Chemical exfoliation or peeling is a medical procedure mainly based on the use of organic acids, which are able to create changes of the skin. It is a procedure for the face and body that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin. The procedure can be performed at a very superficial, medium or deep skin depth, dependent upon the condition being treated and skin type.

Skin peeling exfoliates the dead skin layer enabling regeneration of new skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. It can therefore help to reduce fine lines and smoothen coarse-textured skin as well as help reduce pore size. Chemical peeling can also improve acne and soften acne scarring. Irregular pigmentation can also be improved leaving the skin with a more even tone. Patients also notice that their skin becomes firmer, this is because chemical peeling causes dermal re-modelling by stimulating collagen production in the dermal layer.

The superficial peels may produce a light stinging/burning sensation at worst. The medium or deeper peels can be more uncomfortable but is quickly resolved when the peel solution is neutralised by the practitioner.

This depends upon the type of skin peel you have had but the response will be similar to sunburn and can involve any of the following: redness, swelling, skin peeling, skin discoloration, blistering, and scabbing.

At Rejuvenating Solutions we will explain the potential side effects relating to the type of peel you will be having including any pre and post procedure instructions required to minimise them. It is critical to use effective sun protection that must be a high factor to protect against UVA/UVB following any level of skin peeling to prevent complications.

The procedure itself only takes a few minutes but a 45 minute appointment is required for preparation and aftercare. The more superficial peel can be performed during a lunch break but it would be recommended that the deeper peels are performed at the end of the working week.

This will depend on what skin concerns are being addressed and the type of peel most appropriate to treat them. Some peels – particularly the deeper ones – are seen as a one off treatment, whereas others require a course of treatment that may need to be repeated within a few months.