitality.
An excellent way to address common skincare concerns, such as acne and hyperpigmentation (discolouration), alongside textural issues including fine lines, subtle scars, sun damage, wrinkles, enlarged pores and dullness, our chemical peels have the capacity to refine and regenerate the skin in a way that at-home versions are unable to match. All peels come with the added bonus of stimulating collagen and elastin production – fortifying the skin and slowing the key signs of ageing.
At TLC, we use a variety of acid intensities and combinations to treat different types of skin and conditions: ‘superficial’ peels which generally don’t involve shedding, allowing a near-instant recovery; ‘intermediate’ peels for a deeper regenerative dive; and ‘medium depth’ peels for maximum resurfacing.
Your therapist will suggest a peel which fits your skin goals and downtime. Key products we frequently use include:
PRX T33® ‘No Peel’ Peel – a light peel or ‘bio-revitalising’ product that’s quickly gaining cult status thanks to its ‘no-peeling or downtime’ credentials. Servicing everything from scarring to pigmentation while boosting hydration, it contains a high (33%) concentration of TCA (trichloracetic acid); fungi-based, melanin-inhibiting kojic acid and a low dose hydrogen peroxide, which helps protect skin tissue and carries the TCA to lower layers of the skin – enhancing the effectiveness of growth and repair at a cellular level. The beauty of this peel is it can be performed at the same time as most other treatments, including injectables.
IS Clinical Prodigy Peel – containing resorcinol, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid this peel is ideal for those looking to treat mild to moderate aging, mild acne, and pigment irregularities with little downtime. This peel comes as either a “P2” or “P3” version which is stronger and has a concomitant amount of downtime.
The SkinBetter Science® AlphaRet® Peel – a superficial peel, ideal for rejuvenation and resurfacing body and face, that riffs on the ultra-popular AlphaRet® Overnight Serum that contains lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicyclic acid, and the proprietary AlphaRet® molecule.
The Perfect Peel® Superblend – a ‘hybrid’ (superficial to medium-depth peel) also for the body and face which can be administered by a therapist, The Perfect Peel® Superblend contains kojic acid, azelaic acid, TCA, retinol, salicyclic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol (antioxidant), mandelic acid, vitamin C and glutathione. Patients receive a small at-home kit of post-peel serum and a healing moisturiser.
The Perfect Peel® – a medium depth facial peel suitable for any skin type (including black skin) which combines kojic acid TCA (short for trichloroacetic acid), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, arbutin (against pigmentation), azelaic acid, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, tranexamic acid, glutathione and vitamin C. Available only in consultation with a doctor or nurse, it comes with sachets of retinol to be applied two days after the in-clinic peel, and a special The Perfect Peel® moisturiser.
Chemical Peels are most commonly used on the face but can actually be used with great success almost anywhere on the body. This includes the back, and even the outer labia and anal areas, where the therapy is often used to reduce darkness. Please see our chemical peels page for the intimate regions for more information.
The longevity of a chemical peel’s results depends on several factors, most significantly the strength used. A light or superficial peel will usually be repeated between six and eight weeks; deeper peels generate longer-lasting results. Our TLC experts will advise according to the treatment performed.
For superficial peels, patients can expect almost no downtime, and some versions are used as preparation for an event, to deliver a ‘red carpet glow’. For intermediate iterations, you may anticipate mild shedding for four to seven days (though it’s often less than this), while medium peels typically involve an exfoliation period of up to two weeks. Aside some redness, patients don’t usually experience any discomfort during this time.
Please note that all treatment responses and recovery times are dependent on the individual patient.
The longevity of a chemical peel’s results depends on several factors, most significantly the strength used. A light, or superficial, peel usually lasts 1-2 months.
For superficial peels patients can expect almost no downtime. For intermediate iterations except shedding for 10-14 days, while medium peels typically involve an exfoliation period of approximately 10-18 days. Aside some redness, clients do not usually experience or discomfort during this time.
Often embraced as part of a 360° skincare regimen revamp, chemical peels can be used alongside any other treatment. An especially popular partner therapy is the deeply hydrating Injectable Moisturisers, while the Sciton JOULE® Light & Laser Technologies are also excellent for retexturing and supercharging skin quality or (in the case of Laser Technologies) banishing unwanted pigmentation.
Your TLC therapist will be happy to provide you specific skincare advice in line with whichever treatment you choose.
Chemical peels are most effective when embraced as part of a regular, ongoing skincare regimen.
Here are a few final things that you might like to know before taking things forward. If you have any other questions we haven’t thought of yet, no problem! Please email us at [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you as quickly as they possibly can.
Discomfort during chemical peels depends on the type and intensity of the peel used. This can equate to a momentary mild tingling feeling, or something marginally more intense, but these sensations typically subside quickly. The Perfect Peel® contains a small amount of phenol (an aromatic organic compound), which anaesthetises the skin surface to create a much more comfortable experience.
With all peels, you’ll see an improvement in the texture of the skin within days, but, depending on the peel type, it may take up to two weeks for the full impact of the treatment to be entirely visible. For superficial peels, you’ll need a course of treatment for the best results.
Adverse effects can include more shedding than anticipated, hyper or hypopigmentation (patches of skin that are lighter than your overall skin tone).
Preparatory skincare depends on the skin itself, with more being required for people with darker complexion (these patients will need to use a pre-peel homecare to minimise the risk of developing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Aftercare also depends on the individual’s skin and the peel used, but, but all peels are far more effective if you commit to a strong skincare regimen.
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