Chemical Skin Peel

A peel is solution/mixture applied to the face to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. The aim is to improve the appearance of the skin – for example stimulating collagen production. This helps to improve hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, texture and skin impurities. How much skin a peel removes and how deep it penetrates will depend on the type of peel used, its strength and how long it is left to activate.

There are 3 types of peels – superficial, medium, and deep. These have varying percentages of active ingredients and different pH levels. The percentage indicates how much of the peeling agent is contained in a peel. So, a 10% glycolic acid has less glycolic acid than a 30% glycolic acid peel. It is a common misconception that the depth and strength of a peel depends on the percentage of the active peel ingredients but, in fact, it is determined by the pH level. The lower the pH, the deeper the peel.

Superficial peels

• skin cells are removed from the top layer of skin (epidermis)
• the solution is applied to the skin and left on for a few minutes
• your skin may feel tight for a couple of hours afterwards.

Medium peels

• skin cells are removed from the top and middle layers of skin
• the solution is applied and left on for a few minutes
• you may feel burning or stinging when it’s on your face
• your skin may go brown or red for a few days afterwards
• it can take up to 4 weeks for your skin to return to normal.

Deep peels

• affect the deeper layers of skin
• anaesthetic cream may be needed to numb any pain
• the solution is applied to the face and can be left on for 30 minutes or more
• you’ll have some peeling, redness and discomfort for a few days
• swelling can last up to 2 weeks, and redness can last up to 3 months
• often lightens the skin so it’s not really suitable for darker skin.

There are many benefits to receiving a chemical peel. Not only do chemical peels reveal a brighter, smoother and more refined complexion, they also improve the overall look and feel of the skin in just one treatment. Other benefits of receiving a chemical peel include:

• Improving the skin’s colour, clarity, tone and texture
• Stimulating new collagen and healthy skin cell growth, resulting in a radiant complexion
• Reducing pigmentation caused by sun damage
• Helping to clear up breakouts
• Helping to smooth away the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Enabling home care products to be more effective because a peel can remove several layers of skin build-up and congestion, allowing products to penetrate deeper into the skin For long-term results, we recommend a series of 3-6 peels, spaced 3-5 weeks apart. The benefit of receiving a series of peels is that this treatment will be able to target the deeper layers of the epidermis, giving your skin an enhanced exfoliation. This type of deep exfoliation can stimulate cellular turnover and focus on skin concerns which are less superficial.

Six Weeks Prior to Peel:
Stop any products containing strong vitamin A derivatives eg. Retinol, Retinyl Palmatate and Tretanoic Acids

10 days Before Peel:
Avoid electrolysis, waxing, hair removal creams and laser hair removal for an entire week prior to your chemical peel.

48 Hours Before Your Peel:
Stop using any exfoliating products, products that may be drying or irritating including those containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids or benzoyl peroxide (a treatment for acne).

Extra Information
Long term skin maintenance is achieved by continued monthly professional treatments accompanied by a preventative, corrective and protective home care routine. Sun protection and using antioxidants are key to protecting the skin.

Yes, our Skin Peels are completely safe and undergo stringent testing on all skin types and tones: first by the manufacturers; then by our Medical Standards Team; and finally during the training of our practitioners. During treatment your eyes and hair will be protected.

You may experience a slight tingling sensation as the peel works during your treatment, but this is completely normal.

A non-toxic chemical solution is applied to the skin surface and absorbed, before releasing the active acid component, which then works from within the skin. This treatment can be used without any problems on the delicate areas around the lips and eyes. Some peels can lead to light swelling of the affected area or peeling of the skin for a few days after the procedure. A trained expert can give you the advice you need on the right type of peel for you, devising a tailored treatment plan to achieve optimum results.

Skin peels can be used to treat a whole range of skin complaints, including wrinkles, fine lines, acne and acne scarring, age spots, enlarged pores, dark areas and sun-damaged skin. This treatment is ideal if you are looking to quite literally give your skin a fresh start. Book a consultation with one of our trained experts to discuss which skin peel is best for you.

After the first treatment and starting on your skin preparation regime * you will notice improvements. Your skin will feel softer and look subtly younger. Further regular treatments will ensure you achieve your desired results. At MHC we pride ourselves in having a supportive aftercare regime catered to the individual to ensure you get the desired results with regular support from us, please visit our aftercare page for more information on the aftercare process of all skin treatments.

Below is the criteria for the Fitzpatrick Skin Type scale, which we use at MHC to determine which type of treatment is best for you. Skin Type 1 – Light, pale white tone. Always burns and never tans. Skin Type 2 – White, fair tone. Usually burns, tans with difficulty. Skin Type 3 – Medium, white to olive tone. Sometimes mild burn gradually tans to olive. Skin Type 4 – Olive, moderate to brown tone. Rarely burns, tans with ease to a moderate brown. Skin Type 5 – Brown, dark brown tone. Very rarely burns, tans very easily. Skin Type 6 – Black, very dark brown to black tone. Never burns, tans very easily, deeply pigmented.