Even skin tone and better complexion
Chemical Peels
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a high strength skin exfoliator. At Berkshire Aesthetics we offer a variety of chemical peels which come at different depths; light, medium or deep. Each peel uses a different chemical solution and pH level.
What do our patients love?
They love the even tone of their skin which enlivens and brightens after a peel. Often a peel is used to help with discolouration and hyperpigmentation.
Who is it for?
A chemical peel treatment is for anyone looking for a skin resurfacing treatment as well as for treating specific skin conditions. Prior to deciding which peel is suitable for you, a thorough consultation will be conducted by one our therapists to assess your individual needs and recommended the best possible peel.
Which Peel is Best for Me?
From gentle through to aggressive, our range of facial and peels helps to address common skin concerns. HydraFacial is an ideal treatment for common skin concerns and promotes better skin health.
Our peels are designed to be used as a one of or in combination with a more complete skincare programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our range of chemical peels can help to address a variety of skincare needs, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin discoloration including hyper-pigmentation
- Acne scarring
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne and congested skin
- Dull & tired skin
Our range of chemical peels can help to address a variety of skincare needs, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin discoloration including hyper-pigmentation
- Acne scarring
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne and congested skin
- Dull & tired skin
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and the deeper layers of the skin (Dermis). They work at various depths to address a number of skin conditions. During the procedure a peeling solution is applied to the skin and is left on for a couple of minutes; numerous layers can be applied on the skin, depending on the skins tolerance and the condition treated (the more layers applied the deeper the peel is working which also means the patient can expect more flaking post procedure). This process acts as a stimulator in the epidermis and dermis to increase cellular turnover. As we age our natural exfoliation cycle starts to slow down and our skin will lose volume and texture, by increasing cellular turnover we can speed up the skins exfoliation process and reverse signs of ageing.
A chemical peel treatment is for anyone looking for a skin resurfacing treatment as well as for treating specific skin conditions. Prior to deciding which peel is suitable for you, a thorough consultation will be conducted by one our therapists to assess your individual needs and recommended the best possible peel. Depending on the type of peel recommended, patients will need to consider the possible downtime associated with a chemical peel treatment.
Most chemical peels take around 30 minutes to perform. For our deeper peels a course of skin preparation might be required for up to six week prior.
Most patients tend to experience an intense tingling sensation along with some heat which gradually subsides as they peel neutralises. This heat is dependent on the depth of the peel. A fan is blown onto the patient’s skin during the procedure to make the procedure more comfortable.
The amount of sessions needed depends on the skin condition treated and on the type of peel used. Usually, the more superficial skin peels require more sessions as they work superficially on the skin which may take longer to achieve the desired result. Typically a course of 3-6 treatments are recommended every 4- 6 weeks.
Prior to treatment, patients are advised to avoid excessive sun exposure at least 2 weeks prior to course of treatment.
Patients are advised to avoid any other skin resurfacing treatments including laser, micro-needling, and heat treatments.
Patients are advised to prep their skin 2-4 weeks prior to the treatment with a Retinol cream and Vitamin C serum but should then stop using these active ingredients at least 48 hours prior to treatment.
Yes, all our chemical peels are safe. Patients will undergo a thorough consultation prior to treatment and commence with a prepping skincare routine in order to ensure that during the treatment the skin is ready for the application of the peel. Additionally, most of our peels are self-neutralising which provides a safer and more efficient treatment.
Superficial and medium depth peels involve minimal to no downtime which includes redness on the skin and flaking which usually starts around day 3 after the treatment and can last a couple of days. Whereas, deep peels tend to involve more downtime as they work deeper and remove more layers of the skin; redness and tenderness may last longer and skin will start to flake in larger patches, this can last up to 10 days. It is important not to pick on any flaking skin as this may lead to scarring and infection.
Redness: This is a normal response after a chemical peel. Redness may last longer after a medium or deep depth chemical peel.
Scarring: This side effect is very rare, to minimise the risk of this happening it’s important not to pick on any peeling skin.
Hyper/hypo pigmentation: Reducing sun exposure and wearing a sun block on a daily basis will reduce the risk of pigmentation changes. Patients with a higher risk of post inflammatory hyper/hypo pigmentation will be advised to commence with a skincare programme, which will include hydroquinone and retinol creams prior to treatment and then post treatment.
Results are dependent on the individual and the severity of the skin condition treated but usually results can be seen after the first session; the skin will look brighter, refreshed and glowing. For optimal results a full course of 3-6 sessions should be completed.
- Patients are advised to avoid application of make-up for at least 24hours after the treatment. It is also not advisable to use retinol or any creams which are too active for a week. A hydrating cream will be recommended by your practitioner to keep the skin hydrated at all times.
Other after care includes:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure
- Avoid picking on the skin and removing and flaky skin
- A broad spectrum sunscreen should be worn on a daily basis.
- Hot treatment such as saunas/steam rooms should be avoided for 48 hours.
