What is a chemical peel?
Medik8 chemical peels are professional-grade exfoliating acids applied to the skin with a small brush to help resurface and retexture. Discover our extensive range of Professional Chemical Peels on our online booking system.
Please click the i button next to the service for more information.
Can I just have 1 peel to improve my skin?
It is possible to just have a single peel, but we recommend a course of 6 to really see the long-term skin benefits. It's a little like going to the gym; you can go occasionally but the real results will come when you commit to an ongoing programme. We make starting your peel journey really easy with our Medik8 12 Weeks to WOW programme - basically 'personal training for your skin'. Our dermal therapist will work with you over a 12 week* period to visibly transform your skin through a bespoke programme of in-clinic treatments and at-home care to achieve skin that really wows.
*Duration may vary based on skin type and condition.
Are peels right for everyone?
Chemical peels are suitable for almost everyone and at Medik8 we have a varied range from our Sensitive PHA Peel which is suitable for very sensitive skins right through to our mono peels which use high-strength single acids that can even be layered to target stubborn concerns. Certain skin conditions / people may be 'contra-indicated' and therefore shouldn't go down the peel route until skin is normalised. However, there are lots of other treatment options we offer.
What's the downtime?
By definition, the application of acids to the skin may cause redness, skin flaking and mild peeling; but every skin is different. We recommend not to wear makeup for the first 12 hours post-peel to ensure the skin remains bacteria-free. You will be recommended a comprehensive aftercare routine to continue with at home to ensure your skin recovers and rejuvenates correctly. As a general rule, expect flaking from around the 3rd day post-peel for a maximum of 5 further days. You should avoid direct sun exposure during these recovery days and always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
What results can I expect?
24 hours post-peel your skin will likely feel a little tight and appear slightly flushed. Within 3 days your skin will start to flake but within the week you will start to see clearer, more uniform skin tone. Over a course of 6 peels, results will be even more visibly profound. We recommend taking pictures of your progress either on your own phone or we can take in clinic as we have facial imaging equipment that can extensively track your skin's improvement across such parameters as wrinkle depth, clarity, water content etc; dependant on the skin concern you are treating.
Can peels be used alongside other treatments like botox or laser?
Absolutely. Speak to us in clinic to get advice on which additional treatments would be right for you.
Dos & don'ts
Don't pick at any flaky skin. Your skin is naturally turning over after your peel and picking may create soreness and even scarring. Don't use any harsh exfoliants (chemical (AHA/ BHA cleansers / toners) or physical (grainy scrubs)) for at least 3 days post-peel. Don't spend extended periods of time in direct sunlight. Always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin. Stick to the aftercare regime recommended by our dermal therapist. This will ensure that your skin recovers and rejuvenates as quickly as possible post-peel. If you have any questions or concerns, give our therapist a ring so they can offer you tailored advice.
𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳:
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳.
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