Chemical Peels at Skin Medical

Chemical Peel Pre-Treatment Guidance

To prepare for your chemical peel at Skin Medical:

• Arrive with clean skin, free from make-up or skincare products
• Follow any personalised pre-treatment skincare preparation advised during your consultation, as this is important for optimising results and reducing the risk of post-treatment sensitivity
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and active skincare for at least five days before your appointment
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunbeds for at least two weeks prior to treatment. Please inform the team if you have had recent sun exposure, as this may affect your treatment plan
• Avoid waxing, threading and any form of physical exfoliation in the treatment area in the week before your appointment
• Inform your practitioner of any active skin conditions, cold sores, recent procedures or changes to your medications before treatment

During your visit:

• Clinical photographs and consent will be completed before treatment begins
• Your skin will be assessed and cleansed thoroughly
• No anaesthetic is required for chemical peel treatment
• Treatment time is typically 30 to 60 minutes

What to Expect Immediately After Your Chemical Peel

The immediate post-treatment experience will vary depending on the type and depth of peel you have received.

You may experience:

• Redness and a sensation of warmth or tightness across the treated area
• Mild swelling, particularly around more delicate areas such as the eyes
• Sensitivity or stinging that settles within a few hours
• Peeling and flaking of the skin surface, which typically begins within two to three days and may continue for up to one week depending on the peel strength

Peeling is a sign that the treatment is working. It is important not to pick, pull or force any peeling skin to shed, as this can cause irritation or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Chemical Peel Post-Treatment Care

Careful aftercare following your chemical peel is essential for achieving the best possible result and protecting the skin during the renewal process.

• Keep the skin clean and wash gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free cleanser
• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser frequently to soothe and hydrate the skin throughout the healing period
• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above every morning without exception, even on overcast days. The skin will be significantly more sensitive to UV exposure following a peel, and sun protection is essential for maintaining results
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs) and other active skincare until the skin has fully healed and your practitioner has confirmed it is appropriate to reintroduce them
• Avoid make-up until any redness and peeling has fully resolved
• Do not pick, rub or attempt to remove peeling skin. Allow it to shed naturally
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot baths for 24 to 48 hours following treatment
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunbeds for at least two to four weeks following your peel
• Avoid waxing, threading and physical exfoliation in the treated area until the skin has fully healed

When Will I See Results from My Chemical Peel?

Results from a chemical peel develop as the skin completes its renewal process.

• An initial improvement in radiance and skin quality may be visible immediately after treatment in some cases
• The skin will go through a peeling phase over the first week, after which the full result becomes increasingly clear
• Visible improvement in tone, texture, clarity and the targeted concern is typically apparent at two weeks once the skin has fully renewed
• With appropriate home care and sun protection, results can last up to 12 months
• For some concerns such as melasma, pigmentation or acne, a course of peels or a combination approach may be recommended for optimal correction

Your practitioner will advise on whether follow-up sessions are needed and how your chemical peel can be integrated into a broader skin health plan at Skin Medical.

Who May Not Be Suitable for a Chemical Peel?

Suitability for chemical peels should always be assessed at a consultation. Treatment may not be appropriate if you have active skin infections, open wounds or cold sores in the treatment area, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had recent significant sun exposure, or have certain skin conditions that may affect how the skin responds to chemical exfoliation. Some peels require additional caution in darker skin tones, and your practitioner will ensure the most appropriate peel is selected for your individual skin.

A consultation with our team is compulsory before all chemical peel treatments at Skin Medical.

When to Contact Skin Medical

Chemical peels are safe and effective when performed by a qualified and experienced team. However, please contact Skin Medical promptly if you experience:

• Significant or worsening redness that does not settle within the expected timeframe
• Blistering or broken skin
• A cold sore developing in or around the treatment area
• Signs of infection such as increasing heat, swelling or discharge
• Any unexpected or concerning changes to the skin during recovery

We are here to support you throughout your recovery and to answer any questions as your skin renews and improves. Do not hesitate to reach out at any stage of your treatment journey.